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Schedule III Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | $ (2,012,246,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,050,351,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,596,349,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,091,550,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,296,363,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,387,913,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue | 4,228,106,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue | 4,044,650,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue | 3,960,692,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,169,492,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation | (1,058,540,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation | (948,581,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation | (807,329,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price (Deprecated 2013-01-31) |  |  | 25,000,000 els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePrice |
Hillcrest [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (7,019,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,278,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,928,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,278,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,168,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,446,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,922,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Hidden Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 212,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 610,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 212,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 652,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 864,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (202,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Apache East |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,236,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,181,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,236,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,200,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,436,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (749,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Apollo Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 932,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,219,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 932,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,749,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,681,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,871,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Araby |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (3,020,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,440,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,345,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,440,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,133,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,573,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,837,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2003 |  |  |
Cactus Gardens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,992,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,984,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,992,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,352,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,344,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,223,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Capri RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,522,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,774,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,050,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,645,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,424,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Carefree Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 706,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,040,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 706,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,883,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,589,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,100,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Casa del Sol East II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,323,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,103,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,283,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,103,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,095,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,198,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,962,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1996 |  |  |
Casa del Sol East III |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,450,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,452,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,450,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,206,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,656,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,446,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Casa del Sol West I |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,114,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,215,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,467,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,215,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,724,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,939,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,159,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1996 |  |  |
Casita Verde RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (2,035,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 719,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,179,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 719,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,278,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,997,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (662,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Central Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,684,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,612,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,784,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,612,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,400,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,012,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,577,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Countryside RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,056,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,241,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,056,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,617,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,673,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,047,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Denali Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,394,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,016,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,394,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,084,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,478,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (718,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Desert Paradise |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 666,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,011,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 666,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,229,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,895,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (832,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Desert Skies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 792,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,126,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 792,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,843,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,635,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,100,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Desert Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 66,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 268,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 66,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 419,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 485,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (72,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2010 |  |  |
Fairview Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,674,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,708,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,674,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,474,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,683,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Fiesta Grande RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (8,591,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,869,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,653,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,869,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,423,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 12,292,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,613,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Foothill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 459,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,402,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 459,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,619,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,078,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (605,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2003 |  |  |
Foothills West RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (2,103,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 747,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,261,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 747,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,524,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,271,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (738,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Golden Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,678,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,049,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,678,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,458,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,136,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,240,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Hacienda De Valencia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (13,506,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 833,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,701,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 833,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,402,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,235,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,027,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1984 |  |  |
Mesa Spirit [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (19,995,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 17,382,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 25,238,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 17,382,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 25,238,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 42,620,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |
Mesa Verde |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,387,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,148,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,387,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,613,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,000,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,254,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Monte Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (24,210,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 11,402,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 34,355,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 11,402,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 38,577,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 49,979,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (13,356,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Palm Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,894,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,400,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,218,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,400,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,387,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,787,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,649,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1993 |  |  |
Paradise [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,170,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,414,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 19,263,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,425,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 21,404,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 27,829,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (8,196,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sedona Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,366,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,096,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,431,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,096,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,837,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,933,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,557,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Seyenna Vistas [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,360,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,660,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,274,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,409,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,683,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,565,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Suni Sands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,249,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,759,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,249,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,137,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,386,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,508,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sunrise Heights |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,000,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,016,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,000,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,509,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,509,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,711,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Sunshine Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 9,139,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,912,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 9,139,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 13,053,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 22,192,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,271,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
The Highlands at Brentwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,774,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,997,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,024,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,997,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,079,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,076,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,271,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1993 |  |  |
Meadows [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,613,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,887,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,613,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 11,767,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 14,380,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (7,225,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Valley Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 115,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 429,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 115,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 471,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 586,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (89,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2010 |  |  |
Venture In |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,061,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,050,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,188,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,050,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,592,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,642,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,940,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Verde Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,437,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,390,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,456,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,051,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,495,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Viewpoint |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (56,939,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 24,890,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 56,340,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 24,905,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 64,271,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 89,176,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (22,732,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Westpark |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,465,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,495,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 10,517,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,495,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,644,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 15,139,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,783,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Whispering Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 670,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,141,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 670,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,474,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,144,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,422,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Cultus Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 410,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 968,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 415,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,192,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,607,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (397,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
California Hawaiian [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (30,673,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,825,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 17,755,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,825,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 21,463,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 27,288,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (11,913,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Colony Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 890,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,837,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 890,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,694,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,584,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,102,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Concord Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,345,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 985,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,016,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 985,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,126,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,111,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,100,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Contempo Marin |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,787,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 16,379,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,787,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 19,734,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 24,521,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (13,230,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Coralwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,525,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,047,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,652,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,652,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,284,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Date Palm Country Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 18,179,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 23,442,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 23,442,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (15,562,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Date Palm RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 216,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 570,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 570,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (370,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
DeAnza Santa Cruz |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (12,688,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,103,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,201,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,103,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,113,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 12,216,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,166,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 756,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,348,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 756,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,894,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,650,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,628,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Idyllwild |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 313,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 737,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 317,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,702,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,019,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (541,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Laguna Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,845,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,520,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,845,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,214,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,059,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,104,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Lake Minden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 961,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,267,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 974,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,071,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,045,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,016,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lake of the Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,062,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,504,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,076,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,519,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,110,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lamplighter |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (22,134,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 633,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,201,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 633,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,621,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,254,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,981,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Las Palmas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,295,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,866,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,295,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,490,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,785,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,567,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Los Ranchos |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (12,717,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 8,336,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 15,774,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 8,336,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,931,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 24,267,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,777,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Meadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,345,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,528,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,345,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 14,587,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 18,932,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (7,978,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Monte del Lago |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (20,002,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,150,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 9,469,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,150,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 12,633,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 15,783,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,782,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Morgan Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,856,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,378,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,881,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,312,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,193,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,661,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Nicholson Plaza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,512,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,786,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Oakzanita Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 396,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 934,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 401,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,965,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,366,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (642,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Pacific Dunes Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,940,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,632,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,940,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,762,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,702,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,067,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Palm Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,811,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,271,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,835,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,744,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,579,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,695,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Parque La Quinta |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,799,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,450,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,799,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,009,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,808,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,060,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Pio Pico |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,626,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,194,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,661,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,546,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,207,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,561,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Ponderosa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,500,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,400,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (733,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Quail Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,155,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,469,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,155,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,960,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,115,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,190,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Rancho Mesa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (8,555,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,389,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,225,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,355,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,931,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Rancho Oso |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 860,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,029,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 871,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,771,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (939,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Rancho Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (7,044,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 685,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,902,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 685,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,206,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,891,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,620,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Royal Holiday |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 778,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,643,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 778,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,098,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,876,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,243,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1999 |  |  |
Royal Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 602,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,921,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 602,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,732,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,334,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,460,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Russian River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 368,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 868,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 373,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,040,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,413,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (346,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
San Benito |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,411,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,328,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,430,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,589,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,019,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,458,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
San Francisco RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,660,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,973,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,660,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,814,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,474,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,819,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2005 |  |  |
Santa Cruz Ranch RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,937,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,297,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,892,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,032,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Santiago Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 10,767,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 12,482,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 16,044,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,712,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Sea Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 871,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,703,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 871,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,288,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,159,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,823,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Snowflower |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 308,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 727,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 312,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,504,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,816,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (399,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Soledad Canyon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,933,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,917,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,972,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,584,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 13,556,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,876,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sunshadow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,707,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,101,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,101,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,484,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Tahoe Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,428,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,856,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,856,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,113,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Turtle Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 268,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 633,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 272,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 869,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,141,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (277,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Village of the Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,229,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 15,714,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,229,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 16,452,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 21,681,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,776,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Westwinds (4 properties) |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 17,616,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 25,894,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 25,894,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (14,915,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Wilderness Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,157,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,088,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,186,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,648,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,834,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,080,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Yosemite Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,045,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,823,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,072,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,814,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,886,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,075,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Bear Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,359,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,839,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,939,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,112,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Cimarron |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (21,596,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 863,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,790,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 863,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,914,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,777,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,078,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Golden Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 826,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,415,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 826,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,356,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,182,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,055,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Golden Terrace South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 750,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,265,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 750,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,092,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,842,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,744,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Golden Terrace West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,694,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,065,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,694,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,204,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,898,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,428,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1986 |  |  |
Hillcrest Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,912,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,202,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,201,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,755,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,956,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (7,303,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Holiday Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (33,506,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,159,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,780,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,159,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 13,186,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 15,345,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (11,110,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Holiday Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 567,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,759,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 567,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,165,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,732,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,602,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Holiday Village I I I [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,372,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,610,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,837,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,610,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,277,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,887,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,370,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Pueblo Grande |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,953,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 241,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,069,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 241,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,859,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,520,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Woodland Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,928,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,408,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,928,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,380,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,308,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,873,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Stonegate Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (7,127,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,011,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,336,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,011,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 12,463,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 18,474,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,246,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Aspen Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,148,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,460,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,148,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,025,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,173,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,260,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Camelot Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,618,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 527,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,058,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,778,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,475,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,253,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,487,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Mariners Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (21,986,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 990,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,971,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 990,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,806,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,796,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,784,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1987 |  |  |
McNicol |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (2,415,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,710,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,924,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,486,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,030,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Sweetbriar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 498,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,527,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 498,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,000,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,498,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,200,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Waterford |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (27,585,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,250,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 16,202,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,250,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 17,910,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 23,160,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,837,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1996 |  |  |
Whispering Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (8,796,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,536,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,609,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,536,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,201,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,737,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,844,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1988 |  |  |
Audubon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,622,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,200,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,622,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,296,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,918,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,334,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Barrington Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,866,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,145,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,437,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,145,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,978,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,123,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,529,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Bay Indies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (70,942,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 10,483,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 31,559,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 10,493,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 37,642,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 48,135,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (24,580,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Bay Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 990,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,390,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 990,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,189,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,179,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,150,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Beacon Hill Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,775,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,405,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,775,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,448,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,223,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,076,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Beacon Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,803,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,372,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 9,153,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,372,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,272,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 14,644,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,642,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Breezy Hill RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (19,862,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,424,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 16,555,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,424,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 18,272,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 23,696,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (7,386,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Buccaneer |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (34,638,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,207,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,410,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,207,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 17,382,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 21,589,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (11,177,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Bulow Village RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 228,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,338,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,338,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (559,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Bulow Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,637,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 949,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,637,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,320,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,957,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,778,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Carefree Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,741,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,170,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,741,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,749,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,490,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,017,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Carefree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,799,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 10,421,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,799,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,603,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 17,402,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,007,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Carriage Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,386,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,914,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,682,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,914,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,031,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 12,945,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,631,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Cheron Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,614,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 10,393,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,217,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 10,393,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,261,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 16,654,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,471,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Clerbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,264,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,883,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 11,700,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,883,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 13,031,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 16,914,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,772,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Clover Leaf Farms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (21,316,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 13,684,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 24,106,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 13,684,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 24,519,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 38,203,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,257,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Clover Leaf Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,092,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,178,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,092,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,417,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (240,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Coachwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,602,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,822,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,602,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,181,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,783,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,900,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Colony Cove [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (114,592,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 28,660,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 92,457,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 64,519,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 94,388,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 158,907,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (16,244,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Coquina Crossing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,274,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,545,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,274,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 23,471,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 28,745,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (8,960,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1999 |  |  |
Coral Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (22,358,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,890,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 20,211,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,890,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 28,031,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 33,921,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (17,517,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Country Place |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (22,786,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 663,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 681,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,638,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,319,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,344,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1986 |  |  |
Countryside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,711,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 11,133,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,711,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 18,076,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 21,787,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (9,386,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Covington Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,319,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,253,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,319,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,331,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,650,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,293,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Crystal Isles |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 926,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,787,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 936,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,845,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,781,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,350,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Crystal Lakes-Zephyrhills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,767,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,834,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,767,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,955,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,722,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,258,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Down Yonder |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (12,460,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,652,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,981,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,652,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,857,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,509,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,538,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
East Bay Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,832,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,240,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,322,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,240,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,540,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,780,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,929,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Eldorado Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 778,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,341,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 778,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,395,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,173,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,831,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Emerald Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,598,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,197,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,598,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,420,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,018,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (952,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Featherock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (21,817,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 11,369,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 22,770,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 11,369,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 23,077,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 34,446,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,583,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Fiesta Key [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 16,611,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,338,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 16,611,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,413,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 25,024,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (363,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2013 |  |  |
Fort Myers Beach Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,188,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,548,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,188,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,864,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,052,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,518,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Foxwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,853,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,967,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,853,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,138,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,991,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,594,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Glen Ellen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 619,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,882,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 619,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,062,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,681,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (833,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Grand Island |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,723,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,208,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,848,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,503,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,351,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,980,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2001 |  |  |
Gulf Air Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,798,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,609,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,746,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,609,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,092,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,701,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,858,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Gulf View |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 717,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,158,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 717,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,248,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,965,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,234,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Hacienda Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (19,951,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,297,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 13,088,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,297,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,517,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 19,814,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,956,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Harbor Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,384,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 10,154,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,384,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,840,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 14,224,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,916,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Harbor View [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,030,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,146,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,030,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 12,401,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 16,431,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,113,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Haselton Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,739,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,955,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,072,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 12,872,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,471,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Heritage Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,403,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,259,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,403,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,369,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,772,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,164,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Heron Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (31,152,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 14,368,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 23,792,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 14,368,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 24,150,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 38,518,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,049,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Hidden Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,178,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 11,398,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,861,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 11,398,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 13,080,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 24,478,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,352,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Highland Wood RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,043,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,085,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,409,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,494,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,400,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Holiday Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,411,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 925,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,866,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 925,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,296,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,221,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,840,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Holiday Village II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 350,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,374,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 350,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,594,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,944,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (904,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Indian Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,089,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,376,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,089,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,349,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,438,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,470,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Island Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,230,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,004,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 15,066,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,004,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,667,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 20,671,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,321,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Kings & Queens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,696,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,064,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,696,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,108,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,804,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (570,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Lake Fairways |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (45,571,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,075,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 18,134,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,110,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 20,513,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 26,623,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (13,467,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Lake Haven |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,240,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,135,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,047,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,135,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,351,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,486,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,528,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Lake Magic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,793,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,595,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,452,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,047,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,957,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lake Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (18,478,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 15,850,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 18,099,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 15,850,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 18,356,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 34,206,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,094,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Lake Worth Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,664,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 14,959,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 24,501,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 14,959,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 25,130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 40,089,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,663,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Lakeland Harbor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (16,553,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 10,446,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 17,376,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 10,446,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 17,483,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 27,929,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,966,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Lakeland Junction |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,162,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,018,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,752,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,018,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,809,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,827,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (856,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Lakes at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,843,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,377,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,085,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,377,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,883,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,260,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,985,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2001 |  |  |
Lakeside Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,275,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,165,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,275,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,340,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,615,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,244,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Lakewood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,862,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,627,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,862,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,281,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,143,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,776,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Lighthouse Pointe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (12,866,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,446,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,483,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,469,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,868,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,337,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,012,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Manatee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,300,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,903,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,300,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,528,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,828,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,755,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Maralago Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 15,420,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 20,835,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 26,160,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (11,276,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Meadows at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (21,647,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,514,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 13,175,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,514,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 17,766,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 22,280,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (9,563,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Mid-Florida Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,997,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 20,635,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,997,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 30,500,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 36,497,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (18,440,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Orange Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,272,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,303,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,815,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,303,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,085,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,388,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,292,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Oak Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 850,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,572,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 850,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,933,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,783,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,560,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1993 |  |  |
Oaks at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,055,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 846,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,513,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 846,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,753,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,599,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,092,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Orlando |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,975,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,017,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,015,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,454,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 12,469,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,941,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Palm Beach Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,930,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 10,113,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,938,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,465,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 16,403,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,828,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Park City West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,051,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,184,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,561,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,184,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 13,394,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 17,578,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,834,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Parkwood Communities |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,519,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,990,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 15,115,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,990,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,348,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 22,338,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,679,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Pasco |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,266,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,494,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,484,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,494,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,118,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,612,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,815,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Peace River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,639,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,539,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (742,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Pickwick |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (20,698,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,803,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,870,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,803,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 10,155,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 12,958,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,623,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Pine Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (35,068,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,306,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,579,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,327,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 21,937,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 28,264,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (13,996,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Pioneer Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,797,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,116,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,353,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,116,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 14,074,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 18,190,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,164,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Ramblers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,150,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,646,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,201,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,646,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 18,931,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 23,577,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,843,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Ridgewood Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,159,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,769,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,791,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,769,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,917,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 15,686,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,659,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Royal Coachman |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,699,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,321,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 15,978,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,321,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 17,285,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 22,606,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,308,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Shady Lane Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,712,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,984,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,482,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,984,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,586,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 13,570,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,615,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Shady Lane Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,102,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,480,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,102,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,507,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,609,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,031,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Shangri La |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,722,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,200,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,722,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,401,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,123,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,942,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sherwood Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (28,712,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,852,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,596,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,852,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 20,769,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 25,621,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (10,843,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Sherwood Forest RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,870,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,621,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,438,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,692,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,413,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Silk Oak |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,649,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,028,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,649,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,227,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,876,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,114,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Silver Dollar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (13,530,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,107,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,431,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,347,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 14,361,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 18,708,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,229,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sixth Ave. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 837,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,518,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 837,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,579,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,416,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (951,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Southern Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,169,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,884,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,169,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,193,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,362,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,856,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Southernaire [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 796,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,395,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 796,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,518,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,314,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (911,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Space Coast RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,413,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,716,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,413,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,716,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,129,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (34,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |
Starlight Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 13,543,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 20,388,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 13,543,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 20,876,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 34,419,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,027,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Sunshine Holiday MH |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,001,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,004,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,001,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,761,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,762,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,576,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sunshine Holiday RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,099,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 9,286,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,099,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,946,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 13,045,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,386,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sunshine Key |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,273,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 15,822,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,273,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 18,124,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 23,397,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,599,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sunshine Travel |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,603,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,813,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,603,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,187,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,790,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,843,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Tarpon Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,678,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,016,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,678,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,073,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,751,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (819,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Terra Ceia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 965,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,905,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 965,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,177,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,142,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,124,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
The Heritage |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,550,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,438,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,371,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,784,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,621,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,405,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,377,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1993 |  |  |
The Meadows II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,872,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,229,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 9,870,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,229,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,585,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 18,814,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,234,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1999 |  |  |
Three Flags RV Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 228,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 684,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 228,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 905,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,133,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (294,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Toby's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (3,808,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,093,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,280,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,093,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,535,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,628,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,338,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2003 |  |  |
Topics |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 844,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,568,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 844,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,998,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,842,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,096,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Tropical Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,677,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 17,116,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,677,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 23,738,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 29,415,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (9,929,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Tropical Palms II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,782,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,365,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,286,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,365,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,695,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,060,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,246,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Vacation Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,999,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,315,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,946,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,315,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,386,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,701,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,538,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Vero Palm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (12,552,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,697,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 9,025,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,697,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,134,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 15,831,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,608,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Villas at Spanish Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,777,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,250,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,922,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,250,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,550,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,701,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1993 |  |  |
Village Green |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (23,882,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 15,901,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 25,175,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 15,901,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 25,582,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 41,483,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,788,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Whispering Pines - Largo |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (12,119,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 8,218,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,054,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 8,218,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 14,213,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 22,431,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,532,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Windmill Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (15,662,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,153,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,125,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,153,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,821,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,974,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,190,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Windmill Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (15,277,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,417,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,440,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,417,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,548,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,965,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,751,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Winds of St. Armands North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (27,351,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,523,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,063,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,523,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,350,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,873,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,715,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Winds of St. Armands South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (17,843,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,106,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,162,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,106,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,453,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,559,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,840,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Winter Garden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,321,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,962,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,321,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,272,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,593,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,871,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Pine Island Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,678,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,044,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,678,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,527,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,205,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,351,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Coach Royale |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 465,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,685,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 465,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,701,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,166,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (339,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Maple Grove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,358,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,151,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,358,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,183,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,541,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,011,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Shenandoah Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,500,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,287,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,603,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,287,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,718,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,005,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,172,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
West Meadow Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,371,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,770,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,371,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,784,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,155,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,145,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Golf Vistas Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,784,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,842,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,719,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,843,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 11,432,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 14,275,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,938,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
O'Connell's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,648,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,974,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,648,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,922,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,570,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,224,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Pheasant Lake Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 12,764,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 42,183,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 12,764,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 42,220,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 54,984,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,743,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2013 |  |  |
Pine Country |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 53,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 166,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 53,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 639,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 692,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (110,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Willow Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,138,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 21,033,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,138,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 27,709,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 33,847,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (17,002,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Indian Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 450,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,061,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 456,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,194,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,650,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (625,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Hoosier Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,617,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,293,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,197,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,293,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,247,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,540,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,156,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Horseshoe Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 155,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 365,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 157,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 821,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 978,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (235,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lakeside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 426,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,281,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 426,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,428,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,854,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (512,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
North Glen Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,885,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,308,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,333,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,308,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,435,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,743,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,145,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Oak Tree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 569,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 569,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,967,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,536,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,029,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1987 |  |  |
Twin Mills RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,399,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,186,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,399,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,872,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,224,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 530,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,512,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 530,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,570,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (476,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Gateway to Cape Cod |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 91,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 288,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 91,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 520,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 611,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (158,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Hillcrest II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (1,863,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,034,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,182,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,034,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,217,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,251,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (590,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Old Chatham RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,760,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,293,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,760,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,492,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,252,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,695,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2005 |  |  |
Sturbridge |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 110,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 347,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 110,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 821,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 931,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (182,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
The Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 940,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,680,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 940,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,680,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,620,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (311,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Fernwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 6,556,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 11,674,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 6,556,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 11,849,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 18,405,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,071,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Williams Estates and Peppermint Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (40,216,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 22,774,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 42,575,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 22,774,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 43,068,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 65,842,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (7,195,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Moody Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 93,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 292,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 93,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 463,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 556,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (133,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Pinehirst RV Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,397,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,942,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,827,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,942,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,988,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,930,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,052,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2005 |  |  |
Mt. Desert Narrows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,037,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,127,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,037,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,308,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,345,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (777,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Narrows Too |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,451,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,408,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,451,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,467,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,918,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,059,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Patton Pond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 267,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 802,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 267,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 888,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,155,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (222,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Bear Cave Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 176,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 516,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 176,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 667,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 843,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (210,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Lake in the Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,149,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,792,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,599,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,792,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,671,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,463,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,180,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
St Clair |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 453,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,068,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 459,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,386,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,845,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (488,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Swan Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,419,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,844,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,180,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,844,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,332,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,176,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,509,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Cedar Knolls |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (16,170,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 10,021,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,357,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 10,021,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 14,447,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 24,468,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,875,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Cimarron Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (14,255,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 11,097,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 23,132,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 11,097,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 23,473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 34,570,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,312,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Rockford Riverview Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,959,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,882,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,959,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,942,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,901,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,687,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Rosemount Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,314,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,932,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,314,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,985,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 13,299,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,551,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Forest Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 986,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 999,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,943,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,942,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (974,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Goose Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (16,648,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,612,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 13,848,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,362,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,725,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 21,087,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,541,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Green Mountain Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,037,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,075,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,037,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,554,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,591,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (962,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Lake Gaston |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 409,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 666,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 796,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (182,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Lake Myers RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,504,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,587,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,504,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,855,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,359,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,367,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Scenic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (3,420,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,183,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,511,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,183,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,661,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,844,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,055,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Twin Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,709,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,361,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,709,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,923,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,632,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,381,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Waterway RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,009,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,392,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,185,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,392,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,932,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,324,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,707,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Buena Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,563,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,949,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,563,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,242,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 19,805,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,515,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Meadow Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 943,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,907,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 943,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,033,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,976,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (518,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Pine Acres Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,096,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,102,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,096,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,102,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,198,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (33,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineAcresResortMember |  |  |
Sandy Beach RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,571,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,755,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,265,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,755,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,394,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,149,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,708,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2005 |  |  |
Tuxbury Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,557,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,910,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,557,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,397,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,954,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,044,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2007 |  |  |
Chestnut Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 337,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 796,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 341,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,215,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,556,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (338,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Echo Farms Campground [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,840,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,045,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,840,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,045,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,885,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (36,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EchoFarmsCampgroundMember |  |  |
Lake & Shore |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 378,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,192,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 378,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,728,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,106,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (653,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Mays Landing Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 536,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 289,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 536,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 289,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 825,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaysLandingResortMember |  |  |
Pine Ridge at Crestwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (36,444,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 17,367,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 33,127,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 17,367,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 33,217,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 50,584,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,878,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Sea Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 198,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 625,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 198,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,645,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,843,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (299,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Bonanza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (8,194,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 908,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,643,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 908,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,487,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,395,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,578,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1983 |  |  |
Boulder Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (8,029,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,995,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 9,020,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,995,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 11,645,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 14,640,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,223,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Cabana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (8,912,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,648,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,989,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,648,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,941,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 11,589,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,857,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Flamingo West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (13,234,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,730,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,266,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,730,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,005,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 8,735,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,486,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Las Vegas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,049,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,063,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,102,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,165,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (953,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Villa Borega |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,373,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,896,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 8,774,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,896,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 9,964,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 12,860,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (5,651,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Alpine Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (12,528,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,783,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 14,125,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,936,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 15,048,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 19,984,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,723,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2005 |  |  |
Brennan Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (18,519,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 7,325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 21,141,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 7,325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 26,465,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 33,790,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (7,653,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2005 |  |  |
Greenwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (23,586,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,667,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 9,414,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,151,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 14,730,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 18,881,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (7,412,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Lake George Escape |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 10,708,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 11,954,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 15,516,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,762,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2005 |  |  |
Lake George Schroon Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 540,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,626,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 540,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,674,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,214,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (385,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2008 |  |  |
Mountain View - NV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (20,453,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 16,665,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 25,915,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 16,665,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 26,162,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 42,827,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,269,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Rondout Valley Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,115,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,240,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,115,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,875,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,990,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,046,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
The Woodlands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 12,183,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 39,687,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 12,183,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 39,983,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 52,166,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,799,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Kenisee Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 295,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 696,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 299,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 885,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,184,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (276,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Wilmington |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 235,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 555,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 238,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 756,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 994,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (232,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 733,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,729,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 743,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,307,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,050,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (749,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Falcon Wood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,112,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,426,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,112,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,037,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,149,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,251,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Mt. Hood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,817,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,733,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,817,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,032,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,849,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,665,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Pacific City |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,076,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,539,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,090,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,891,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,981,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,253,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Quail Hollow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,249,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,811,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,811,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,134,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Seaside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 891,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,101,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 903,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,809,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,712,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (892,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Shadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,197,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,693,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,197,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,217,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,414,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,415,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
South Jetty |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 678,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,598,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 687,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,040,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,727,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (623,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Whalers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 754,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,777,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 764,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,396,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,160,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (753,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Appalachian |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,666,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,044,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,666,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,517,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,183,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,484,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Circle M |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 330,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,041,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 330,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,497,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,827,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (407,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Dutch County |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 88,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 278,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 88,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 401,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 489,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (112,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Gettysburg Farm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 111,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 350,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 111,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 479,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 590,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (138,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Green Acres |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (27,272,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,680,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,479,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,680,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 11,906,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 14,586,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (8,937,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1988 |  |  |
Greenbriar Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (13,395,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 8,359,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 16,941,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 8,359,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 16,973,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 25,332,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,775,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Hershey |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,284,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,028,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,301,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,155,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,456,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,318,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lil Wolf |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,627,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 13,593,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,627,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 14,204,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 19,831,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,248,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Mountain View - PA |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,755,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,207,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,182,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,207,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,352,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,559,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,228,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Robin Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,263,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,786,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,263,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,960,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,223,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (792,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2009 |  |  |
Scotrun |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 153,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 483,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 153,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 687,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 840,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (190,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Spring Gulch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,593,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,795,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,593,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,187,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,780,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,887,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sun Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 866,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,601,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 866,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,814,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,680,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (561,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2009 |  |  |
Timothy Lake North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 296,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 933,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 296,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,330,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,626,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (358,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Timothy Lake South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 206,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 649,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 206,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 698,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 904,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (193,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Carolina Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 457,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,078,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 463,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,398,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,861,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (433,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Inlet Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (4,409,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,546,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,642,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,546,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,841,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,387,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,398,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
The Oaks at Point South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 267,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 810,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 267,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 867,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,134,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (261,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Natchez Trace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 533,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,257,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 540,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,765,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,305,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (549,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Cherokee Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 118,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 279,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 120,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 344,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 464,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (114,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Bay Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 438,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,033,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 444,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,541,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,985,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (442,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Colorado River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 466,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,099,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 472,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,287,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,759,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (425,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Country Sunshine |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 627,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,881,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 627,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,782,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,409,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,051,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Fun n Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,473,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,533,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 5,560,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,945,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 11,735,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 14,680,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (6,336,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1998 |  |  |
Lake Conroe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,363,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,214,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,381,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,817,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,198,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,594,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lake Tawakoni |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 35,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,320,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 35,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,621,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,656,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (856,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lake Texoma |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 488,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,151,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 494,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,165,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,659,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (618,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lake Whitney |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 679,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,602,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 689,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,311,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,000,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (706,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lakewood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 979,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,189,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,514,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (466,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Medina Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 936,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,208,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 948,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,148,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,096,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,048,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Paradise Park RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,568,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,705,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,568,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,521,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,089,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,978,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Paradise South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 448,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,345,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 448,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,710,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,158,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (594,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Southern Comfort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,108,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,323,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,108,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,690,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,798,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,371,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Sunshine RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,494,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,484,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,494,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 5,601,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,095,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (2,012,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Tropic Winds |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,221,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 3,809,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,221,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,392,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,613,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,830,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Victoria Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (11,164,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,849,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 12,305,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,849,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 12,621,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 15,470,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,482,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2012 |  |  |
All Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (3,111,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 510,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,623,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 510,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,137,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,647,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,199,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
St. George |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 64,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 264,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 66,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 536,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 602,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (84,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2010 |  |  |
Westwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (10,013,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,346,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,179,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,346,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 6,339,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 7,685,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,417,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
Chesapeake Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,230,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,246,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,850,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,096,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,347,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Harbor View II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 64,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 202,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 64,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 641,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 705,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (151,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Lynchburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 266,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 627,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 270,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 839,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,109,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (274,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Meadows of Chantilly |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (45,194,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,430,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 16,440,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,430,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 23,709,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 29,139,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (14,346,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1994 |  |  |
Regency Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (9,722,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 9,757,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 19,055,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 9,757,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 19,135,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 28,892,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (3,322,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2011 |  |  |
Virginia Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 602,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,419,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 610,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,630,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,240,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (568,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Williamsburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 111,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 350,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 111,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 488,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 599,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (125,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Birch Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 502,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,185,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 509,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,293,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,802,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (437,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Chehalis |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 590,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,392,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 598,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,207,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,805,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (706,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Crescent Bar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 314,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 741,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 318,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,046,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,364,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (346,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Grandy Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 475,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,425,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 475,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,654,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,129,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (385,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2008 |  |  |
Kloshe Illahee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (16,166,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,408,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,286,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,408,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 8,004,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 10,412,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (4,562,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1997 |  |  |
La Conner |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,016,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,850,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,850,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,022,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Leavenworth |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 786,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,853,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 796,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,414,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,210,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (777,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Little Diamond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 353,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 834,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 358,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,456,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,814,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (397,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Long Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 321,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 758,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 325,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,128,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,453,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (310,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Mount Vernon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 621,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,464,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 629,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,131,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,760,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (681,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Oceana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 283,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 668,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 287,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 760,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,047,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (246,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Paradise II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 466,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,099,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,444,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,917,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (455,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Tall Chief |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 314,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 946,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 314,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,230,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,544,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (228,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2010 |  |  |
Thunderbird |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 500,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,178,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 508,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,407,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 1,915,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (468,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Arrowhead |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 522,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,616,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 522,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,033,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,555,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (565,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Blackhawk RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,025,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,789,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,613,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,789,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,613,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,402,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (529,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |
Fremont |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,437,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,296,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,437,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,978,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 6,415,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,674,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Lakeland RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (8,796,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 3,159,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 13,830,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 3,159,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 13,830,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 16,989,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (876,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |
Rainbow Lake Manor [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 4,474,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 16,594,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 4,474,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 16,671,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 21,145,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,553,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2013 |  |  |
Neshonoc Lakeside [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (5,604,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,105,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 4,861,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,105,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 4,861,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 5,966,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (290,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2013 |  |  |
Plymouth Rock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,764,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 2,293,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 6,879,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 2,293,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,336,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,629,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,430,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2009 |  |  |
Tranquil Timbers |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 714,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,152,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 714,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 2,577,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 3,291,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (723,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2006 |  |  |
Westwood Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 5,382,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 19,732,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 5,382,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 19,832,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 25,214,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,933,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2013 |  |  |
Yukon Trails |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 556,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 1,629,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 556,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 1,821,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 2,377,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (623,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2004 |  |  |
Realty Systems, Inc. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 206,747,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 206,747,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (36,034,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2002 |  |  |
Alamo Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (6,599,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 7,924,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 7,987,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 9,549,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (888,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 2012 |  |  |
Subtotal of Properties Held for Long Term [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | (2,012,246,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 1,050,351,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 2,595,913,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 1,091,550,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 3,068,319,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 4,159,869,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (1,118,072,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Management Business and Other [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Encumbrances | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Initial Cost to Company Depreciable Property | 436,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Land | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Depreciable Property | 21,297,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period, Total | 21,297,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Accumulated Depreciation | (15,386,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Date of Acquisition | Jan. 01, 1990 |  |  |
Depreciable Property |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 700,014,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hillcrest [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,240,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hidden Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 42,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Apache East |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 19,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Apollo Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,530,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Araby |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 788,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cactus Gardens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 368,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Capri RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 276,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Carefree Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 843,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Casa del Sol East II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,812,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Casa del Sol East III |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 754,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Casa del Sol West I |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,257,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Casita Verde RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 99,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Central Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,616,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Countryside RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,376,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Denali Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 68,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Desert Paradise |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 218,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Desert Skies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 717,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Desert Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 151,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Fairview Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,092,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Fiesta Grande RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 770,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Foothill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 217,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Foothills West RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 263,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Golden Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 409,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hacienda De Valencia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,701,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mesa Spirit [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mesa Verde |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 465,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Monte Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,222,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Palm Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,169,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Paradise [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,141,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sedona Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,406,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Seyenna Vistas [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,749,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Suni Sands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 378,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunrise Heights |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,493,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunshine Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 141,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | The Highlands at Brentwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,055,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Meadows [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,880,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Valley Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 42,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Venture In |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 404,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Verde Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,205,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Viewpoint |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,931,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Westpark |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 127,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Whispering Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 333,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cultus Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 224,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | California Hawaiian [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,708,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Colony Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 857,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Concord Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,110,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Contempo Marin |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,355,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Coralwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 605,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Date Palm Country Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,263,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Date Palm RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 354,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | DeAnza Santa Cruz |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,912,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 546,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Idyllwild |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 965,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Laguna Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 694,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Minden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 804,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake of the Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,015,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lamplighter |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,420,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Las Palmas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 624,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Los Ranchos |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 157,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Meadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,059,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Monte del Lago |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,164,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Morgan Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 934,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Nicholson Plaza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 288,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Oakzanita Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,031,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pacific Dunes Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,130,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Palm Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Parque La Quinta |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 559,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pio Pico |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,352,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Ponderosa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 400,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Quail Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 491,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Rancho Mesa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 836,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Rancho Oso |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 871,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Rancho Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,304,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Royal Holiday |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,455,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Royal Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 811,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Russian River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 172,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | San Benito |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,261,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | San Francisco RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 841,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Santa Cruz Ranch RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 360,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Santiago Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,715,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sea Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 585,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Snowflower |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 777,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Soledad Canyon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,667,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunshadow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 394,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tahoe Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 428,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Turtle Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 236,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Village of the Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 738,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Westwinds (4 properties) |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 8,278,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Wilderness Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,560,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Yosemite Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,991,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bear Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 480,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cimarron |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,124,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Golden Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,941,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Golden Terrace South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 827,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Golden Terrace West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,139,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hillcrest Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,553,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Holiday Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,406,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Holiday Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,406,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Holiday Village I I I [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 440,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pueblo Grande |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 790,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Woodland Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,972,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Stonegate Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 127,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Aspen Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 565,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Camelot Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,417,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mariners Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,835,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | McNicol |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 214,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sweetbriar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Waterford |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,708,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Whispering Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,592,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Audubon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 96,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Barrington Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 541,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bay Indies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,083,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bay Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,799,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Beacon Hill Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 43,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Beacon Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 119,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Breezy Hill RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,717,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Buccaneer |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,972,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bulow Village RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,110,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bulow Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,371,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Carefree Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 579,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Carefree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 182,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Carriage Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,349,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cheron Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 44,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Clerbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,331,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Clover Leaf Farms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 413,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Clover Leaf Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 147,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Coachwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 359,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Colony Cove [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,931,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Coquina Crossing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 17,926,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Coral Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,820,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Country Place |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,638,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Countryside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,943,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Covington Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 78,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Crystal Isles |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,058,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Crystal Lakes-Zephyrhills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 121,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Down Yonder |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 876,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | East Bay Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,218,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Eldorado Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,054,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Emerald Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 223,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Featherock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 307,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Fiesta Key [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,075,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Fort Myers Beach Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 316,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Foxwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 171,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Glen Ellen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 180,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Grand Island |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,295,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Gulf Air Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 346,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Gulf View |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,090,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hacienda Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,429,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Harbor Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 686,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Harbor View [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 255,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Haselton Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 117,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Heritage Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,110,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Heron Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 358,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hidden Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 219,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Highland Wood RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 279,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Holiday Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 430,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Holiday Village II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 220,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Indian Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 973,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Island Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 601,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Kings & Queens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 44,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Fairways |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,379,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Haven |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,304,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Magic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 659,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 257,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Worth Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 629,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakeland Harbor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 107,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakeland Junction |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 57,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakes at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,798,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakeside Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 175,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakewood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,654,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lighthouse Pointe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,385,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Manatee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 625,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Maralago Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,415,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Meadows at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,591,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mid-Florida Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 9,865,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Orange Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 270,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Oak Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,361,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Oaks at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,240,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Orlando |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,437,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Palm Beach Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 352,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Park City West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 833,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Parkwood Communities |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 233,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pasco |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 634,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Peace River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 539,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pickwick |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,285,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pine Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,358,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pioneer Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,721,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Ramblers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,730,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Ridgewood Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 126,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Royal Coachman |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,307,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Shady Lane Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 104,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Shady Lane Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 27,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Shangri La |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 201,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sherwood Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,173,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sherwood Forest RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,071,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Silk Oak |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 199,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Silver Dollar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,930,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sixth Ave. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 61,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Southern Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,309,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Southernaire [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 123,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Space Coast RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Starlight Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 488,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunshine Holiday MH |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 757,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunshine Holiday RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 660,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunshine Key |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,302,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunshine Travel |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 374,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tarpon Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 57,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Terra Ceia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 272,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | The Heritage |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,250,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | The Meadows II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,715,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Three Flags RV Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 221,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Toby's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 255,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Topics |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 430,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tropical Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,622,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tropical Palms II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,409,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Vacation Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 440,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Vero Palm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 109,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Villas at Spanish Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,628,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Village Green |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 407,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Whispering Pines - Largo |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 159,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Windmill Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,696,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Windmill Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,108,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Winds of St. Armands North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,287,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Winds of St. Armands South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,291,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Winter Garden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 310,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pine Island Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 483,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Coach Royale |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 16,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Maple Grove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 32,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Shenandoah Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 115,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | West Meadow Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 14,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Golf Vistas Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,713,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | O'Connell's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 948,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pheasant Lake Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 37,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pine Country |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Willow Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,676,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Indian Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,133,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hoosier Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 50,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Horseshoe Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 456,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakeside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 147,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | North Glen Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 102,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Oak Tree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,967,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Twin Mills RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 287,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 58,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Gateway to Cape Cod |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 232,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hillcrest II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 35,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Old Chatham RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 199,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sturbridge |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 474,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | The Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Fernwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 175,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Williams Estates and Peppermint Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 493,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Moody Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 171,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pinehirst RV Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,161,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mt. Desert Narrows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 181,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Narrows Too |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 59,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Patton Pond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 86,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bear Cave Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 151,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake in the Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 72,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | St Clair |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 318,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Swan Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 152,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cedar Knolls |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 90,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cimarron Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 341,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Rockford Riverview Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 60,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Rosemount Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 53,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Forest Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 618,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Goose Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,877,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Green Mountain Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 479,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Gaston |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 257,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Myers RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 268,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Scenic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 150,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Twin Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Waterway RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 747,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Buena Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 293,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Meadow Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 126,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sandy Beach RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 129,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tuxbury Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 487,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Chestnut Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 419,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake & Shore |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,536,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pine Ridge at Crestwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 90,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sea Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,020,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bonanza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,844,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Boulder Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,625,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cabana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 952,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Flamingo West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,739,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Las Vegas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 629,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Villa Borega |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,190,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Alpine Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 923,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Brennan Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,324,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Greenwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,316,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake George Escape |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,246,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake George Schroon Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 48,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mountain View - NV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 247,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Rondout Valley Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 635,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | The Woodlands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 296,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Kenisee Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 189,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Wilmington |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 201,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 578,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Falcon Wood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 611,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mt. Hood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 299,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Pacific City |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,352,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Quail Hollow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 562,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Seaside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 708,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Shadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 524,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | South Jetty |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 442,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Whalers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 619,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Appalachian |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 473,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Circle M |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 456,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Dutch County |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 123,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Gettysburg Farm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 129,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Green Acres |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,427,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Greenbriar Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 32,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Hershey |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,127,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lil Wolf |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 611,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mountain View - PA |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 170,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Robin Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 174,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Scotrun |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 204,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Spring Gulch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 392,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sun Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 213,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Timothy Lake North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 397,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Timothy Lake South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 49,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Carolina Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 320,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Inlet Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 199,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | The Oaks at Point South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 57,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Natchez Trace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 508,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Cherokee Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 65,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Bay Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 508,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Colorado River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 188,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Country Sunshine |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 901,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Fun n Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,175,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Conroe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,603,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Tawakoni |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 301,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Texoma |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,014,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lake Whitney |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 709,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakewood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 210,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Medina Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 940,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Paradise Park RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 816,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Paradise South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 365,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Southern Comfort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 367,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Sunshine RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,117,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tropic Winds |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 583,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Victoria Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 316,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | All Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 514,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | St. George |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 272,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Westwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,160,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Chesapeake Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,950,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Harbor View II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 439,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lynchburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 212,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Meadows of Chantilly |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,269,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Regency Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 80,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Virginia Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 211,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Williamsburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 138,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Birch Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 108,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Chehalis |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 815,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Crescent Bar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 305,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Grandy Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 229,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Kloshe Illahee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 718,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | La Conner |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 834,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Leavenworth |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 561,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Little Diamond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 622,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Long Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 370,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Mount Vernon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 667,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Oceana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 92,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Paradise II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 345,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tall Chief |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 284,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Thunderbird |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 229,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Arrowhead |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 417,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Blackhawk RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Fremont |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 682,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Lakeland RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Rainbow Lake Manor [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 77,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Neshonoc Lakeside [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Plymouth Rock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 457,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Tranquil Timbers |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 425,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Westwood Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Yukon Trails |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 192,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Realty Systems, Inc. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 206,747,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Alamo Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 63,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Subtotal of Properties Held for Long Term [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 472,406,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Depreciable Property | Management Business and Other [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 20,861,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
Land |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 41,199,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember |  |  |
Land | Hillcrest [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestMember |  |  |
Land | Hidden Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenCoveMember |  |  |
Land | Apache East |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApacheEastMember |  |  |
Land | Apollo Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ApolloVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Araby |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArabyMember |  |  |
Land | Cactus Gardens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CactusGardensMember |  |  |
Land | Capri RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CapriRVMember |  |  |
Land | Carefree Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeManorMember |  |  |
Land | Casa del Sol East II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIMember |  |  |
Land | Casa del Sol East III |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolEastIIIMember |  |  |
Land | Casa del Sol West I |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasaDelSolWestIMember |  |  |
Land | Casita Verde RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CasitaVerdeRVMember |  |  |
Land | Central Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CentralParkMember |  |  |
Land | Countryside RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideRVMember |  |  |
Land | Denali Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DenaliParkMember |  |  |
Land | Desert Paradise |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertParadiseMember |  |  |
Land | Desert Skies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertSkiesMember |  |  |
Land | Desert Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DesertVistaMember |  |  |
Land | Fairview Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FairviewManorMember |  |  |
Land | Fiesta Grande RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaGrandeRVMember |  |  |
Land | Foothill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsMember |  |  |
Land | Foothills West RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoothillsWestRVMember |  |  |
Land | Golden Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenSunRVMember |  |  |
Land | Hacienda De Valencia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaDeValenciaMember |  |  |
Land | Mesa Spirit [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |  |
Land | Mesa Verde |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaVerdeMember |  |  |
Land | Monte Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteVistaMember |  |  |
Land | Palm Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmShadowsMember |  |  |
Land | Paradise [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 11,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseMember |  |  |
Land | Sedona Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SedonaShadowsMember |  |  |
Land | Seyenna Vistas [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | (86,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeyennaVistasMember |  |  |
Land | Suni Sands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SuniSandsMember |  |  |
Land | Sunrise Heights |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunriseHeightsMember |  |  |
Land | Sunshine Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineValleyMember |  |  |
Land | The Highlands at Brentwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandsAtBrentwoodMember |  |  |
Land | Meadows [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsMember |  |  |
Land | Valley Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ValleyVistaMember |  |  |
Land | Venture In |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VentureInMember |  |  |
Land | Verde Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 19,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VerdeValleyMember |  |  |
Land | Viewpoint |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 15,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ViewpointMember |  |  |
Land | Westpark |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestparkMember |  |  |
Land | Whispering Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPalmsMember |  |  |
Land | Cultus Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CultusLakeMember |  |  |
Land | California Hawaiian [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember |  |  |
Land | Colony Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyParkMember |  |  |
Land | Concord Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ConcordCascadeMember |  |  |
Land | Contempo Marin |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ContempoMarinMember |  |  |
Land | Coralwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralwoodMember |  |  |
Land | Date Palm Country Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmCountryClubMember |  |  |
Land | Date Palm RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DatePalmRVMember |  |  |
Land | DeAnza Santa Cruz |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DeAnzaSantaCruzMember |  |  |
Land | Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Land | Idyllwild |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IdyllwildMember |  |  |
Land | Laguna Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LagunaLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Minden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 13,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMindenMember |  |  |
Land | Lake of the Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 14,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeOfSpringsMember |  |  |
Land | Lamplighter |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LamplighterMember |  |  |
Land | Las Palmas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasPalmasMember |  |  |
Land | Los Ranchos |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LosRanchosMember |  |  |
Land | Meadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowbrookMember |  |  |
Land | Monte del Lago |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MonteDelLagoMember |  |  |
Land | Morgan Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 25,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MorganHillMember |  |  |
Land | Nicholson Plaza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NicholsonPlazaMember |  |  |
Land | Oakzanita Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakzanitaSpringsMember |  |  |
Land | Pacific Dunes Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificDunesRanchMember |  |  |
Land | Palm Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 24,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmSpringsMember |  |  |
Land | Parque La Quinta |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParqueLaQuintaMember |  |  |
Land | Pio Pico |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 35,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioPicoMember |  |  |
Land | Ponderosa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PonderosaMember |  |  |
Land | Quail Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailMeadowsMember |  |  |
Land | Rancho Mesa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoMesaMember |  |  |
Land | Rancho Oso |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 11,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoOsoMember |  |  |
Land | Rancho Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RanchoValleyMember |  |  |
Land | Royal Holiday |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalHolidayMember |  |  |
Land | Royal Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalOaksMember |  |  |
Land | Russian River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RussianRiverMember |  |  |
Land | San Benito |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 19,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanBenitoMember |  |  |
Land | San Francisco RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SanFranciscoRVMember |  |  |
Land | Santa Cruz Ranch RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantaCruzRanchRVMember |  |  |
Land | Santiago Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SantiagoEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Sea Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaOaksMember |  |  |
Land | Snowflower |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SnowflowerMember |  |  |
Land | Soledad Canyon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 39,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SoledadCanyonMember |  |  |
Land | Sunshadow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshadowMember |  |  |
Land | Tahoe Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TahoeValleyMember |  |  |
Land | Turtle Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TurtleBeachMember |  |  |
Land | Village of the Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageOfFourSeasonsMember |  |  |
Land | Westwinds (4 properties) |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_Westwinds4PropertiesMember |  |  |
Land | Wilderness Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 29,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WildernessLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Yosemite Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 27,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YosemiteLakesMember |  |  |
Land | Bear Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCreekMember |  |  |
Land | Cimarron |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronMember |  |  |
Land | Golden Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceMember |  |  |
Land | Golden Terrace South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceSouthMember |  |  |
Land | Golden Terrace West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GoldenTerraceWestMember |  |  |
Land | Hillcrest Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 289,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Holiday Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayHillsMember |  |  |
Land | Holiday Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Holiday Village I I I [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageOrmandMember |  |  |
Land | Pueblo Grande |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PuebloGrandeMember |  |  |
Land | Woodland Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandHillsMember |  |  |
Land | Stonegate Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StonegateManorMember |  |  |
Land | Aspen Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AspenMeadowsMember |  |  |
Land | Camelot Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,251,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CamelotMeadowsMember |  |  |
Land | Mariners Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MarinersCoveMember |  |  |
Land | McNicol |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_McNicolMember |  |  |
Land | Sweetbriar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SweetbriarMember |  |  |
Land | Waterford |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterfordMember |  |  |
Land | Whispering Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesMember |  |  |
Land | Audubon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AudubonMember |  |  |
Land | Barrington Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BarringtonHillsMember |  |  |
Land | Bay Indies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 10,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayIndiesMember |  |  |
Land | Bay Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Beacon Hill Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconHillColonyMember |  |  |
Land | Beacon Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BeaconTerraceMember |  |  |
Land | Breezy Hill RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BreezyHillRVMember |  |  |
Land | Buccaneer |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuccaneerMember |  |  |
Land | Bulow Village RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowVillageRVMember |  |  |
Land | Bulow Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BulowPlantationMember |  |  |
Land | Carefree Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeCoveMember |  |  |
Land | Carefree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarefreeVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Carriage Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarriageCoveMember |  |  |
Land | Cheron Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CheronVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Clerbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ClerbrookMember |  |  |
Land | Clover Leaf Farms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafFarmsMember |  |  |
Land | Clover Leaf Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CloverLeafForestMember |  |  |
Land | Coachwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachwoodMember |  |  |
Land | Colony Cove [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 35,859,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Land | Coquina Crossing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoquinaCrossingMember |  |  |
Land | Coral Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoralCayMember |  |  |
Land | Country Place |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 18,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountryPlaceMember |  |  |
Land | Countryside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrysideMember |  |  |
Land | Covington Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CovingtonEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Crystal Isles |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 10,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalIslesMember |  |  |
Land | Crystal Lakes-Zephyrhills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrystalLakesZephyrhillsMember |  |  |
Land | Down Yonder |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DownYonderMember |  |  |
Land | East Bay Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EastBayOaksMember |  |  |
Land | Eldorado Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EldoradoVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Emerald Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_EmeraldLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Featherock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FeatherockMember |  |  |
Land | Fiesta Key [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FiestaKeyMember |  |  |
Land | Fort Myers Beach Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FortMyersBeachResortMember |  |  |
Land | Foxwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FoxwoodMember |  |  |
Land | Glen Ellen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenEllenMember |  |  |
Land | Grand Island |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 125,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandIslandMember |  |  |
Land | Gulf Air Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfAirResortMember |  |  |
Land | Gulf View |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GulfViewMember |  |  |
Land | Hacienda Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaciendaVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Harbor Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborLakesMember |  |  |
Land | Harbor View [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewMember |  |  |
Land | Haselton Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HaseltonVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Heritage Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritagePlantationMember |  |  |
Land | Heron Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeronCayMember |  |  |
Land | Hidden Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HiddenValleyMember |  |  |
Land | Highland Wood RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 42,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HighlandWoodRVMember |  |  |
Land | Holiday Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayRanchMember |  |  |
Land | Holiday Village II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HolidayVillageVeroMember |  |  |
Land | Indian Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianOaksMember |  |  |
Land | Island Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IslandVistaMember |  |  |
Land | Kings & Queens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KingsQueensMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Fairways |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 35,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeFairwaysMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Haven |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeHavenMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Magic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMagicMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Worth Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWorthVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Lakeland Harbor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandHarborMember |  |  |
Land | Lakeland Junction |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandJunctionMember |  |  |
Land | Lakes at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Land | Lakeside Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideTerraceMember |  |  |
Land | Lakewood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Lighthouse Pointe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 23,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LighthousePointeMember |  |  |
Land | Manatee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManateeMember |  |  |
Land | Maralago Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MaralagoCayMember |  |  |
Land | Meadows at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Land | Mid-Florida Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MidFloridaLakesMember |  |  |
Land | Orange Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrangeLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Oak Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakBendMember |  |  |
Land | Oaks at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtCountrywoodMember |  |  |
Land | Orlando |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 40,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OrlandoMember |  |  |
Land | Palm Beach Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 8,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PalmBeachColonyMember |  |  |
Land | Park City West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkCityWestMember |  |  |
Land | Parkwood Communities |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParkwoodCommunitiesMember |  |  |
Land | Pasco |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PascoMember |  |  |
Land | Peace River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PeaceRiverMember |  |  |
Land | Pickwick |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PickwickMember |  |  |
Land | Pine Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 21,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineLakesMember |  |  |
Land | Pioneer Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PioneerVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Ramblers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RamblersRestMember |  |  |
Land | Ridgewood Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RidgewoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Royal Coachman |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RoyalCoachmanMember |  |  |
Land | Shady Lane Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneOaksMember |  |  |
Land | Shady Lane Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadyLaneVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Shangri La |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShangriLaMember |  |  |
Land | Sherwood Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestMember |  |  |
Land | Sherwood Forest RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 568,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SherwoodForestRVMember |  |  |
Land | Silk Oak |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilkOakMember |  |  |
Land | Silver Dollar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 240,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SilverDollarMember |  |  |
Land | Sixth Ave. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SixthAveMember |  |  |
Land | Southern Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernPalmsMember |  |  |
Land | Southernaire [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernaireMember |  |  |
Land | Space Coast RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember |  |  |
Land | Starlight Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StarlightRanchMember |  |  |
Land | Sunshine Holiday MH |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayMHMember |  |  |
Land | Sunshine Holiday RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineHolidayRVMember |  |  |
Land | Sunshine Key |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineKeyMember |  |  |
Land | Sunshine Travel |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineTravelMember |  |  |
Land | Tarpon Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TarponGlenMember |  |  |
Land | Terra Ceia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TerraCeiaMember |  |  |
Land | The Heritage |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 346,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HeritageMember |  |  |
Land | The Meadows II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsIiMember |  |  |
Land | Three Flags RV Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThreeFlagsRVResortMember |  |  |
Land | Toby's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TobysMember |  |  |
Land | Topics |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TopicsMember |  |  |
Land | Tropical Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsKissimmeeMember |  |  |
Land | Tropical Palms II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicalPalmsPuntaGordaMember |  |  |
Land | Vacation Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VacationVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Vero Palm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VeroPalmMember |  |  |
Land | Villas at Spanish Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillasAtSpanishOaksMember |  |  |
Land | Village Green |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillageGreenMember |  |  |
Land | Whispering Pines - Largo |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhisperingPinesLargoMember |  |  |
Land | Windmill Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillManorMember |  |  |
Land | Windmill Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindmillVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Winds of St. Armands North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsNorthMember |  |  |
Land | Winds of St. Armands South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WindsOfStArmandsSouthMember |  |  |
Land | Winter Garden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WinterGardenMember |  |  |
Land | Pine Island Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineIslandResortMember |  |  |
Land | Coach Royale |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CoachRoyaleMember |  |  |
Land | Maple Grove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MapleGroveMember |  |  |
Land | Shenandoah Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShenandoahEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | West Meadow Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestMeadowEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Golf Vistas Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 1,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GolfVistasEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | O'Connell's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OConnellsMember |  |  |
Land | Pheasant Lake Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PheasantLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Pine Country |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineCountryMember |  |  |
Land | Willow Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WillowLakeEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Indian Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_IndianLakesMember |  |  |
Land | Hoosier Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HoosierEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Horseshoe Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HorseshoeLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Lakeside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakesideMember |  |  |
Land | North Glen Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NorthGlenVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Oak Tree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OakTreeVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Twin Mills RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinMillsRVMember |  |  |
Land | Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiamondCavernsResortGolfClubMember |  |  |
Land | Gateway to Cape Cod |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GatewayToCapeCodMember |  |  |
Land | Hillcrest II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HillcrestRocklandMember |  |  |
Land | Old Chatham RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OldChathamRVMember |  |  |
Land | Sturbridge |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SturbridgeMember |  |  |
Land | The Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GlenMember |  |  |
Land | Fernwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FernwoodMember |  |  |
Land | Williams Estates and Peppermint Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsEstatesAndPeppermintWoodsMember |  |  |
Land | Moody Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MoodyBeachMember |  |  |
Land | Pinehirst RV Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PinehirstRVParkMember |  |  |
Land | Mt. Desert Narrows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtDesertNarrowsMember |  |  |
Land | Narrows Too |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NarrowsTooMember |  |  |
Land | Patton Pond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PattonPondMember |  |  |
Land | Bear Cave Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BearCaveResortMember |  |  |
Land | Lake in the Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeInHillsMember |  |  |
Land | St Clair |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StClairMember |  |  |
Land | Swan Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SwanCreekMember |  |  |
Land | Cedar Knolls |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CedarKnollsMember |  |  |
Land | Cimarron Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CimarronParkMember |  |  |
Land | Rockford Riverview Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RockfordRiverviewEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Rosemount Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RosemountWoodsMember |  |  |
Land | Forest Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 13,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ForestLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Goose Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 750,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GooseCreekMember |  |  |
Land | Green Mountain Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenMountainParkMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Gaston |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGastonMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Myers RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeMyersRVMember |  |  |
Land | Scenic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScenicMember |  |  |
Land | Twin Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TwinLakesMember |  |  |
Land | Waterway RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WaterwayRVMember |  |  |
Land | Buena Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BuenaVistaMember |  |  |
Land | Meadow Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowParkMember |  |  |
Land | Sandy Beach RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SandyBeachRVMember |  |  |
Land | Tuxbury Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TuxburyResortMember |  |  |
Land | Chestnut Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChestnutLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Lake & Shore |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeShoreMember |  |  |
Land | Pine Ridge at Crestwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PineRidgeAtCrestwoodMember |  |  |
Land | Sea Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeaPinesMember |  |  |
Land | Bonanza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BonanzaMember |  |  |
Land | Boulder Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BoulderCascadeMember |  |  |
Land | Cabana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CabanaMember |  |  |
Land | Flamingo West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FlamingoWestMember |  |  |
Land | Las Vegas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 14,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LasVegasMember |  |  |
Land | Villa Borega |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VillaBoregaMember |  |  |
Land | Alpine Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 153,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlpineLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Brennan Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BrennanBeachMember |  |  |
Land | Greenwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 484,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Lake George Escape |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeEscapeMember |  |  |
Land | Lake George Schroon Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeGeorgeSchroonValleyMember |  |  |
Land | Mountain View - NV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewNVMember |  |  |
Land | Rondout Valley Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RondoutValleyResortMember |  |  |
Land | The Woodlands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WoodlandsMember |  |  |
Land | Kenisee Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KeniseeLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Wilmington |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 3,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilmingtonMember |  |  |
Land | Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 10,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BendMember |  |  |
Land | Falcon Wood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FalconWoodVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Mt. Hood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MtHoodMember |  |  |
Land | Pacific City |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 14,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PacificCityMember |  |  |
Land | Quail Hollow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_QuailHollowMember |  |  |
Land | Seaside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 12,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SeasideMember |  |  |
Land | Shadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ShadowbrookMember |  |  |
Land | South Jetty |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 9,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthJettyMember |  |  |
Land | Whalers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 10,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WhalersRestMember |  |  |
Land | Appalachian |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AppalachianMember |  |  |
Land | Circle M |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CircleMMember |  |  |
Land | Dutch County |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DutchCountyMember |  |  |
Land | Gettysburg Farm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GettysburgFarmMember |  |  |
Land | Green Acres |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenAcresMember |  |  |
Land | Greenbriar Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GreenbriarVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Hershey |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 17,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HersheyMember |  |  |
Land | Lil Wolf |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LilWolfMember |  |  |
Land | Mountain View - PA |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountainViewPaMember |  |  |
Land | Robin Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RobinHillMember |  |  |
Land | Scotrun |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ScotrunMember |  |  |
Land | Spring Gulch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SpringGulchMember |  |  |
Land | Sun Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunValleyMember |  |  |
Land | Timothy Lake North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeNorthMember |  |  |
Land | Timothy Lake South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TimothyLakeSouthMember |  |  |
Land | Carolina Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CarolinaLandingMember |  |  |
Land | Inlet Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_InletOaksMember |  |  |
Land | The Oaks at Point South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OaksAtPointSouthMember |  |  |
Land | Natchez Trace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NatchezTraceMember |  |  |
Land | Cherokee Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CherokeeLandingMember |  |  |
Land | Bay Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BayLandingMember |  |  |
Land | Colorado River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColoradoRiverMember |  |  |
Land | Country Sunshine |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CountrySunshineMember |  |  |
Land | Fun n Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 412,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FunNSunRVMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Conroe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 18,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeConroeMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Tawakoni |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTawakoniMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Texoma |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 6,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeTexomaMember |  |  |
Land | Lake Whitney |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 10,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakeWhitneyMember |  |  |
Land | Lakewood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakewoodMember |  |  |
Land | Medina Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 12,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MedinaLakeMember |  |  |
Land | Paradise Park RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseParkRVMember |  |  |
Land | Paradise South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseSouthMember |  |  |
Land | Southern Comfort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SouthernComfortMember |  |  |
Land | Sunshine RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SunshineRVMember |  |  |
Land | Tropic Winds |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TropicWindsMember |  |  |
Land | Victoria Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VictoriaPalmsMember |  |  |
Land | All Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AllSeasonsMember |  |  |
Land | St. George |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 2,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_StGeorgeMember |  |  |
Land | Westwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodVillageMember |  |  |
Land | Chesapeake Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 16,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChesapeakeBayMember |  |  |
Land | Harbor View II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_HarborViewIIMember |  |  |
Land | Lynchburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LynchburgMember |  |  |
Land | Meadows of Chantilly |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MeadowsOfChantillyMember |  |  |
Land | Regency Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RegencyLakesMember |  |  |
Land | Virginia Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 8,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_VirginiaLandingMember |  |  |
Land | Williamsburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WilliamsburgMember |  |  |
Land | Birch Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BirchBayMember |  |  |
Land | Chehalis |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 8,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ChehalisMember |  |  |
Land | Crescent Bar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_CrescentBarMember |  |  |
Land | Grandy Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_GrandyCreekMember |  |  |
Land | Kloshe Illahee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_KlosheIllaheeMember |  |  |
Land | La Conner |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LaConnerMember |  |  |
Land | Leavenworth |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 10,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LeavenworthMember |  |  |
Land | Little Diamond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 5,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LittleDiamondMember |  |  |
Land | Long Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LongBeachMember |  |  |
Land | Mount Vernon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 8,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MountVernonMember |  |  |
Land | Oceana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 4,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_OceanaMember |  |  |
Land | Paradise II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 7,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ParadiseIIMember |  |  |
Land | Tall Chief |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TallChiefMember |  |  |
Land | Thunderbird |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 8,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ThunderbirdMember |  |  |
Land | Arrowhead |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ArrowheadMember |  |  |
Land | Blackhawk RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_BlackhawkRVResortMember |  |  |
Land | Fremont |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_FremontMember |  |  |
Land | Lakeland RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_LakelandRVResortMember |  |  |
Land | Rainbow Lake Manor [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RainbowLakeManorMember |  |  |
Land | Neshonoc Lakeside [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |
Land | Plymouth Rock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_PlymouthRockMember |  |  |
Land | Tranquil Timbers |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_TranquilTimbersMember |  |  |
Land | Westwood Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_WestwoodEstatesMember |  |  |
Land | Yukon Trails |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_YukonTrailsMember |  |  |
Land | Realty Systems, Inc. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_RealtySystemsIncMember |  |  |
Land | Alamo Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_AlamoPalmsMember |  |  |
Land | Subtotal of Properties Held for Long Term [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | 41,199,000 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_SubtotalOfPropertiesHeldForLongTermMember |  |  |
Land | Management Business and Other [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements) | $ 0 us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts / us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis = us-gaap_LandMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ManagementBusinessAndOtherMember |  |  |
City [Member] | Hillcrest [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clearwater |  |  |
City [Member] | Hidden Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Arley |  |  |
City [Member] | Apache East |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Apache Junction |  |  |
City [Member] | Apollo Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Phoenix |  |  |
City [Member] | Araby |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Yuma |  |  |
City [Member] | Cactus Gardens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Yuma |  |  |
City [Member] | Capri RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Yuma |  |  |
City [Member] | Carefree Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Phoenix |  |  |
City [Member] | Casa del Sol East II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Glendale |  |  |
City [Member] | Casa del Sol East III |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Glendale |  |  |
City [Member] | Casa del Sol West I |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Peoria |  |  |
City [Member] | Casita Verde RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Casa Grande |  |  |
City [Member] | Central Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Phoenix |  |  |
City [Member] | Countryside RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Apache Junction |  |  |
City [Member] | Denali Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Apache Junction |  |  |
City [Member] | Desert Paradise |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Yuma |  |  |
City [Member] | Desert Skies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Phoenix |  |  |
City [Member] | Desert Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Salome |  |  |
City [Member] | Fairview Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Tucson |  |  |
City [Member] | Fiesta Grande RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Casa Grande |  |  |
City [Member] | Foothill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Yuma |  |  |
City [Member] | Foothills West RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Casa Grande |  |  |
City [Member] | Golden Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Apache Junction |  |  |
City [Member] | Hacienda De Valencia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mesa |  |  |
City [Member] | Mesa Spirit [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mesa |  |  |
City [Member] | Mesa Verde |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cottonwood |  |  |
City [Member] | Monte Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mesa |  |  |
City [Member] | Palm Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Glendale |  |  |
City [Member] | Paradise [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Sun City |  |  |
City [Member] | Sedona Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Sedona |  |  |
City [Member] | Seyenna Vistas [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mesa |  |  |
City [Member] | Suni Sands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Yuma |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunrise Heights |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Phoenix |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunshine Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Chandler |  |  |
City [Member] | The Highlands at Brentwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mesa |  |  |
City [Member] | Meadows [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Tempe |  |  |
City [Member] | Valley Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Benson |  |  |
City [Member] | Venture In |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Show Low |  |  |
City [Member] | Verde Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cottonwood |  |  |
City [Member] | Viewpoint |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mesa |  |  |
City [Member] | Westpark |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Wickenburg |  |  |
City [Member] | Whispering Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Phoenix |  |  |
City [Member] | Cultus Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lindell Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | California Hawaiian [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Jose |  |  |
City [Member] | Colony Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ceres |  |  |
City [Member] | Concord Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pacheco |  |  |
City [Member] | Contempo Marin |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Rafael |  |  |
City [Member] | Coralwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Modesto |  |  |
City [Member] | Date Palm Country Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cathedral City |  |  |
City [Member] | Date Palm RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cathedral City |  |  |
City [Member] | DeAnza Santa Cruz |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Santa Cruz |  |  |
City [Member] | Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fresno |  |  |
City [Member] | Idyllwild |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pine Cove |  |  |
City [Member] | Laguna Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Luis Obispo |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Minden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Nicolaus |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake of the Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Oregon House |  |  |
City [Member] | Lamplighter |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Spring Valley |  |  |
City [Member] | Las Palmas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rialto |  |  |
City [Member] | Los Ranchos |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Apple Valley |  |  |
City [Member] | Meadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Santee |  |  |
City [Member] | Monte del Lago |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Castroville |  |  |
City [Member] | Morgan Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Morgan Hill |  |  |
City [Member] | Nicholson Plaza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Jose |  |  |
City [Member] | Oakzanita Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Descanso |  |  |
City [Member] | Pacific Dunes Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Oceana |  |  |
City [Member] | Palm Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Palm Desert |  |  |
City [Member] | Parque La Quinta |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rialto |  |  |
City [Member] | Pio Pico |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Jamul |  |  |
City [Member] | Ponderosa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lotus |  |  |
City [Member] | Quail Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Riverbank |  |  |
City [Member] | Rancho Mesa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | El Cajon |  |  |
City [Member] | Rancho Oso |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Santa Barbara |  |  |
City [Member] | Rancho Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | El Cajon |  |  |
City [Member] | Royal Holiday |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Hemet |  |  |
City [Member] | Royal Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Visalia |  |  |
City [Member] | Russian River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cloverdale |  |  |
City [Member] | San Benito |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Paicines |  |  |
City [Member] | San Francisco RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pacifica |  |  |
City [Member] | Santa Cruz Ranch RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Scotts Valley |  |  |
City [Member] | Santiago Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Sylmar |  |  |
City [Member] | Sea Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Los Osos |  |  |
City [Member] | Snowflower |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Emigrant Gap |  |  |
City [Member] | Soledad Canyon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Acton |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunshadow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Jose |  |  |
City [Member] | Tahoe Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lake Tahoe |  |  |
City [Member] | Turtle Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Manteca |  |  |
City [Member] | Village of the Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Jose |  |  |
City [Member] | Westwinds (4 properties) |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Jose |  |  |
City [Member] | Wilderness Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Menifee |  |  |
City [Member] | Yosemite Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Groveland |  |  |
City [Member] | Bear Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Denver |  |  |
City [Member] | Cimarron |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Broomfield |  |  |
City [Member] | Golden Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Golden |  |  |
City [Member] | Golden Terrace South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Golden |  |  |
City [Member] | Golden Terrace West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Golden |  |  |
City [Member] | Hillcrest Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Aurora |  |  |
City [Member] | Holiday Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Denver |  |  |
City [Member] | Holiday Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Co. Springs |  |  |
City [Member] | Holiday Village I I I [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ormond Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Pueblo Grande |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pueblo |  |  |
City [Member] | Woodland Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Thornton |  |  |
City [Member] | Stonegate Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | North Windham |  |  |
City [Member] | Aspen Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rehoboth |  |  |
City [Member] | Camelot Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rehoboth |  |  |
City [Member] | Mariners Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Millsboro |  |  |
City [Member] | McNicol |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rehoboth |  |  |
City [Member] | Sweetbriar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rehoboth |  |  |
City [Member] | Waterford |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bear |  |  |
City [Member] | Whispering Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lewes |  |  |
City [Member] | Audubon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Orlando |  |  |
City [Member] | Barrington Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Hudson |  |  |
City [Member] | Bay Indies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Venice |  |  |
City [Member] | Bay Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Nokomis |  |  |
City [Member] | Beacon Hill Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lakeland |  |  |
City [Member] | Beacon Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lakeland |  |  |
City [Member] | Breezy Hill RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pompano Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Buccaneer |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | N. Ft. Myers |  |  |
City [Member] | Bulow Village RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Flagler Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Bulow Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Flagler Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Carefree Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fort Lauderdale |  |  |
City [Member] | Carefree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Tampa |  |  |
City [Member] | Carriage Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Daytona Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Cheron Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Davie |  |  |
City [Member] | Clerbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clermont |  |  |
City [Member] | Clover Leaf Farms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Brooksville |  |  |
City [Member] | Clover Leaf Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Brooksville |  |  |
City [Member] | Coachwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Leesburg |  |  |
City [Member] | Colony Cove [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ellenton |  |  |
City [Member] | Coquina Crossing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Elkton |  |  |
City [Member] | Coral Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Margate |  |  |
City [Member] | Country Place |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | New Port Richey |  |  |
City [Member] | Countryside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Vero Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Covington Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Saint Cloud |  |  |
City [Member] | Crystal Isles |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Crystal River |  |  |
City [Member] | Crystal Lakes-Zephyrhills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Zephyrhills |  |  |
City [Member] | Down Yonder |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Largo |  |  |
City [Member] | East Bay Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Largo |  |  |
City [Member] | Eldorado Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Largo |  |  |
City [Member] | Emerald Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Punta Gorda |  |  |
City [Member] | Featherock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Valrico |  |  |
City [Member] | Fiesta Key [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Long Key |  |  |
City [Member] | Fort Myers Beach Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fort Myers Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Foxwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ocala |  |  |
City [Member] | Glen Ellen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clearwater |  |  |
City [Member] | Grand Island |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Grand Island |  |  |
City [Member] | Gulf Air Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fort Myers Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Gulf View |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Punta Gorda |  |  |
City [Member] | Hacienda Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | New Port Richey |  |  |
City [Member] | Harbor Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Port Charlotte |  |  |
City [Member] | Harbor View [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | New Port Richey |  |  |
City [Member] | Haselton Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Eustis |  |  |
City [Member] | Heritage Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Vero Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Heron Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Vero Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Hidden Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Orlando |  |  |
City [Member] | Highland Wood RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pompano Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Holiday Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clearwater |  |  |
City [Member] | Holiday Village II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Vero Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Indian Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rockledge |  |  |
City [Member] | Island Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | North Ft. Myers |  |  |
City [Member] | Kings & Queens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lakeland |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Fairways |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | N. Ft. Myers |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Haven |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Dunedin |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Magic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clermont |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Nokomis |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Worth Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lake Worth |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakeland Harbor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lakeland |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakeland Junction |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lakeland |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakes at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Plant City |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakeside Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fruitland Park |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakewood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Melbourne |  |  |
City [Member] | Lighthouse Pointe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Port Orange |  |  |
City [Member] | Manatee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bradenton |  |  |
City [Member] | Maralago Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lantana |  |  |
City [Member] | Meadows at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Plant City |  |  |
City [Member] | Mid-Florida Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Leesburg |  |  |
City [Member] | Orange Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clermont |  |  |
City [Member] | Oak Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ocala |  |  |
City [Member] | Oaks at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Plant City |  |  |
City [Member] | Orlando |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clermont |  |  |
City [Member] | Palm Beach Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | West Palm Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Park City West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fort Lauderdale |  |  |
City [Member] | Parkwood Communities |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Wildwood |  |  |
City [Member] | Pasco |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lutz |  |  |
City [Member] | Peace River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Wauchula |  |  |
City [Member] | Pickwick |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Port Orange |  |  |
City [Member] | Pine Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | N. Ft. Myers |  |  |
City [Member] | Pioneer Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | N. Ft. Myers |  |  |
City [Member] | Ramblers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Venice |  |  |
City [Member] | Ridgewood Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ellenton |  |  |
City [Member] | Royal Coachman |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Nokomis |  |  |
City [Member] | Shady Lane Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clearwater |  |  |
City [Member] | Shady Lane Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clearwater |  |  |
City [Member] | Shangri La |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Largo |  |  |
City [Member] | Sherwood Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Kissimmee |  |  |
City [Member] | Sherwood Forest RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Kissimmee |  |  |
City [Member] | Silk Oak |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clearwater |  |  |
City [Member] | Silver Dollar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Odessa |  |  |
City [Member] | Sixth Ave. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Zephryhills |  |  |
City [Member] | Southern Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Eustis |  |  |
City [Member] | Southernaire [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mt. Dora |  |  |
City [Member] | Space Coast RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rockledge |  |  |
City [Member] | Starlight Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Orlando |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunshine Holiday MH |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ormond Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunshine Holiday RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fort Lauderdale |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunshine Key |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Big Pine Key |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunshine Travel |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Vero Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Tarpon Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Tarpon Springs |  |  |
City [Member] | Terra Ceia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Palmetto |  |  |
City [Member] | The Heritage |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | N. Ft. Myers |  |  |
City [Member] | The Meadows II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Palm Beach Gardens |  |  |
City [Member] | Three Flags RV Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Wildwood |  |  |
City [Member] | Toby's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Arcadia |  |  |
City [Member] | Topics |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Spring Hill |  |  |
City [Member] | Tropical Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Kissimmee |  |  |
City [Member] | Tropical Palms II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Punta Gorda |  |  |
City [Member] | Vacation Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Largo |  |  |
City [Member] | Vero Palm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Vero Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Villas at Spanish Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ocala |  |  |
City [Member] | Village Green |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Vero Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Whispering Pines - Largo |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Largo |  |  |
City [Member] | Windmill Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bradenton |  |  |
City [Member] | Windmill Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | N. Ft. Myers |  |  |
City [Member] | Winds of St. Armands North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Sarasota |  |  |
City [Member] | Winds of St. Armands South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Sarasota |  |  |
City [Member] | Winter Garden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Winter Garden |  |  |
City [Member] | Pine Island Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | St. James City |  |  |
City [Member] | Coach Royale |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Boise |  |  |
City [Member] | Maple Grove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Boise |  |  |
City [Member] | Shenandoah Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Boise |  |  |
City [Member] | West Meadow Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Boise |  |  |
City [Member] | Golf Vistas Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Monee |  |  |
City [Member] | O'Connell's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Amboy |  |  |
City [Member] | Pheasant Lake Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Beecher |  |  |
City [Member] | Pine Country |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Belvidere |  |  |
City [Member] | Willow Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Elgin |  |  |
City [Member] | Indian Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Batesville |  |  |
City [Member] | Hoosier Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lebanon |  |  |
City [Member] | Horseshoe Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clinton |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakeside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | New Carlisle |  |  |
City [Member] | North Glen Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Westfield |  |  |
City [Member] | Oak Tree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Portage |  |  |
City [Member] | Twin Mills RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Howe |  |  |
City [Member] | Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Park City |  |  |
City [Member] | Gateway to Cape Cod |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rochester |  |  |
City [Member] | Hillcrest II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rockland |  |  |
City [Member] | Old Chatham RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | South Dennis |  |  |
City [Member] | Sturbridge |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Sturbridge |  |  |
City [Member] | The Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Norwell |  |  |
City [Member] | Fernwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Capitol Heights |  |  |
City [Member] | Williams Estates and Peppermint Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Middle River |  |  |
City [Member] | Moody Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Moody |  |  |
City [Member] | Pinehirst RV Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Old Orchard Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Mt. Desert Narrows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bar Harbor |  |  |
City [Member] | Narrows Too |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Trenton |  |  |
City [Member] | Patton Pond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ellsworth |  |  |
City [Member] | Bear Cave Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Buchanan |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake in the Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Auburn Hills |  |  |
City [Member] | St Clair |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | St Clair |  |  |
City [Member] | Swan Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ypsilanti |  |  |
City [Member] | Cedar Knolls |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Apple Valley |  |  |
City [Member] | Cimarron Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lake Elmo |  |  |
City [Member] | Rockford Riverview Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rockford |  |  |
City [Member] | Rosemount Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Rosemount |  |  |
City [Member] | Forest Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Advance |  |  |
City [Member] | Goose Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Newport |  |  |
City [Member] | Green Mountain Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lenoir |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Gaston |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Littleton |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Myers RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mocksville |  |  |
City [Member] | Scenic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Asheville |  |  |
City [Member] | Twin Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Chocowinity |  |  |
City [Member] | Waterway RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cedar Point |  |  |
City [Member] | Buena Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fargo |  |  |
City [Member] | Meadow Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fargo |  |  |
City [Member] | Pine Acres Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Raymond |  |  |
City [Member] | Sandy Beach RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Contoocook |  |  |
City [Member] | Tuxbury Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | South Hampton |  |  |
City [Member] | Chestnut Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Port Republic |  |  |
City [Member] | Echo Farms Campground [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ocean View |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake & Shore |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Ocean View |  |  |
City [Member] | Mays Landing Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mays Landing |  |  |
City [Member] | Pine Ridge at Crestwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Whiting |  |  |
City [Member] | Sea Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Swainton |  |  |
City [Member] | Bonanza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Las Vegas |  |  |
City [Member] | Boulder Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Las Vegas |  |  |
City [Member] | Cabana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Las Vegas |  |  |
City [Member] | Flamingo West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Las Vegas |  |  |
City [Member] | Las Vegas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Las Vegas |  |  |
City [Member] | Villa Borega |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Las Vegas |  |  |
City [Member] | Alpine Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Corinth |  |  |
City [Member] | Brennan Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pulaski |  |  |
City [Member] | Greenwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Manorville |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake George Escape |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lake George |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake George Schroon Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Warrensburg |  |  |
City [Member] | Mountain View - NV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Henderson |  |  |
City [Member] | Rondout Valley Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Accord |  |  |
City [Member] | The Woodlands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lockport |  |  |
City [Member] | Kenisee Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Jefferson |  |  |
City [Member] | Wilmington |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Wilmington |  |  |
City [Member] | Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bend |  |  |
City [Member] | Falcon Wood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Eugene |  |  |
City [Member] | Mt. Hood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Welches |  |  |
City [Member] | Pacific City |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cloverdale |  |  |
City [Member] | Quail Hollow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fairview |  |  |
City [Member] | Seaside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Seaside |  |  |
City [Member] | Shadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Clackamas |  |  |
City [Member] | South Jetty |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Florence |  |  |
City [Member] | Whalers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | South Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Appalachian |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Shartlesville |  |  |
City [Member] | Circle M |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lancaster |  |  |
City [Member] | Dutch County |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Manheim |  |  |
City [Member] | Gettysburg Farm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Dover |  |  |
City [Member] | Green Acres |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Breinigsville |  |  |
City [Member] | Greenbriar Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bath |  |  |
City [Member] | Hershey |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lebanon |  |  |
City [Member] | Lil Wolf |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Orefield |  |  |
City [Member] | Mountain View - PA |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Walnutport |  |  |
City [Member] | Robin Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lenhartsville |  |  |
City [Member] | Scotrun |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Scotrun |  |  |
City [Member] | Spring Gulch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | New Holland |  |  |
City [Member] | Sun Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bowmansville |  |  |
City [Member] | Timothy Lake North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | East Stroudsburg |  |  |
City [Member] | Timothy Lake South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | East Stroudsburg |  |  |
City [Member] | Carolina Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fair Play |  |  |
City [Member] | Inlet Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Murrells Inlet |  |  |
City [Member] | The Oaks at Point South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Yemassee |  |  |
City [Member] | Natchez Trace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Hohenwald |  |  |
City [Member] | Cherokee Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Middleton |  |  |
City [Member] | Bay Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bridgeport |  |  |
City [Member] | Colorado River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Columbus |  |  |
City [Member] | Country Sunshine |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Weslaco |  |  |
City [Member] | Fun n Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | San Benito |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Conroe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Willis |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Tawakoni |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Point |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Texoma |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Gordonville |  |  |
City [Member] | Lake Whitney |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Whitney |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakewood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Harlingen |  |  |
City [Member] | Medina Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lakehills |  |  |
City [Member] | Paradise Park RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Harlingen |  |  |
City [Member] | Paradise South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Mercedes |  |  |
City [Member] | Southern Comfort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Weslaco |  |  |
City [Member] | Sunshine RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Harlingen |  |  |
City [Member] | Tropic Winds |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Harlingen |  |  |
City [Member] | Victoria Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Harlingen |  |  |
City [Member] | All Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Salt Lake City |  |  |
City [Member] | St. George |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Hurricane |  |  |
City [Member] | Westwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Farr West |  |  |
City [Member] | Chesapeake Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Cloucester |  |  |
City [Member] | Harbor View II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Colonial Beach |  |  |
City [Member] | Lynchburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Gladys |  |  |
City [Member] | Meadows of Chantilly |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Chantilly |  |  |
City [Member] | Regency Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Winchester |  |  |
City [Member] | Virginia Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Quinby |  |  |
City [Member] | Williamsburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Williamsburg |  |  |
City [Member] | Birch Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Blaine |  |  |
City [Member] | Chehalis |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Chehalis |  |  |
City [Member] | Crescent Bar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Quincy |  |  |
City [Member] | Grandy Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Concrete |  |  |
City [Member] | Kloshe Illahee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Federal Way |  |  |
City [Member] | La Conner |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | La Conner |  |  |
City [Member] | Leavenworth |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Leavenworth |  |  |
City [Member] | Little Diamond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Newport |  |  |
City [Member] | Long Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Seaview |  |  |
City [Member] | Mount Vernon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bow |  |  |
City [Member] | Oceana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Oceana City |  |  |
City [Member] | Paradise II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Silver Creek |  |  |
City [Member] | Tall Chief |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fall City |  |  |
City [Member] | Thunderbird |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Monroe |  |  |
City [Member] | Arrowhead |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Wisconsin Dells |  |  |
City [Member] | Blackhawk RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Milton |  |  |
City [Member] | Fremont |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Fremont |  |  |
City [Member] | Lakeland RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Milton |  |  |
City [Member] | Rainbow Lake Manor [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Bristol |  |  |
City [Member] | Neshonoc Lakeside [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | LaCrosse County |  |  |
City [Member] | Plymouth Rock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Elkhart Lake |  |  |
City [Member] | Tranquil Timbers |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Sturgeon Bay |  |  |
City [Member] | Westwood Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Pleasant Prairie |  |  |
City [Member] | Yukon Trails |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Lyndon Station |  |  |
City [Member] | Alamo Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | Harlingen |  |  |
State [Member] | Hillcrest [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Hidden Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AL |  |  |
State [Member] | Apache East |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Apollo Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Araby |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Cactus Gardens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Capri RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Carefree Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Casa del Sol East II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Casa del Sol East III |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Casa del Sol West I |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Casita Verde RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Central Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Countryside RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Denali Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Desert Paradise |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Desert Skies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Desert Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Fairview Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Fiesta Grande RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Foothill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Foothills West RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Golden Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Hacienda De Valencia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Mesa Spirit [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Mesa Verde |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Monte Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Palm Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Paradise [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Sedona Shadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Seyenna Vistas [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Suni Sands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunrise Heights |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunshine Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | The Highlands at Brentwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Meadows [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Valley Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Venture In |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Verde Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Viewpoint |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Westpark |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Whispering Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | AZ |  |  |
State [Member] | Cultus Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | BC |  |  |
State [Member] | California Hawaiian [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Colony Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Concord Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Contempo Marin |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Coralwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Date Palm Country Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Date Palm RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | DeAnza Santa Cruz |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Idyllwild |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Laguna Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Minden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake of the Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Lamplighter |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Las Palmas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Los Ranchos |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Meadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Monte del Lago |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Morgan Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Nicholson Plaza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Oakzanita Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Pacific Dunes Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Palm Springs |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Parque La Quinta |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Pio Pico |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Ponderosa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Quail Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Rancho Mesa |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Rancho Oso |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Rancho Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Royal Holiday |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Royal Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Russian River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | San Benito |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | San Francisco RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Santa Cruz Ranch RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Santiago Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Sea Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Snowflower |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Soledad Canyon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunshadow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Tahoe Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Turtle Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Village of the Four Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Westwinds (4 properties) |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Wilderness Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Yosemite Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CA |  |  |
State [Member] | Bear Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Cimarron |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Golden Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Golden Terrace South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Golden Terrace West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Hillcrest Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Holiday Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Holiday Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Holiday Village I I I [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pueblo Grande |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Woodland Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CO |  |  |
State [Member] | Stonegate Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | CT |  |  |
State [Member] | Aspen Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | DE |  |  |
State [Member] | Camelot Meadows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | DE |  |  |
State [Member] | Mariners Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | DE |  |  |
State [Member] | McNicol |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | DE |  |  |
State [Member] | Sweetbriar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | DE |  |  |
State [Member] | Waterford |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | DE |  |  |
State [Member] | Whispering Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | DE |  |  |
State [Member] | Audubon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Barrington Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Bay Indies |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Bay Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Beacon Hill Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Beacon Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Breezy Hill RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Buccaneer |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Bulow Village RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Bulow Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Carefree Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Carefree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Carriage Cove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Cheron Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Clerbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Clover Leaf Farms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Clover Leaf Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Coachwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Colony Cove [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Coquina Crossing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Coral Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Country Place |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Countryside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Covington Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Crystal Isles |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Crystal Lakes-Zephyrhills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Down Yonder |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | East Bay Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Eldorado Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Emerald Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Featherock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Fiesta Key [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Fort Myers Beach Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Foxwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Glen Ellen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Grand Island |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Gulf Air Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Gulf View |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Hacienda Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Harbor Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Harbor View [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Haselton Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Heritage Plantation |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Heron Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Hidden Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Highland Wood RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Holiday Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Holiday Village II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Indian Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Island Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Kings & Queens |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Fairways |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Haven |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Magic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Worth Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakeland Harbor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakeland Junction |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakes at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakeside Terrace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakewood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Lighthouse Pointe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Manatee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Maralago Cay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Meadows at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Mid-Florida Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Orange Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Oak Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Oaks at Countrywood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Orlando |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Palm Beach Colony |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Park City West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Parkwood Communities |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pasco |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Peace River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pickwick |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pine Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pioneer Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Ramblers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Ridgewood Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Royal Coachman |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Shady Lane Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Shady Lane Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Shangri La |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Sherwood Forest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Sherwood Forest RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Silk Oak |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Silver Dollar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Sixth Ave. |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Southern Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Southernaire [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Space Coast RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Starlight Ranch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunshine Holiday MH |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunshine Holiday RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunshine Key |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunshine Travel |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Tarpon Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Terra Ceia |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | The Heritage |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | The Meadows II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Three Flags RV Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Toby's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Topics |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Tropical Palms |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Tropical Palms II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Vacation Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Vero Palm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Villas at Spanish Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Village Green |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Whispering Pines - Largo |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Windmill Manor |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Windmill Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Winds of St. Armands North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Winds of St. Armands South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Winter Garden |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pine Island Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | FL |  |  |
State [Member] | Coach Royale |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ID |  |  |
State [Member] | Maple Grove |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ID |  |  |
State [Member] | Shenandoah Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ID |  |  |
State [Member] | West Meadow Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ID |  |  |
State [Member] | Golf Vistas Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IL |  |  |
State [Member] | O'Connell's |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pheasant Lake Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IL |  |  |
State [Member] | Pine Country |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IL |  |  |
State [Member] | Willow Lake Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IL |  |  |
State [Member] | Indian Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IN |  |  |
State [Member] | Hoosier Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IN |  |  |
State [Member] | Horseshoe Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IN |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakeside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IN |  |  |
State [Member] | North Glen Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IN |  |  |
State [Member] | Oak Tree Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IN |  |  |
State [Member] | Twin Mills RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | IN |  |  |
State [Member] | Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf Club |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | KY |  |  |
State [Member] | Gateway to Cape Cod |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MA |  |  |
State [Member] | Hillcrest II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MA |  |  |
State [Member] | Old Chatham RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MA |  |  |
State [Member] | Sturbridge |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MA |  |  |
State [Member] | The Glen |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MA |  |  |
State [Member] | Fernwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MD |  |  |
State [Member] | Williams Estates and Peppermint Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MD |  |  |
State [Member] | Moody Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ME |  |  |
State [Member] | Pinehirst RV Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ME |  |  |
State [Member] | Mt. Desert Narrows |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ME |  |  |
State [Member] | Narrows Too |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ME |  |  |
State [Member] | Patton Pond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ME |  |  |
State [Member] | Bear Cave Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MI |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake in the Hills |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MI |  |  |
State [Member] | St Clair |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MI |  |  |
State [Member] | Swan Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MI |  |  |
State [Member] | Cedar Knolls |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MN |  |  |
State [Member] | Cimarron Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MN |  |  |
State [Member] | Rockford Riverview Estates |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MN |  |  |
State [Member] | Rosemount Woods |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | MN |  |  |
State [Member] | Forest Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Goose Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Green Mountain Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Gaston |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Myers RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Scenic |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Twin Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Waterway RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NC |  |  |
State [Member] | Buena Vista |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ND |  |  |
State [Member] | Meadow Park |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | ND |  |  |
State [Member] | Pine Acres Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NH |  |  |
State [Member] | Sandy Beach RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NH |  |  |
State [Member] | Tuxbury Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NH |  |  |
State [Member] | Chestnut Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NJ |  |  |
State [Member] | Echo Farms Campground [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NJ |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake & Shore |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NJ |  |  |
State [Member] | Mays Landing Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NJ |  |  |
State [Member] | Pine Ridge at Crestwood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NJ |  |  |
State [Member] | Sea Pines |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NJ |  |  |
State [Member] | Bonanza |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NV |  |  |
State [Member] | Boulder Cascade |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NV |  |  |
State [Member] | Cabana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NV |  |  |
State [Member] | Flamingo West |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NV |  |  |
State [Member] | Las Vegas |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NV |  |  |
State [Member] | Villa Borega |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NV |  |  |
State [Member] | Alpine Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NY |  |  |
State [Member] | Brennan Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NY |  |  |
State [Member] | Greenwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NY |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake George Escape |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NY |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake George Schroon Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NY |  |  |
State [Member] | Mountain View - NV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NV |  |  |
State [Member] | Rondout Valley Resort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NY |  |  |
State [Member] | The Woodlands |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | NY |  |  |
State [Member] | Kenisee Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OH |  |  |
State [Member] | Wilmington |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OH |  |  |
State [Member] | Bend |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Falcon Wood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Mt. Hood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Pacific City |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Quail Hollow |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Seaside |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Shadowbrook |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | South Jetty |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Whalers Rest |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | OR |  |  |
State [Member] | Appalachian |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Circle M |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Dutch County |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Gettysburg Farm |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Green Acres |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Greenbriar Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Hershey |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Lil Wolf |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Mountain View - PA |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Robin Hill |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Scotrun |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Spring Gulch |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Sun Valley |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Timothy Lake North |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Timothy Lake South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | PA |  |  |
State [Member] | Carolina Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | SC |  |  |
State [Member] | Inlet Oaks |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | SC |  |  |
State [Member] | The Oaks at Point South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | SC |  |  |
State [Member] | Natchez Trace |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TN |  |  |
State [Member] | Cherokee Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TN |  |  |
State [Member] | Bay Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Colorado River |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Country Sunshine |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Fun n Sun RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Conroe |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Tawakoni |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Texoma |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Lake Whitney |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakewood |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Medina Lake |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Paradise Park RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Paradise South |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Southern Comfort |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Sunshine RV |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Tropic Winds |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | Victoria Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |
State [Member] | All Seasons |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | UT |  |  |
State [Member] | St. George |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | UT |  |  |
State [Member] | Westwood Village |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | UT |  |  |
State [Member] | Chesapeake Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | VA |  |  |
State [Member] | Harbor View II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | VA |  |  |
State [Member] | Lynchburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | VA |  |  |
State [Member] | Meadows of Chantilly |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | VA |  |  |
State [Member] | Regency Lakes |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | VA |  |  |
State [Member] | Virginia Landing |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | VA |  |  |
State [Member] | Williamsburg |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | VA |  |  |
State [Member] | Birch Bay |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Chehalis |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Crescent Bar |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Grandy Creek |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Kloshe Illahee |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | La Conner |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Leavenworth |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Little Diamond |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Long Beach |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Mount Vernon |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Oceana |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Paradise II |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Tall Chief |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Thunderbird |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WA |  |  |
State [Member] | Arrowhead |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Blackhawk RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Fremont |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Lakeland RV Resort [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Rainbow Lake Manor [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Neshonoc Lakeside [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Plymouth Rock |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Tranquil Timbers |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Westwood Estates [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Yukon Trails |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | WI |  |  |
State [Member] | Alamo Palms [Member] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Geographical Location of Property | TX |  |  |

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