Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 20,487	$ 7,762	$ 33,198	$ 11,160
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	(420)	1,763	(647)	2,264
Total comprehensive income	20,067	9,525	32,551	13,424
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,325)	(1,617)	(6,691)	(159)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	15,742	7,908	25,860	13,265
Preferred stock redemption	0	0	0	(5,228)
Preferred stock dividends	(3,207)	(3,207)	(6,413)	(7,571)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 12,535	$ 4,701	$ 19,447	$ 466