Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 13,232	$ 12,480	$ 38,846	$ 45,678
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	(561)	374	(510)	(273)
Total comprehensive income	12,671	12,854	38,336	45,405
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,471)	(2,470)	(7,496)	(9,161)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	10,200	10,384	30,840	36,244
Preferred stock dividends	(3,093)	(3,206)	(9,281)	(9,619)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 7,107	$ 7,178	$ 21,559	$ 26,625