Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,374	$ 16,374
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	277	(688)
Total comprehensive income	17,651	15,686
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,741)	(3,249)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	13,910	12,437
Preferred stock dividends	(3,094)	(3,094)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 10,816	$ 9,343