Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 14,421	$ 13,247	$ 31,795	$ 29,621
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	55	(126)	332	(814)
Total comprehensive income	14,476	13,121	32,127	28,807
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,925)	(2,587)	(6,666)	(5,836)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	11,551	10,534	25,461	22,971
Preferred stock dividends	(3,094)	(3,094)	(6,188)	(6,188)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 8,457	$ 7,440	$ 19,273	$ 16,783