Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 14,385	$ 12,723	$ 46,180	$ 42,344
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	171	431	503	(383)
Total comprehensive income	14,556	13,154	46,683	41,961
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,946)	(2,596)	(9,612)	(8,432)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	11,610	10,558	37,071	33,529
Preferred stock dividends	(3,093)	(3,093)	(9,281)	(9,281)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 8,517	$ 7,465	$ 27,790	$ 24,248