Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 60,668	$ 56,720	$ 52,931
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge	812	678	124
Total comprehensive income	61,480	57,398	53,055
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12,620)	(11,616)	(10,495)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	48,860	45,782	42,560
Preferred dividends	(12,375)	(12,375)	(12,375)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 36,485	$ 33,407	$ 30,185