Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,077	$ 14,947
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	(46)
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge		389
Total comprehensive income	17,031	15,336
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,618)	(2,459)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	13,413	12,877
Extinguishment of issuance costs upon redemption of preferred shares	0	(2,328)
Preferred stock dividends	(2,953)	(3,403)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 10,460	$ 7,146