Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 16,750	$ 15,902	$ 33,827	$ 30,847
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	(127)		(173)
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge		165		554
Total comprehensive income	16,623	16,067	33,654	31,401
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,473)	(3,402)	(7,103)	(5,861)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	13,150	12,665	26,551	25,540
Extinguishment of issuance costs upon redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	(2,328)
Preferred stock dividends	(2,953)	(2,953)	(5,906)	(6,356)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 10,197	$ 9,712	$ 20,645	$ 16,856