Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 15,328	$ 16,702	$ 49,155	$ 47,550
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	55		(118)
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge		173		727
Total comprehensive income	15,383	16,875	49,037	48,277
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,117)	(3,592)	(10,220)	(9,453)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	12,266	13,283	38,817	38,824
Extinguishment of issuance costs upon redemption of preferred shares	0	0	0	(2,328)
Preferred stock dividends	(3,210)	(2,953)	(9,116)	(9,309)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 9,056	$ 10,330	$ 29,701	$ 27,187