Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 64,196	$ 63,059	$ 60,668
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge	93
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge		594	812
Total comprehensive income	64,289	63,653	61,480
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12,561)	(12,658)	(12,620)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	51,728	50,995	48,860
Preferred stock dividends	(12,235)	(12,262)	(12,375)
Extinguishment of issuance costs upon redemption of preferred shares	(3,235)	(2,328)	0
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 36,258	$ 36,405	$ 36,485