Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 10,208	$ 16,750	$ 27,037	$ 33,827
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	0	(127)	0	(173)
Total comprehensive income	10,208	16,623	27,037	33,654
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,880)	(3,473)	(5,445)	(7,103)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	8,328	13,150	21,592	26,551
Preferred stock dividends	(2,798)	(2,953)	(5,596)	(5,906)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 5,530	$ 10,197	$ 15,996	$ 20,645