Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 11,603	$ 15,328	$ 38,640	$ 49,155
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	0	55	0	(118)
Total comprehensive income	11,603	15,383	38,640	49,037
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,236)	(3,117)	(7,681)	(10,220)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	9,367	12,266	30,959	38,817
Preferred stock dividends	(2,798)	(3,210)	(8,394)	(9,116)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 6,569	$ 9,056	$ 22,565	$ 29,701