Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 61,649	$ 50,316	$ 64,196
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge	0	0	93
Total comprehensive income	61,649	50,316	64,289
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(13,260)	(9,934)	(12,561)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	48,389	40,382	51,728
Preferred stock dividends	(11,194)	(11,194)	(12,235)
Extinguishment of issuance costs upon redemption of preferred shares	0	0	(3,235)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 37,195	$ 29,188	$ 36,258