Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 65,392	$ 61,649	$ 50,316
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized gain on cash flow hedge	3,962	0	0
Total comprehensive income	69,354	61,649	50,316
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16,308)	(13,260)	(9,934)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	53,046	48,389	40,382
Preferred stock dividends	(11,194)	(11,194)	(11,194)
Total comprehensive income available to common stockholders	$ 41,852	$ 37,195	$ 29,188