Equity and Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Equity and Noncontrolling Interest	EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST The Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 reflect noncontrolling interest of $12.5 million, $12.4 million, and $11.4 million, respectively, representing the Saul Organization’s share of the net income for the year. On January 23, 2018, Saul Centers sold, in an underwritten public offering, 3.0 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of 6.125% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series D Stock"), providing net cash proceeds of approximately $72.6 million. The depositary shares may be redeemed at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, on or after January 23, 2023, at the $25.00 liquidation preference, plus accrued but unpaid dividends to but not including the redemption date. The depositary shares pay an annual dividend of $1.53125 per share, equivalent to 6.125% of the $25.00 liquidation preference. The Series D Stock has no stated maturity, is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and is not convertible into any other securities of the Company except in connection with certain changes in control or delisting events. Investors in the depositary shares generally have no voting rights, but will have limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarters (whether or not declared or consecutive) and in certain other events. On February 22, 2018, the proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem 3.0 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of the Company’s 6.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series C Stock”). Costs associated with the redemption were charged against Net income available to common stockholders. At December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding, 4.2 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of Series C Stock. The depositary shares are redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, at the $25.00 liquidation preference plus accrued but unpaid dividends. The depositary shares pay an annual dividend of $1.71875 per share, equivalent to 6.875% of the $25.00 liquidation preference. The Series C Stock has no stated maturity, is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and is not convertible into any other securities of the Company except in connection with certain changes of control or delisting events. Investors in the depositary shares generally have no voting rights, but will have limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarters (whether or not declared or consecutive) and in certain other events.

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

The Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 reflect noncontrolling interest of $12.5 million, $12.4 million, and $11.4 million, respectively, representing the Saul Organization’s share of the net income for the year.

On January 23, 2018, Saul Centers sold, in an underwritten public offering, 3.0 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of 6.125% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series D Stock"), providing net cash proceeds of approximately $72.6 million. The depositary shares may be redeemed at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, on or after January 23, 2023, at the $25.00 liquidation preference, plus accrued but unpaid dividends to but not including the redemption date. The depositary shares pay an annual dividend of $1.53125 per share, equivalent to 6.125% of the $25.00 liquidation preference. The Series D Stock has no stated maturity, is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and is not convertible into any other securities of the Company except in connection with certain changes in control or delisting events. Investors in the depositary shares generally have no voting rights, but will have limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarters (whether or not declared or consecutive) and in certain other events. On February 22, 2018, the proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem 3.0 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of the Company’s 6.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series C Stock”). Costs associated with the redemption were charged against Net income available to common stockholders.

At December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding, 4.2 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of Series C Stock. The depositary shares are redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, at the $25.00 liquidation preference plus accrued but unpaid dividends. The depositary shares pay an annual dividend of $1.71875 per share, equivalent to 6.875% of the $25.00 liquidation preference. The Series C Stock has no stated maturity, is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and is not convertible into any other securities of the Company except in connection with certain changes of control or delisting events. Investors in the depositary shares generally have no voting rights, but will have limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarters (whether or not declared or consecutive) and in certain other events.