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Document and entity information - shares
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Document Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 20-F  
Document period end date Dec. 31, 2016  
Amendment flag false  
Document Period Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY  
Entity Information [Abstract]    
Current fiscal year end date --12-31  
Entity central index key 0001434754  
Entity current reporting status Yes  
Entity filer category Accelerated Filer  
Entity registrant name SAFE BULKERS, INC.  
Trading symbol SB  
Entity voluntary filers No  
Entity well known seasoned issuer No  
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Entity common stock shares outstanding 99,251,628  
Series B cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred shares    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Entity preferred shares outstanding 1,490,603 1,569,526
Series C cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred shares    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Entity preferred shares outstanding 2,300,000 2,300,000
Series D cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred shares    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Entity preferred shares outstanding 3,200,000 3,200,000