Saul Centers (BFS) 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SAUL CENTERS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000907254	'
Trading Symbol	'BFS	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	20.5

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate investments	'	'
Land	$353,958	$353,890
Buildings and equipment	1,122,786	1,109,911
Construction in progress	7,232	2,267
Real estate investments	1,483,976	1,466,068
Accumulated depreciation	-386,839	-353,305
Real estate investments, net	1,097,137	1,112,763
Cash and cash equivalents	11,696	12,133
Accounts receivable and accrued income, net	44,528	41,406
Deferred leasing costs, net	25,673	26,102
Prepaid expenses, net	7,439	3,895
Deferred debt costs, net	8,244	7,713
Other assets	4,455	3,297
Total assets	1,199,172	1,207,309
Liabilities	'	'
Mortgage notes payable	825,420	789,776
Revolving credit facility payable	0	38,000
Dividends and distributions payable	13,082	13,490
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	21,999	27,434
Deferred income	30,072	31,320
Total liabilities	890,573	900,020
Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 20,517,281 and 20,045,452 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	205	201
Additional paid-in capital	267,727	246,557
Accumulated deficit	-171,843	-154,830
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,873	-3,553
Total Saul Centers, Inc. stockholders’ equity	274,216	267,703
Noncontrolling interest	34,383	39,586
Total stockholders’ equity	308,599	307,289
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,199,172	1,207,309
Series A Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized:	'	'
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock	40,000	100,000
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized:	'	'
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock	'	79,328
Series C Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized:	'	'
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock	$140,000	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	20,517,281	20,045,452
Common stock, shares outstanding	20,517,281	20,045,452
Series A Preferred Stock	'	'
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock, shares issued	16,000	40,000
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock, shares outstanding	16,000	40,000
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock, shares issued	'	31,731
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	31,731
Series C Preferred Stock	'	'
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock, shares issued	56,000	'
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred stock, shares outstanding	56,000	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue	'	'	'	'
Base rent	$40,110	$38,334	$119,403	$113,862
Expense recoveries	7,848	7,564	22,925	22,706
Percentage rent	215	250	1,153	1,109
Other	1,583	1,297	4,270	4,129
Total revenue	49,756	47,445	147,751	141,806
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating expenses	6,106	5,877	18,096	17,532
Provision for credit losses	191	168	740	761
Real estate taxes	5,610	5,535	16,806	16,897
Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	11,738	12,322	35,164	37,609
Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	10,492	10,237	39,316	29,744
General and administrative	3,501	3,272	10,830	10,303
Predevelopment expenses	60	1,870	3,642	1,870
Total operating expenses	37,698	39,281	124,594	114,716
Operating income	12,058	8,164	23,157	27,090
Acquisition related costs	-99	0	-99	0
Change in fair value of derivatives	46	17	107	-2
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	-497	0	-497	0
Gain on sale of property	0	1,057	0	1,057
Gain on casualty settlement	0	219	0	219
Income from continuing operations	11,508	9,457	22,668	28,364
Discontinued operations	0	-53	0	-45
Net Income	11,508	9,404	22,668	28,319
Noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,110	-1,456	-1,692	-4,428
Net income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	9,398	7,948	20,976	23,891
Preferred stock redemption	0	0	-5,228	0
Preferred stock dividends	-3,206	-3,785	-10,777	-11,355
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$6,192	$4,163	$4,971	$12,536
Basic and diluted:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	$0.30	$0.21	$0.24	$0.64
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0
Net income attributable to common stockholders (in usd per share)	$0.30	$0.21	$0.24	$0.64
Dividends declared per common share outstanding (in usd per share)	$0.36	$0.36	$1.08	$1.08

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$11,508	$9,404	$22,668	$28,319
Other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	-12	-321	2,252	-1,231
Total comprehensive income	11,496	9,083	24,920	27,088
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,105	-1,363	-2,264	-4,107
Total comprehensive income attributable to Saul Centers, Inc.	9,391	7,720	22,656	22,981
Preferred stock redemption	0	0	-5,228	0
Preferred stock dividends	-3,206	-3,785	-10,777	-11,355
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$6,185	$3,935	$6,651	$11,626

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)

Total

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Dividend Paid

Dividend Paid

Dividend Paid

Dividend Declared

Dividend Declared

Dividend Declared

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Deficit

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Total Saul Centers, Inc.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Dividend Paid

Dividend Paid

Dividend Paid

Dividend Declared

Dividend Declared

Dividend Declared

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Dividend Paid

Dividend Paid

Dividend Paid

Dividend Declared

Dividend Declared

Dividend Declared

Dividend Declared

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

$307,289

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$179,328

'

'

'

$201

$246,557

'

'

'

($154,830)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($3,553)

$267,703

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$39,586

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of 56,000 shares of Series C Cumulative preferred stock

'

135,221

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

140,000

'

'

'

'

-4,779

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

135,221

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of Cumulative preferred stock

'

'

-60,004

-79,333

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-60,000

-79,328

'

'

'

2,212

3,007

'

-2,216

-3,012

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-60,004

-79,333

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of 471,829 shares of common stock:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

426,326 shares pursuant to dividend reinvestment plan

18,421

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

18,417

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,421

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45,503 shares due to exercise of employee stock options and issuance of directors’ deferred stock

2,313

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,313

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,313

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

22,668

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,976

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,976

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,692

'

Change in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge

2,252

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,680

1,680

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

572

'

Preferred stock distributions:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock distributions

'

'

'

'

-3,689

-2,413

-1,468

'

-2,406

-800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,689

-2,413

-1,468

'

-2,406

-800

'

'

'

'

'

-3,689

-2,413

-1,468

'

-2,406

-800

'

'

Common stock distributions

-19,577

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-14,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-14,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,978

'

Distributions payable preferred stock:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions payable common stock ($0.36/share) and distributions payable partnership units ($0.36/unit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,875

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,386

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,386

'

'

'

-2,489

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

$308,599

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$180,000

'

'

'

$205

$267,727

'

'

'

($171,843)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,873)

$274,216

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$34,383

'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Issuance of common stock, shares	471,829
Pursuant to dividend reinvestment plan, shares	426,326
Exercise of employee stock options and issuance of directors' deferred stock, shares	45,503
Distributions payable common stock, per share (in usd per share)	$1.08
Series C Preferred Stock	'
Issuances of cumulative preferred stock, shares	56,000
Series A Preferred Stock	'
Redemption of Cumulative preferred stock, shares	24,000
Series B Preferred Stock	'
Redemption of Cumulative preferred stock, shares	31,731
Dividend Declared	'
Distributions payable common stock, per share (in usd per share)	$0.36
Distributions partnership units, per unit (in usd per unit)	$0.36
Dividend Declared | Series C Preferred Stock	'
Preferred stock, per share (in usd per share)	$42.97
Dividend Declared | Series A Preferred Stock	'
Preferred stock, per share (in usd per share)	$50

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$22,668	$28,319
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	-107	2
Gain on sale of property	0	-1,057
Gain on casualty settlement	0	-219
Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	39,316	29,816
Amortization of deferred debt costs	934	1,181
Non cash compensation costs of stock grants and options	935	802
Provision for credit losses	740	761
Decrease in accounts receivable and accrued income	-3,862	-3,110
Additions to deferred leasing costs	-4,560	-3,826
Decrease in prepaid expenses	-3,544	-2,499
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-1,158	7,764
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-1,670	1,975
Decrease in deferred income	-1,248	-953
Net cash provided by operating activities	48,444	58,956
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of real estate investment	-4,250	0
Additions to real estate investments	-10,303	-8,410
Additions to development and redevelopment projects	-5,554	-4,853
Proceeds from sale of property	0	1,888
Proceeds from casualty settlement	0	1,702
Net cash used in investing activities	-20,107	-9,673
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable	101,600	83,500
Repayments on mortgage notes payable	-65,956	-79,408
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	142,000	0
Repayments on revolving credit facility	-180,000	-8,000
Additions to deferred debt costs	-1,465	-2,197
Proceeds from the issuance of:	'	'
Common stock	19,800	17,833
Preferred stock redemption costs	-9	0
Distributions to:	'	'
Common stockholders	-21,815	-21,014
Noncontrolling interest	-7,467	-7,467
Net cash used in financing activities	-28,774	-28,108
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-437	21,175
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	12,133	12,323
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	11,696	33,498
Series C Preferred Stock	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of:	'	'
Series C preferred stock	135,221	0
Distributions to:	'	'
Preferred stockholders	-3,689	0
Series A Preferred Stock	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of:	'	'
Preferred stock redemption payments	-60,000	0
Distributions to:	'	'
Preferred stockholders	-4,413	-6,000
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of:	'	'
Preferred stock redemption payments	-79,328	0
Distributions to:	'	'
Preferred stockholders	($3,253)	($5,355)

Organization_Formation_and_Str

Organization, Formation and Structure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization, Formation and Structure	'
	Organization, Formation and Structure
	Saul Centers, Inc. (“Saul Centers”) was incorporated under the Maryland General Corporation Law on June 10, 1993, and operates as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company is required to annually distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (excluding net capital gains) to its stockholders and meet certain organizational and other requirements. Saul Centers has made and intends to continue to make regular quarterly distributions to its stockholders. Saul Centers, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the limited partnerships of which Saul Centers or one of its subsidiaries is the sole general partner, are referred to collectively as the “Company.” B. Francis Saul II serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Saul Centers.
	Saul Centers was formed to continue and expand the shopping center business previously owned and conducted by the B. F. Saul Real Estate Investment Trust, the B. F. Saul Company and certain other affiliated entities, each of which is controlled by B. Francis Saul II and his family members (collectively, the “Saul Organization”). On August 26, 1993, members of the Saul Organization transferred to Saul Holdings Limited Partnership, a newly formed Maryland limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), and two newly formed subsidiary limited partnerships (the “Subsidiary Partnerships,” and, collectively with the Operating Partnership, the “Partnerships”), shopping center and mixed-use properties and the management functions related to the transferred properties. Since its formation, the Company has developed and purchased additional properties.
	The following table lists the properties acquired and disposed of by the Company since December 31, 2011 (no projects have been developed since 2011).
	Name of Property	Location	Type	Year of Acquisition/ Disposition
	Acquisitions
	1500 Rockville Pike	Rockville, Maryland	Shopping Center	2012
	5541 Nicholson Lane	Rockville, Maryland	Shopping Center	2012
	Dispositions
	West Park	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	Shopping Center	2012
	Belvedere	Baltimore, Maryland	Shopping Center	2012
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s properties (the “Current Portfolio Properties”) consisted of 50 operating shopping center properties (the “Shopping Centers”), six mixed-use properties which are comprised of office, retail and multi-family residential uses (the “Mixed-Use Properties”) and three (non-operating) development properties.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	The Company, which conducts all of its activities through its subsidiaries, the Operating Partnership and Subsidiary Partnerships, engages in the ownership, operation, management, leasing, acquisition, renovation, expansion, development and financing of community and neighborhood shopping centers and mixed-use properties, primarily in the Washington, DC/Baltimore metropolitan area.
	Because the properties are located primarily in the Washington, DC/Baltimore metropolitan area, the Company is subject to a concentration of credit risk related to these properties. A majority of the Shopping Centers are anchored by one or more major tenants. As of September 30, 2013, 33 of the Shopping Centers were anchored by a grocery store and offer primarily day-to-day necessities and services. Two retail tenants individually accounted for more than 2.5% of the Company’s total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Giant Food, a tenant at ten Shopping Centers, and Safeway, a tenant at eight Shopping Centers, individually accounted for 4.8% and 2.6%, respectively.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Saul Centers and its subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership and Subsidiary Partnerships, which are majority owned by Saul Centers. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations of Saul Centers, Inc. for the interim periods have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Saul Centers, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Accounts Receivable, Accrued Income and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable primarily represent amounts currently due from tenants in accordance with the terms of the respective leases. Receivables are reviewed monthly and reserves are established with a charge to current period operations when, in the opinion of management, collection of the receivable is doubtful. Accounts receivable in the accompanying financial statements are shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $1.1 million and $1.2 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	In addition to rents due currently, accounts receivable includes approximately $36.5 million and $34.4 million, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, net of allowance for doubtful accounts totaling $463,000 and $220,000, respectively, representing minimum rental income accrued on a straight-line basis to be paid by tenants over the remaining term of their respective leases.
	Assets Held for Sale
	The Company considers properties to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
	•	management commits to a plan to sell a property;
	•	it is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
	•	the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
	•	actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated;
	•	sale of the property is probable and the Company expects the completed sale will occur within one year; and
	•	the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value.
	Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company records the carrying value of each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and ceases depreciation. As of September 30, 2013, no properties were classified as held for sale.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments. Short-term investments include money market accounts and other investments which generally mature within three months, measured from the acquisition date, and/or are readily convertible to cash.
	Construction In Progress
	Construction in progress includes land, preconstruction and development costs of active projects. Preconstruction costs include legal, zoning and permitting costs and other project carrying costs incurred prior to the commencement of construction. Development costs include direct construction costs and indirect costs incurred subsequent to the start of construction such as architectural, engineering, construction management and carrying costs consisting of interest, real estate taxes and insurance. Construction in progress totaled $7.2 million ($5.5 million of which is related to the redevelopment of Van Ness Square), and $2.3 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Deferred Debt Costs
	Deferred debt costs consist of fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing, construction financing and the revolving line of credit. These fees and costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective loans or agreements, which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred debt costs totaled $8.2 million and $7.7 million, net of accumulated amortization of $4.2 million and $3.8 million, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Deferred Income
	Deferred income consists of payments received from tenants prior to the time they are earned and recognized by the Company as revenue, including tenant prepayment of rent for future periods, real estate taxes when the taxing jurisdiction has a fiscal year differing from the calendar year, reimbursements specified in the lease agreement and tenant construction work provided by the Company. In addition, deferred income includes the fair value of certain below market leases.
	Deferred Leasing Costs
	Deferred leasing costs consist of commissions paid to third-party leasing agents, internal direct costs such as employee compensation and payroll-related fringe benefits directly related to time spent performing leasing-related activities for successful commercial leases and amounts attributed to in-place leases associated with acquired properties. Leasing related activities include evaluating the prospective tenant’s financial condition, evaluating and recording guarantees, collateral and other security arrangements, negotiating lease terms, preparing lease documents and closing the transaction. Unamortized deferred costs are charged to expense if the applicable lease is terminated prior to expiration of the initial lease term. Deferred leasing costs are amortized over the term of the lease or remaining term of acquired leases. Collectively, deferred leasing costs totaled $25.7 million and $26.1 million, net of accumulated amortization of $17.7 million and $16.2 million, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Amortization expense, included in depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs in the consolidated statements of operations, totaled $5.0 million and $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company may, when appropriate, employ derivative instruments, such as interest-rate swaps, to mitigate the risk of interest rate fluctuations. The Company does not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. For those derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as hedging instruments, the Company designates the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. For those derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge instruments is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings within the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument is immediately recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments that do not qualify, or that qualify and are not designated, as hedging instruments, changes in fair value are immediately recognized in earnings.
	Derivative financial instruments expose us to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties under the terms of the derivative instrument. The Company minimizes its credit risk on these transactions by dealing with major, creditworthy financial institutions as determined by management, and therefore, it believes that the likelihood of realizing losses from counterparty non-performance is remote.
	Income Taxes
	The Company made an election to be treated, and intends to continue operating so as to qualify, as a REIT under the Code, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1993. A REIT generally will not be subject to federal income taxation, provided that distributions to its stockholders equal or exceed its REIT taxable income and it complies with certain other requirements. Therefore, no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	Legal Contingencies
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, which are generally covered by insurance. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations. Upon determination that a loss is probable to occur and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated amount of the loss is recorded in the financial statements. Both the amount of the loss and the point at which its occurrence is considered probable can be difficult to determine.
	Predevelopment Expenses
	Predevelopment expenses represent certain costs incurred by the Company in connection with active development and redevelopment projects and include, for example, costs related to the early termination of tenant leases and demolition of existing structures.
	Real Estate Investment Properties
	The Company purchases real estate investment properties from time to time and records assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including land, buildings, and intangibles related to in-place leases and customer relationships, based on their fair values. The fair value of buildings generally is determined as if the buildings were vacant upon acquisition and subsequently leased at market rental rates and considers the present value of all cash flows expected to be generated by the property including an initial lease up period. From time to time the Company may purchase a property for future development purposes. The Company determines the fair value of above and below market intangibles associated with in-place leases by assessing the net effective rent and remaining term of the lease relative to market terms for similar leases at acquisition taking into consideration the remaining contractual lease period, renewal periods, and the likelihood of the tenant exercising its renewal options. The fair value of a below market lease component is recorded as deferred income and accreted as additional revenue over the remaining contractual lease period and any renewal option periods included in the valuation analysis. The fair value of above market lease intangibles is recorded as a deferred asset and is amortized as a reduction of revenue over the remaining contractual lease term. The Company determines the fair value of at-market in-place leases considering the cost of acquiring similar leases, the foregone rents associated with the lease-up period and carrying costs associated with the lease-up period. Intangible assets associated with at-market in-place leases are amortized as additional expense over the remaining contractual lease term. To the extent customer relationship intangibles are present in an acquisition, the fair values of the intangibles are amortized over the lives of the customer relationships. The Company has never recorded a customer relationship intangible asset. Acquisition-related transaction costs are charged to expense as incurred and reported as acquisition related costs in the consolidated statements of operations.
	If there is an event or change in circumstance that indicates a potential impairment in the value of a real estate investment property, the Company prepares an analysis to determine whether the carrying value of the real estate investment property exceeds its estimated fair value. The Company considers both quantitative and qualitative factors including recurring operating losses, significant decreases in occupancy, and significant adverse changes in legal factors and business climate. If impairment indicators are present, the Company compares the projected cash flows of the property over its remaining useful life, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of that property. The Company assesses its undiscounted projected cash flows based upon estimated capitalization rates, historic operating results and market conditions that may affect the property. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted projected cash flows, the Company would recognize an impairment loss equivalent to an amount required to adjust the carrying amount to its then estimated fair value. The value of any property is sensitive to the actual results of any of the aforementioned estimated factors, either individually or taken as a whole. Should the actual results differ from management’s projections, the valuation could be negatively or positively affected. The Company did not recognize an impairment loss on any of its real estate during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Interest, real estate taxes, development-related salary costs and other carrying costs are capitalized on projects under development and construction. Upon substantial completion of construction and the placement of the assets into service, rental income, real estate tax expense, property operating expenses (consisting of payroll, repairs and maintenance, utilities, insurance and other property related expenses) and depreciation are included in current operations and capitalization of interest ceases. Property operating expenses are charged to operations as incurred. Interest capitalized totaled $92,600 and $18,600 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Commercial development projects are considered substantially complete and available for occupancy upon completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from the cessation of major construction activity. Multi-family residential development projects are considered substantially complete and available for occupancy upon receipt of the certificate of occupancy from the appropriate licensing authority. Substantially completed portions of a project are accounted for as separate projects.
	Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives of generally between 35 and 50 years for base buildings, or a shorter period if management determines that the building has a shorter useful life, and up to 20 years for certain other improvements that extend the useful lives. Leasehold improvement expenditures are capitalized when certain criteria are met, including when the Company supervises construction and will own the improvements. Tenant improvements are amortized, over the shorter of the lives of the related leases or the useful life of the improvements, using the straight-line method. Depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations totaled $34.3 million and $25.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The $8.8 million increase was primarily due to $8.0 million of additional depreciation expense on the building at Van Ness Square as a result of the reduction of its estimated remaining useful life to four months effective January 1, 2013. Repairs and maintenance expense totaled $7.5 million and $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in property operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Revenue Recognition
	Rental and interest income are accrued as earned except when doubt exists as to collectability, in which case the accrual is discontinued. Recognition of rental income commences when control of the space has been given to the tenant. When rental payments due under leases vary from a straight-line basis because of free rent periods or scheduled rent increases, income is recognized on a straight-line basis. Expense recoveries represent a portion of property operating expenses billed to tenants, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs and are recognized in the period when the expenses are incurred. Rental income based on a tenant’s revenue (“percentage rent”) is accrued when a tenant reports sales that exceed a specified breakpoint, pursuant to the terms of their respective leases.
	Stock-based Employee Compensation, Stock Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors
	The Company uses the fair value method to value and account for employee stock options. The fair value of options granted is determined at the time of each award using the Black-Scholes model, a widely used method for valuing stock-based employee compensation, and the following assumptions: (1) Expected Volatility determined using the most recent trading history of the Company’s common stock (month-end closing prices) corresponding to the average expected term of the options; (2) Average Expected Term of the options is based on prior exercise history, scheduled vesting and the expiration date; (3) Expected Dividend Yield determined by management after considering the Company’s current and historic dividend yield rates, the Company’s yield in relation to other retail REITs and the Company’s market yield at the grant date; and (4) a Risk-free Interest Rate based upon the market yields of US Treasury obligations with maturities corresponding to the average expected term of the options at the grant date. The Company amortizes the value of options granted ratably over the vesting period and includes the amounts as compensation in general and administrative expenses.
	The Company has a stock plan, which was originally approved in 2004, amended in 2008 and 2013 and which expires in 2023, for the purpose of attracting and retaining executive officers, directors and other key personnel (the “Stock Plan”). Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee established a Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors for the benefit of its directors and their beneficiaries, which replaced a previous Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors. A director may make an annual election to defer all or part of his or her director’s fees and has the option to have the fees paid in cash, in shares of common stock or in a combination of cash and shares of common stock upon termination from the Board. If the director elects to have fees paid in stock, fees earned during a calendar quarter are aggregated and divided by the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day of the following quarter to determine the number of shares to be credited to the director. As of September 30, 2013, 224,596 shares had been credited to the directors’ deferred fee accounts.
	The Compensation Committee has also approved an annual award of shares of the Company’s common stock as additional compensation to each director serving on the Board of Directors as of the record date for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The shares are awarded as of each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and their issuance may not be deferred.
	Noncontrolling Interest
	Saul Centers is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, owning a 74.8% common interest as of September 30, 2013. Noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership is comprised of limited partnership units owned by The Saul Organization. Noncontrolling interest reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is increased for earnings allocated to limited partnership interests and distributions reinvested in additional units, and is decreased for limited partner distributions. Noncontrolling interest reflected on the consolidated statements of operations represents earnings allocated to limited partnership interests.
	Per Share Data
	Per share data for net income (basic and diluted) is computed using weighted average shares of common stock. Convertible limited partnership units and employee stock options are the Company’s potentially dilutive securities. For all periods presented, the convertible limited partnership units are non-dilutive. Certain options are dilutive because the average share price of the Company’s common stock exceeded the exercise prices. The treasury stock method was used to measure the effect of the dilution. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 92,500 and 25,000 stock options issued in 2007 and 2008, respectively, are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from this measurement.
	Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
	(In thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-Basic	20,452	19,721	20,300	19,561
	Effect of dilutive options	33	63	29	51
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-Diluted	20,485	19,784	20,329	19,612
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the presentation used for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-2, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-2”). ASU 2013-2 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. Instead, it requires that information be provided about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, it requires presentation either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required to be classified in the entirety to net income, a cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts is required. ASU 2013-2 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2013 and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Real_Estate_Acquired_and_Sold

Real Estate Acquired and Sold	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Acquired and Sold	'
	Real Estate Acquired and Sold
	1500 Rockville Pike
	In December 2012, the Company purchased for $22.4 million 1500 Rockville Pike, a retail property located in Rockville, Maryland, and incurred acquisition costs of $0.6 million.
	5541 Nicholson Lane
	In December 2012, the Company purchased for $11.7 million 5541 Nicholson Lane, a retail property located in Rockville, Maryland, and incurred acquisition costs of $0.5 million.
	Kentlands pad
	In August 2013, the Company purchased for $4.3 million, a retail pad with a 7,100 square foot restaurant located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, which is contiguous with and an expansion of the Company's other Kentlands assets, and incurred acquisition costs of $99,000.
	West Park
	In July 2012, the Company sold for $2.0 million the 77,000 square foot West Park shopping center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and recorded a $1.1 million gain.
	Belvedere
	In December 2012, the Company sold for $4.0 million, the 54,900 square foot Belvedere shopping center in Baltimore, Maryland and recorded a $3.4 million gain.

Noncontrolling_Interest_Holder

Noncontrolling Interest - Holders of Convertible Limited Partnership Units in the Operating Partnership	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interest - Holders of Convertible Limited Partnership Units in the Operating Partnership	'
	Noncontrolling Interest - Holders of Convertible Limited Partnership Units in the Operating Partnership
	As of September 30, 2013, the Saul Organization holds a 25.2% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership represented by approximately 6.9 million convertible limited partnership units. These units are convertible into shares of Saul Centers’ common stock, at the option of the unit holder, on a one-for-one basis provided that, in accordance with the Saul Centers, Inc. Articles of Incorporation, the rights may not be exercised at any time that the Saul Organization beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate more than 39.9% of the value of the outstanding common stock and preferred stock of Saul Centers (the “Equity Securities”). As of September 30, 2013, approximately 875,000 units were convertible into shares of Saul Centers common stock.
	The impact of the Saul Organization’s approximately 25.2% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership is reflected as Noncontrolling Interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Fully converted partnership units and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, were approximately 27.4 million and 26.7 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were approximately 27.2 million and 26.5 million, respectively.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Revolvi

Mortgage Notes Payable, Revolving Credit Facility, Interest and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Notes Payable, Revolving Credit Facility, Interest and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs	'
	Mortgage Notes Payable, Revolving Credit Facility, Interest and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs
	The Company’s outstanding debt totaled approximately $825.4 million at September 30, 2013, of which approximately $795.1 million was fixed-rate debt and approximately $30.3 million was variable rate debt. The carrying value of the properties collateralizing the mortgage notes payable totaled $909.2 million as of September 30, 2013.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had a $175.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, which can be used for working capital, property acquisitions, development projects or letters of credit. The revolving credit facility matures on May 20, 2016, and may be extended by the Company for one additional year subject to the Company’s satisfaction of certain conditions. Saul Centers and certain consolidated subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership have guaranteed the payment obligations of the Operating Partnership under the revolving credit facility. Letters of credit may be issued under the revolving credit facility. On September 30, 2013, based on the value of the Company’s unencumbered properties, approximately $168.4 million was available under the line, no borrowings were outstanding and approximately $628,000 was committed for letters of credit. The interest rate under the facility is variable and equals the sum of one-month LIBOR and a margin that is based on the Company’s leverage ratio, and which can range from 160 basis points to 250 basis points. As of September 30, 2013, the margin was 160 basis points.
	Saul Centers is a guarantor of the revolving credit facility, of which the Operating Partnership is the borrower. Saul Centers is also the guarantor of 50% of each of the Northrock bank loan (approximately $7.4 million of the $14.9 million outstanding at September 30, 2013) and the Metro Pike Center bank loan (approximately $7.7 million of the $15.5 million outstanding at September 30, 2013). The fixed-rate notes payable are all non-recourse debt except for $27.6 million of the Clarendon Center mortgage, which will be eliminated upon the achievement of certain leasing and debt service covenants which are guaranteed by Saul Centers.
	On February 27, 2013, the Company closed on a three-year$15.6 million mortgage loan secured by Metro Pike Center. The loan matures in 2016, bears interest at a variable rate equal to the sum of one-month LIBOR and 165 basis points, requires monthly principal and interest payments based on a 25-year amortization schedule and requires a final payment of $14.7 million at maturity. The loan may be extended for up to two years. Proceeds were used to pay-off the $15.9 million remaining balance of existing debt secured by Metro Pike Center, and to extinguish the related swap agreement, both of which were scheduled to mature in June 2013.
	On February 27, 2013, the Company closed on a three-year $15.0 million mortgage loan secured by Northrock. The loan matures in 2016, bears interest at a variable rate equal to the sum of one-month LIBOR and 165 basis points, requires monthly principal and interest payments based on a 25-year amortization schedule and requires a final payment of $14.2 million at maturity. The loan may be extended for up to two years. Proceeds were used to pay-off the $15.0 million remaining balance of existing debt secured by Northrock, which was scheduled to mature in May 2013.
	On March 19, 2013, the Company closed on a 15-year, non-recourse $18.0 million mortgage loan secured by Hampshire Langley. The loan matures in 2028, bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.04%, requires monthly principal and interest payments totaling $95,400 based on a 25-year amortization schedule and requires a final payment of $9.5 million at maturity.
	On April 10, 2013, the Company paid in full the $6.9 million remaining balance on the mortgage loan secured by Cruse Marketplace.
	On May 28, 2013, the Company closed on a 15-year, non-recourse $35.0 million mortgage loan secured by Beacon Center. The loan matures in 2028, bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.51%, requires monthly principal and interest payments totaling $203,200 based on a 20-year amortization schedule and requires a final payment of $11.3 million at maturity.
	On September 4, 2013, the Company closed on a 15-year, non-recourse $18.0 million mortgage loan secured by Seabreeze Plaza. The loan matures in 2028, bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.99%, requires monthly principal and interest payments totaling $94,900 based on a 25-year amortization schedule and requires a final payment of $9.5 million at maturity. Proceeds were used to pay off the $13.5 million remaining balance of existing debt secured by Seabreeze Plaza which was scheduled to mature in May 2014 and $468,000 of related early extinguishment costs.
	At December 31, 2012, the Company’s outstanding debt totaled approximately $827.8 million, of which $774.8 million was fixed rate debt and $53.0 million was variable rate debt, including $38.0 million outstanding on the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility. The carrying value of the properties collateralizing the mortgage notes payable totaled $916.1 million as of December 31, 2012.
	At September 30, 2013, the scheduled maturities of debt, including scheduled principal amortization, for years ending December 31, were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Balloon			Scheduled			Total
		Payments			Principal
					Amortization
	October 1 through December 31, 2013	$	—		$	5,353		$	5,353
	2014	—			22,190			22,190
	2015	15,077			23,008			38,085
	2016	28,931			23,444			52,375
	2017	—			24,681			24,681
	2018	27,872			24,696			52,568
	Thereafter	475,267			154,901			630,168
		$	547,147		$	278,273		$	825,420
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest incurred	$	11,488		$	12,057		$	34,323		$	36,449
	Amortization of deferred debt costs	309			280			934			1,179
	Capitalized interest	(59		)	(15		)	(93		)	(19		)
		$	11,738		$	12,322		$	35,164		$	37,609

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interest	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interest
	The consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 reflect noncontrolling interest of $1.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively, representing the Saul Organization’s share of net income for each period.
	In March 2013, the Company redeemed 60% of its then-outstanding 8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series A Stock”) and all of its 9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. Costs associated with the redemptions were charged against accumulated deficit.
	The Company has outstanding 1.6 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of Series A Stock. The depositary shares are redeemable, in whole or in part at the Company’s option, from time to time, at $25.00 per share. The depositary shares pay an annual dividend of $2.00 per share, equivalent to 8% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference. The Series A preferred 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. 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 12, 2013, the Company sold, in an underwritten public offering, 5.6 million depositary shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of 6.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, and received net cash proceeds of approximately $135.2 million. The depositary shares may be redeemed on or after February 12, 2018 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 first dividend was paid on April 15, 2013 and covered the period from February 12, 2013 through March 31, 2013. The Series C preferred 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.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Executive Vice President – Real Estate, and the Senior Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer of the Company are also officers of various members of the Saul Organization and their management time is shared with the Saul Organization. Their annual compensation is fixed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, with the exception of the Senior Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer whose share of annual compensation allocated to the Company is determined by the shared services agreement (described below).
	The Company participates in a multiemployer 401K plan with entities in the Saul Organization which covers those full-time employees who meet the requirements as specified in the plan. Company contributions, which are included in general and administrative expense or property operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, at the discretionary amount of up to six percent of the employee’s cash compensation, subject to certain limits, were $282,000 and $258,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. All amounts deferred by employees and the Company are fully vested.
	The Company also participates in a multiemployer nonqualified deferred compensation plan with entities in the Saul Organization which covers those full-time employees who meet the requirements as specified in the plan. According to the plan, which can be modified or discontinued at any time, participating employees defer 2% of their compensation in excess of a specified amount. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company contributed $162,000 and $166,000, respectively, which is three times the amount deferred by employees and is included in general and administrative expense. All amounts deferred by employees and the Company are fully vested. The cumulative unfunded liability under this plan was $1.5 million and $2.2 million, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company has entered into a shared services agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Saul Organization that provides for the sharing of certain personnel and ancillary functions such as computer hardware, software, and support services and certain direct and indirect administrative personnel. The method for determining the cost of the shared services is provided for in the Agreement and is based upon head count, estimates of usage or estimates of time incurred, as applicable. The terms of the Agreement and the payments made thereunder are deemed reasonable by management and are reviewed annually by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists entirely of independent directors. Billings by the Saul Organization for the Company’s share of these ancillary costs and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, which included rental expense for the Company’s headquarters lease, totaled approximately $4.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The amounts are expensed as incurred and are primarily reported as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities included approximately $317,000 and $499,000, respectively, representing amounts due to the Saul Organization for the Company’s share of these ancillary costs and expenses.
	The Company subleases its corporate headquarters space from a member of the Saul Organization. The lease commenced in March 2002, was extended to March 2017 in 2012, and provides for base rent increases of 3% per year, with payment of a pro-rata share of operating expenses over a base year amount. The Agreement requires each party to pay an allocation of total rental payments based on a percentage proportionate to the number of employees employed by each party. The Company’s rent expense was $637,000 and $650,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense.
	The B. F. Saul Insurance Agency of Maryland, Inc., a subsidiary of the B. F. Saul Company and a member of the Saul Organization, is a general insurance agency that receives commissions and fees in connection with the Company’s insurance program. Such commissions and fees amounted to $283,000 and $228,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Effective as of September 4, 2012, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with B. F. Saul III, the Company’s former president, whereby Mr. Saul III will provide certain consulting services to the Company as an independent contractor and will be paid at a rate of $60,000 per month. The consulting agreement includes certain noncompete, nonsolicitation and nondisclosure covenants, and has a term of up to two years, although the consulting agreement is terminable by the Company at any time. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, such consulting fees totaled $540,000.

Stock_Option_Plans

Stock Option Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Option Plans	'
	Stock Option Plans
	The Company has established two stock incentive plans, the 1993 plan and the 2004 plan (together, the “Plans”). Under the Plans, options were granted at an exercise price not less than the market value of the common stock on the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Officer options vest ratably over four years following the grant and are charged to expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Director options vest immediately and are charged to expense as of the date of grant.
	The following table summarizes the amount and activity of each grant with outstanding unexercised options, the total value and variables used in the computation and the amount expensed and included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	Stock options issued
		Directors
	Grant date	4/26/04			5/6/05			5/1/06			4/27/07			4/25/08			4/24/09			5/7/10			5/13/11			5/4/12			5/10/13			Subtotals
	Total grant	30,000			30,000			30,000			30,000			30,000			32,500			32,500			32,500			35,000			35,000			317,500
	Vested	30,000			30,000			27,500			25,000			25,000			32,500			30,000			30,000			35,000			35,000			300,000
	Exercised	25,000			22,500			5,000			—			—			15,000			5,000			5,000			5,000			2,500			85,000
	Forfeited	—			—			2,500			5,000			5,000			—			2,500			2,500			—			—			17,500
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	5,000			7,500			22,500			25,000			25,000			17,500			25,000			25,000			30,000			32,500			215,000
	Remaining unexercised	5,000			7,500			22,500			25,000			25,000			17,500			25,000			25,000			30,000			32,500			215,000
	Exercise price	$	25.78		$	33.22		$	40.35		$	54.17		$	50.15		$	32.68		$	38.76		$	41.82		$	39.29		$	44.42
	Volatility	0.183			0.198			0.206			0.225			0.237			0.344			0.369			0.358			0.348			0.333
	Expected life (years)	5			10			9			8			7			6			5			5			5			5
	Assumed yield	5.75		%	6.91		%	5.93		%	4.39		%	4.09		%	4.54		%	4.23		%	4.16		%	4.61		%	4.53		%
	Risk-free rate	3.57		%	4.28		%	5.11		%	4.65		%	3.49		%	2.19		%	2.17		%	1.86		%	0.78		%	0.82		%
	Total value at grant date	$	66,600		$	71,100		$	143,400		$	285,300		$	254,700		$	222,950		$	287,950		$	297,375		$	244,388		$	262,946		$	2,136,709
	Expensed in previous years	66,600			71,100			143,400			285,300			254,700			222,950			287,950			297,375			244,388			—			1,873,763
	Expensed in 2013	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			262,946			262,946
	Future expense	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
		Officers
	Grant date	4/26/04			5/6/05			4/27/07			5/13/11			5/4/12			5/10/13						Subtotals									Grand
																																Totals
	Total grant	122,500			132,500			135,000			162,500			242,500			202,500						997,500									1,315,000
	Vested	115,000			118,750			67,500			67,500			28,125			—						396,875									696,875
	Exercised	96,450			69,500			—			16,250			1,875			—						184,075									269,075
	Forfeited	7,500			13,750			67,500			41,250			130,000			—						260,000									277,500
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	18,550			49,250			67,500			51,250			26,250			—						212,800									427,800
	Remaining unexercised	18,550			49,250			67,500			105,000			110,625			202,500						553,425									768,425
	Exercise price	$	25.78		$	33.22		$	54.17		$	41.82		$	39.29		$	44.42
	Volatility	0.183			0.207			0.233			0.33			0.315			0.304
	Expected life (years)	7			8			6.5			8			8			8
	Assumed yield	5.75		%	6.37		%	4.13		%	4.81		%	5.28		%	5.12		%
	Risk-free rate	4.05		%	4.15		%	4.61		%	2.75		%	1.49		%	1.49		%
	Total value at grant date	$	292,775		$	413,400		$	1,258,848		$	1,277,794		$	1,442,148		$	1,254,164					$	5,939,129								$	8,075,838
	Forfeited options	17,925			35,100			—			252,300			813,800			—						1,119,125									1,119,125
	Expensed in previous years	274,850			378,300			1,258,848			456,738			104,724			—						2,473,460									4,347,223
	Expensed in 2013	—			—			—			176,517			117,815			130,642						424,974									687,920
	Future expense	—			—			—			392,239			405,809			1,123,522						1,921,570									1,921,570
	Weighted average term of remaining future expense (in years)													3
	The table below summarizes the option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted				Aggregate
			Shares			Average				Intrinsic Value
						Exercise Price
						per share
	Outstanding at January 1		570,840			$	41.05			$	2,228,639
	Granted		237,500			44.42				$	434,625
	Exercised		39,915			34.52				$	365,504
	Expired/Forfeited		—			—				—
	Outstanding September 30		768,425			42.43				$	3,763,697
	Exercisable September 30		427,800			42.19				$	2,567,759
	The intrinsic value measures the price difference between the options’ exercise price and the closing share price quoted by the New York Stock Exchange as of the date of measurement. The intrinsic value for shares exercised during the period was calculated by using the closing share price on the date of exercise. At September 30, 2013, the closing share price of $46.25 was lower than the exercise price of the 92,500 and 25,000 outstanding options granted in 2007 and 2008, respectively, and, therefore, those options had no intrinsic value as of September 30, 2013. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the Company’s outstanding and exercisable options is 6.9 years and 5.2 years, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reasonable estimates of their fair value. The aggregate fair value of the notes payable with fixed-rate payment terms was determined using Level 3 data in a discounted cash flow approach, which is based upon management’s estimate of borrowing rates and loan terms currently available to the Company for fixed-rate financing and, assuming long-term interest rates of approximately 4.5% and 4.0%, would be approximately $854.8 million and $848.1 million, respectively, compared to the carrying value of $795.1 million and $774.8 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. A change in any of the significant inputs may lead to a change in the Company’s fair value measurement of its debt.
	The Company carries its interest rate swap at fair value. The Company has determined the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy with the exception of the impact of counter-party risk, which was determined using Level 3 inputs and is not significant. Derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because their values are determined using third-party pricing models which contain inputs that are derived from observable market data. Where possible, the values produced by the pricing models are verified by market prices. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit spreads, measure of volatility, and correlations of such inputs. The swap agreement terminates on July 1, 2020. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the interest-rate swap was approximately $3.3 million and is included in “Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. The decrease in value from inception of the swap is reflected in “Other Comprehensive Income” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Amounts recognized in earnings are included in Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Change in fair value:
	Recognized in earnings	46			$	17		$	107	$	(2	)
	Recognized in other comprehensive income	(12		)	(321		)	2,252		(1,231		)
		$	34		$	(304	)	$	2,359	$	(1,233	)

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Neither the Company nor the current portfolio properties are subject to any material litigation, nor, to management’s knowledge, is any material litigation currently threatened against the Company, other than routine litigation and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that these items, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on the Company or the current portfolio properties.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	Business Segments
	The Company has two reportable business segments: Shopping Centers and Mixed-Use Properties. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 2). The Company evaluates performance based upon income and cash flows from real estate of the combined properties in each segment. All of our properties within each segment generate similar types of revenues and expenses related to tenant rent, reimbursements and operating expenses. Although services are provided to a range of tenants, the types of services provided to them are similar within each segment. The properties in each portfolio have similar economic characteristics and the nature of the products and services provided to our tenants and the method to distribute such services are consistent throughout the portfolio. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year information to conform to the 2013 presentation.
	(Dollars in thousands)	Shopping			Mixed-Use			Corporate			Consolidated
		Centers			Properties			and Other			Totals
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	36,486		$	13,257		$	13		$	49,756
	Expenses	(7,732		)	(4,175		)	—			(11,907		)
	Income from real estate	28,754			9,082			13			37,849
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(11,738		)	(11,738		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(60		)	—			(60		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(3,501		)	(3,501		)
	Subtotal	28,754			9,022			(15,226		)	22,550
	Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(6,785		)	(3,707		)	—			(10,492		)
	Acquisition related costs	(99		)	—			—			(99		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			46			46
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(497		)	(497		)
	Net income (loss)	$	21,870		$	5,315		$	(15,677	)	$	11,508
	Capital investment	$	8,025		$	706		$	—		$	8,731
	Total assets	$	892,716		$	294,149		$	12,307		$	1,199,172
	Three months ended September 30, 2012
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	34,389		$	12,999		$	57		$	47,445
	Expenses	(7,436		)	(4,144		)	—			(11,580		)
	Income from real estate	26,953			8,855			57			35,865
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(12,322		)	(12,322		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(1,870		)	—			(1,870		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(3,272		)	(3,272		)
	Subtotal	26,953			6,985			(15,537		)	18,401
	Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(6,456		)	(3,781		)	—			(10,237		)
	Gain on sale of property	1,057			—			—			1,057
	Gain on casualty settlement	—			—			219			219
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			17			17
	Loss from operation of properties sold	(53		)	—			—			(53		)
	Net income (loss)	$	21,501		$	3,204		$	(15,301	)	$	9,404
	Capital investment	$	4,633		$	1,358		$	—		$	5,991
	Total assets	$	863,352		$	302,261		$	34,834		$	1,200,447
	(Dollars in thousands)	Shopping			Mixed-Use			Corporate			Consolidated
		Centers			Properties			and Other			Totals
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	108,282		$	39,412		$	57		$	147,751
	Expenses	(22,709		)	(12,933		)	—			(35,642		)
	Income from real estate	85,573			26,479			57			112,109
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(35,164		)	(35,164		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(3,642		)	—			(3,642		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(10,830		)	(10,830		)
	Subtotal	85,573			22,837			(45,937		)	62,473
	Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(20,527		)	(18,789		)	—			(39,316		)
	Acquisition related costs	(99		)	—			—			(99		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			107			107
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(497		)	(497		)
	Net income (loss)	64,947			4,048			(46,327		)	22,668
	Capital investment	$	13,829		$	6,278		$	—		$	20,107
	Total assets	$	892,716		$	294,149		$	12,307		$	1,199,172
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	102,542		$	39,155		$	109		$	141,806
	Expenses	(22,428		)	(12,762		)	—			(35,190		)
	Income from real estate	80,114			26,393			109			106,616
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(37,609		)	(37,609		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(1,870		)	—			(1,870		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(10,303		)	(10,303		)
Subtotal	80,114			24,523			(47,803		)	56,834
Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(19,094		)	(10,650		)	—			(29,744		)
Gain on sale of property	1,057			—			—			1,057
Gain on casualty settlement	—			—			219			219
Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			(2		)	(2		)
Loss from operation of properties sold	(45		)	—			—			(45		)
Net income (loss)	$	62,032		$	13,873		$	(47,586	)	$	28,319
Capital investment	$	8,105		$	5,158		$	—		$	13,263
Total assets	$	863,352		$	302,261		$	34,834		$	1,200,447

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	The Company has reviewed operating activities for the period subsequent to September 30, 2013 and prior to the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, and determined there are no subsequent events required to be disclosed.
	In October 2013, the Company received government approval and permits to raze the structures at Van Ness Square and commenced demolition. Also in October 2013, the Company closed on a $71.6 million, fixed-rate construction-to-permanent loan which will partially finance the new construction. The loan bears interest at 4.88% and during the construction period it will be fully recourse to Saul Centers and accrued interest will be funded by the loan. Following the completion of construction and lease-up, and upon achieving certain debt service coverage requirements, the loan will convert to a non-recourse, permanent mortgage at the same interest rate, with principal amortization computed based on a 25-year schedule.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Nature of Operations
	The Company, which conducts all of its activities through its subsidiaries, the Operating Partnership and Subsidiary Partnerships, engages in the ownership, operation, management, leasing, acquisition, renovation, expansion, development and financing of community and neighborhood shopping centers and mixed-use properties, primarily in the Washington, DC/Baltimore metropolitan area.
	Because the properties are located primarily in the Washington, DC/Baltimore metropolitan area, the Company is subject to a concentration of credit risk related to these properties. A majority of the Shopping Centers are anchored by one or more major tenants.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Saul Centers and its subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership and Subsidiary Partnerships, which are majority owned by Saul Centers. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations of Saul Centers, Inc. for the interim periods have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Saul Centers, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounts Receivable, Accrued Income and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Accounts Receivable, Accrued Income and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable primarily represent amounts currently due from tenants in accordance with the terms of the respective leases. Receivables are reviewed monthly and reserves are established with a charge to current period operations when, in the opinion of management, collection of the receivable is doubtful.
Assets Held for Sale	'
	Assets Held for Sale
	The Company considers properties to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
	•	management commits to a plan to sell a property;
	•	it is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
	•	the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
	•	actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated;
	•	sale of the property is probable and the Company expects the completed sale will occur within one year; and
	•	the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value.
	Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company records the carrying value of each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and ceases depreciation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments. Short-term investments include money market accounts and other investments which generally mature within three months, measured from the acquisition date, and/or are readily convertible to cash.
Construction In Progress	'
	Construction In Progress
	Construction in progress includes land, preconstruction and development costs of active projects. Preconstruction costs include legal, zoning and permitting costs and other project carrying costs incurred prior to the commencement of construction. Development costs include direct construction costs and indirect costs incurred subsequent to the start of construction such as architectural, engineering, construction management and carrying costs consisting of interest, real estate taxes and insurance.
Deferred Debt Costs	'
	Deferred Debt Costs
	Deferred debt costs consist of fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing, construction financing and the revolving line of credit. These fees and costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective loans or agreements, which approximates the effective interest method.
Deferred Income	'
	Deferred Income
	Deferred income consists of payments received from tenants prior to the time they are earned and recognized by the Company as revenue, including tenant prepayment of rent for future periods, real estate taxes when the taxing jurisdiction has a fiscal year differing from the calendar year, reimbursements specified in the lease agreement and tenant construction work provided by the Company. In addition, deferred income includes the fair value of certain below market leases.
Deferred Leasing Costs	'
	Deferred Leasing Costs
	Deferred leasing costs consist of commissions paid to third-party leasing agents, internal direct costs such as employee compensation and payroll-related fringe benefits directly related to time spent performing leasing-related activities for successful commercial leases and amounts attributed to in-place leases associated with acquired properties. Leasing related activities include evaluating the prospective tenant’s financial condition, evaluating and recording guarantees, collateral and other security arrangements, negotiating lease terms, preparing lease documents and closing the transaction. Unamortized deferred costs are charged to expense if the applicable lease is terminated prior to expiration of the initial lease term. Deferred leasing costs are amortized over the term of the lease or remaining term of acquired leases.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company may, when appropriate, employ derivative instruments, such as interest-rate swaps, to mitigate the risk of interest rate fluctuations. The Company does not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. For those derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as hedging instruments, the Company designates the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. For those derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge instruments is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings within the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument is immediately recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments that do not qualify, or that qualify and are not designated, as hedging instruments, changes in fair value are immediately recognized in earnings.
	Derivative financial instruments expose us to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties under the terms of the derivative instrument. The Company minimizes its credit risk on these transactions by dealing with major, creditworthy financial institutions as determined by management, and therefore, it believes that the likelihood of realizing losses from counterparty non-performance is remote.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company made an election to be treated, and intends to continue operating so as to qualify, as a REIT under the Code, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1993. A REIT generally will not be subject to federal income taxation, provided that distributions to its stockholders equal or exceed its REIT taxable income and it complies with certain other requirements. Therefore, no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Legal Contingencies	'
	Legal Contingencies
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, which are generally covered by insurance. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations. Upon determination that a loss is probable to occur and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated amount of the loss is recorded in the financial statements. Both the amount of the loss and the point at which its occurrence is considered probable can be difficult to determine.
Predevelopment Expenses	'
	Predevelopment Expenses
	Predevelopment expenses represent certain costs incurred by the Company in connection with active development and redevelopment projects and include, for example, costs related to the early termination of tenant leases and demolition of existing structures.
Real Estate Investment Properties	'
	Real Estate Investment Properties
	The Company purchases real estate investment properties from time to time and records assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including land, buildings, and intangibles related to in-place leases and customer relationships, based on their fair values. The fair value of buildings generally is determined as if the buildings were vacant upon acquisition and subsequently leased at market rental rates and considers the present value of all cash flows expected to be generated by the property including an initial lease up period. From time to time the Company may purchase a property for future development purposes. The Company determines the fair value of above and below market intangibles associated with in-place leases by assessing the net effective rent and remaining term of the lease relative to market terms for similar leases at acquisition taking into consideration the remaining contractual lease period, renewal periods, and the likelihood of the tenant exercising its renewal options. The fair value of a below market lease component is recorded as deferred income and accreted as additional revenue over the remaining contractual lease period and any renewal option periods included in the valuation analysis. The fair value of above market lease intangibles is recorded as a deferred asset and is amortized as a reduction of revenue over the remaining contractual lease term. The Company determines the fair value of at-market in-place leases considering the cost of acquiring similar leases, the foregone rents associated with the lease-up period and carrying costs associated with the lease-up period. Intangible assets associated with at-market in-place leases are amortized as additional expense over the remaining contractual lease term. To the extent customer relationship intangibles are present in an acquisition, the fair values of the intangibles are amortized over the lives of the customer relationships. The Company has never recorded a customer relationship intangible asset. Acquisition-related transaction costs are charged to expense as incurred and reported as acquisition related costs in the consolidated statements of operations.
	If there is an event or change in circumstance that indicates a potential impairment in the value of a real estate investment property, the Company prepares an analysis to determine whether the carrying value of the real estate investment property exceeds its estimated fair value. The Company considers both quantitative and qualitative factors including recurring operating losses, significant decreases in occupancy, and significant adverse changes in legal factors and business climate. If impairment indicators are present, the Company compares the projected cash flows of the property over its remaining useful life, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of that property. The Company assesses its undiscounted projected cash flows based upon estimated capitalization rates, historic operating results and market conditions that may affect the property. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted projected cash flows, the Company would recognize an impairment loss equivalent to an amount required to adjust the carrying amount to its then estimated fair value. The value of any property is sensitive to the actual results of any of the aforementioned estimated factors, either individually or taken as a whole. Should the actual results differ from management’s projections, the valuation could be negatively or positively affected. The Company did not recognize an impairment loss on any of its real estate during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Interest, real estate taxes, development-related salary costs and other carrying costs are capitalized on projects under development and construction. Upon substantial completion of construction and the placement of the assets into service, rental income, real estate tax expense, property operating expenses (consisting of payroll, repairs and maintenance, utilities, insurance and other property related expenses) and depreciation are included in current operations and capitalization of interest ceases. Property operating expenses are charged to operations as incurred. Interest capitalized totaled $92,600 and $18,600 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Commercial development projects are considered substantially complete and available for occupancy upon completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from the cessation of major construction activity. Multi-family residential development projects are considered substantially complete and available for occupancy upon receipt of the certificate of occupancy from the appropriate licensing authority. Substantially completed portions of a project are accounted for as separate projects.
	Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives of generally between 35 and 50 years for base buildings, or a shorter period if management determines that the building has a shorter useful life, and up to 20 years for certain other improvements that extend the useful lives. Leasehold improvement expenditures are capitalized when certain criteria are met, including when the Company supervises construction and will own the improvements. Tenant improvements are amortized, over the shorter of the lives of the related leases or the useful life of the improvements, using the straight-line method.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Rental and interest income are accrued as earned except when doubt exists as to collectability, in which case the accrual is discontinued. Recognition of rental income commences when control of the space has been given to the tenant. When rental payments due under leases vary from a straight-line basis because of free rent periods or scheduled rent increases, income is recognized on a straight-line basis. Expense recoveries represent a portion of property operating expenses billed to tenants, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs and are recognized in the period when the expenses are incurred. Rental income based on a tenant’s revenue (“percentage rent”) is accrued when a tenant reports sales that exceed a specified breakpoint, pursuant to the terms of their respective leases.
Stock-based Employee Compensation, Stock Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors	'
	Stock-based Employee Compensation, Stock Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors
	The Company uses the fair value method to value and account for employee stock options. The fair value of options granted is determined at the time of each award using the Black-Scholes model, a widely used method for valuing stock-based employee compensation, and the following assumptions: (1) Expected Volatility determined using the most recent trading history of the Company’s common stock (month-end closing prices) corresponding to the average expected term of the options; (2) Average Expected Term of the options is based on prior exercise history, scheduled vesting and the expiration date; (3) Expected Dividend Yield determined by management after considering the Company’s current and historic dividend yield rates, the Company’s yield in relation to other retail REITs and the Company’s market yield at the grant date; and (4) a Risk-free Interest Rate based upon the market yields of US Treasury obligations with maturities corresponding to the average expected term of the options at the grant date. The Company amortizes the value of options granted ratably over the vesting period and includes the amounts as compensation in general and administrative expenses.
	The Company has a stock plan, which was originally approved in 2004, amended in 2008 and 2013 and which expires in 2023, for the purpose of attracting and retaining executive officers, directors and other key personnel (the “Stock Plan”). Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee established a Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors for the benefit of its directors and their beneficiaries, which replaced a previous Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors. A director may make an annual election to defer all or part of his or her director’s fees and has the option to have the fees paid in cash, in shares of common stock or in a combination of cash and shares of common stock upon termination from the Board. If the director elects to have fees paid in stock, fees earned during a calendar quarter are aggregated and divided by the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day of the following quarter to determine the number of shares to be credited to the director. As of September 30, 2013, 224,596 shares had been credited to the directors’ deferred fee accounts.
	The Compensation Committee has also approved an annual award of shares of the Company’s common stock as additional compensation to each director serving on the Board of Directors as of the record date for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The shares are awarded as of each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and their issuance may not be deferred.
Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Noncontrolling Interest
	Saul Centers is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, owning a 74.8% common interest as of September 30, 2013. Noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership is comprised of limited partnership units owned by The Saul Organization. Noncontrolling interest reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is increased for earnings allocated to limited partnership interests and distributions reinvested in additional units, and is decreased for limited partner distributions. Noncontrolling interest reflected on the consolidated statements of operations represents earnings allocated to limited partnership interests.
Per Share Data	'
	Per Share Data
	Per share data for net income (basic and diluted) is computed using weighted average shares of common stock. Convertible limited partnership units and employee stock options are the Company’s potentially dilutive securities. For all periods presented, the convertible limited partnership units are non-dilutive. Certain options are dilutive because the average share price of the Company’s common stock exceeded the exercise prices. The treasury stock method was used to measure the effect of the dilution.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the presentation used for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-2, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-2”). ASU 2013-2 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. Instead, it requires that information be provided about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, it requires presentation either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required to be classified in the entirety to net income, a cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts is required. ASU 2013-2 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2013 and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Organization_Formation_and_Str1

Organization, Formation and Structure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Properties Acquired and/or Developed	'
	The following table lists the properties acquired and disposed of by the Company since December 31, 2011 (no projects have been developed since 2011).
	Name of Property	Location	Type	Year of Acquisition/ Disposition
	Acquisitions
	1500 Rockville Pike	Rockville, Maryland	Shopping Center	2012
	5541 Nicholson Lane	Rockville, Maryland	Shopping Center	2012
	Dispositions
	West Park	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	Shopping Center	2012
	Belvedere	Baltimore, Maryland	Shopping Center	2012

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 92,500 and 25,000 stock options issued in 2007 and 2008, respectively, are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from this measurement.
	Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
	(In thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-Basic	20,452	19,721	20,300	19,561
	Effect of dilutive options	33	63	29	51
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-Diluted	20,485	19,784	20,329	19,612

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Revolvi1

Mortgage Notes Payable, Revolving Credit Facility, Interest and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Scheduled Maturities of Debt, Including Scheduled Principal Amortization	'
	At September 30, 2013, the scheduled maturities of debt, including scheduled principal amortization, for years ending December 31, were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Balloon			Scheduled			Total
		Payments			Principal
					Amortization
	October 1 through December 31, 2013	$	—		$	5,353		$	5,353
	2014	—			22,190			22,190
	2015	15,077			23,008			38,085
	2016	28,931			23,444			52,375
	2017	—			24,681			24,681
	2018	27,872			24,696			52,568
	Thereafter	475,267			154,901			630,168
		$	547,147		$	278,273		$	825,420
Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs	'
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest incurred	$	11,488		$	12,057		$	34,323		$	36,449
	Amortization of deferred debt costs	309			280			934			1,179
	Capitalized interest	(59		)	(15		)	(93		)	(19		)
		$	11,738		$	12,322		$	35,164		$	37,609

Stock_Option_Plans_Tables

Stock Option Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Options Issued	'
	The following table summarizes the amount and activity of each grant with outstanding unexercised options, the total value and variables used in the computation and the amount expensed and included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	Stock options issued
		Directors
	Grant date	4/26/04			5/6/05			5/1/06			4/27/07			4/25/08			4/24/09			5/7/10			5/13/11			5/4/12			5/10/13			Subtotals
	Total grant	30,000			30,000			30,000			30,000			30,000			32,500			32,500			32,500			35,000			35,000			317,500
	Vested	30,000			30,000			27,500			25,000			25,000			32,500			30,000			30,000			35,000			35,000			300,000
	Exercised	25,000			22,500			5,000			—			—			15,000			5,000			5,000			5,000			2,500			85,000
	Forfeited	—			—			2,500			5,000			5,000			—			2,500			2,500			—			—			17,500
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	5,000			7,500			22,500			25,000			25,000			17,500			25,000			25,000			30,000			32,500			215,000
	Remaining unexercised	5,000			7,500			22,500			25,000			25,000			17,500			25,000			25,000			30,000			32,500			215,000
	Exercise price	$	25.78		$	33.22		$	40.35		$	54.17		$	50.15		$	32.68		$	38.76		$	41.82		$	39.29		$	44.42
	Volatility	0.183			0.198			0.206			0.225			0.237			0.344			0.369			0.358			0.348			0.333
	Expected life (years)	5			10			9			8			7			6			5			5			5			5
	Assumed yield	5.75		%	6.91		%	5.93		%	4.39		%	4.09		%	4.54		%	4.23		%	4.16		%	4.61		%	4.53		%
	Risk-free rate	3.57		%	4.28		%	5.11		%	4.65		%	3.49		%	2.19		%	2.17		%	1.86		%	0.78		%	0.82		%
	Total value at grant date	$	66,600		$	71,100		$	143,400		$	285,300		$	254,700		$	222,950		$	287,950		$	297,375		$	244,388		$	262,946		$	2,136,709
	Expensed in previous years	66,600			71,100			143,400			285,300			254,700			222,950			287,950			297,375			244,388			—			1,873,763
	Expensed in 2013	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			262,946			262,946
	Future expense	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
		Officers
	Grant date	4/26/04			5/6/05			4/27/07			5/13/11			5/4/12			5/10/13						Subtotals									Grand
																																Totals
	Total grant	122,500			132,500			135,000			162,500			242,500			202,500						997,500									1,315,000
	Vested	115,000			118,750			67,500			67,500			28,125			—						396,875									696,875
	Exercised	96,450			69,500			—			16,250			1,875			—						184,075									269,075
	Forfeited	7,500			13,750			67,500			41,250			130,000			—						260,000									277,500
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	18,550			49,250			67,500			51,250			26,250			—						212,800									427,800
	Remaining unexercised	18,550			49,250			67,500			105,000			110,625			202,500						553,425									768,425
	Exercise price	$	25.78		$	33.22		$	54.17		$	41.82		$	39.29		$	44.42
	Volatility	0.183			0.207			0.233			0.33			0.315			0.304
	Expected life (years)	7			8			6.5			8			8			8
	Assumed yield	5.75		%	6.37		%	4.13		%	4.81		%	5.28		%	5.12		%
	Risk-free rate	4.05		%	4.15		%	4.61		%	2.75		%	1.49		%	1.49		%
	Total value at grant date	$	292,775		$	413,400		$	1,258,848		$	1,277,794		$	1,442,148		$	1,254,164					$	5,939,129								$	8,075,838
	Forfeited options	17,925			35,100			—			252,300			813,800			—						1,119,125									1,119,125
	Expensed in previous years	274,850			378,300			1,258,848			456,738			104,724			—						2,473,460									4,347,223
	Expensed in 2013	—			—			—			176,517			117,815			130,642						424,974									687,920
	Future expense	—			—			—			392,239			405,809			1,123,522						1,921,570									1,921,570
	Weighted average term of remaining future expense (in years)													3
Summary of Option Activity	'
	The table below summarizes the option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted				Aggregate
			Shares			Average				Intrinsic Value
						Exercise Price
						per share
	Outstanding at January 1		570,840			$	41.05			$	2,228,639
	Granted		237,500			44.42				$	434,625
	Exercised		39,915			34.52				$	365,504
	Expired/Forfeited		—			—				—
	Outstanding September 30		768,425			42.43				$	3,763,697
	Exercisable September 30		427,800			42.19				$	2,567,759

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Changes in Fair Value of Swaps	'
	The decrease in value from inception of the swap is reflected in “Other Comprehensive Income” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Amounts recognized in earnings are included in Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Change in fair value:
	Recognized in earnings	46			$	17		$	107	$	(2	)
	Recognized in other comprehensive income	(12		)	(321		)	2,252		(1,231		)
		$	34		$	(304	)	$	2,359	$	(1,233	)

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	(Dollars in thousands)	Shopping			Mixed-Use			Corporate			Consolidated
		Centers			Properties			and Other			Totals
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	36,486		$	13,257		$	13		$	49,756
	Expenses	(7,732		)	(4,175		)	—			(11,907		)
	Income from real estate	28,754			9,082			13			37,849
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(11,738		)	(11,738		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(60		)	—			(60		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(3,501		)	(3,501		)
	Subtotal	28,754			9,022			(15,226		)	22,550
	Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(6,785		)	(3,707		)	—			(10,492		)
	Acquisition related costs	(99		)	—			—			(99		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			46			46
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(497		)	(497		)
	Net income (loss)	$	21,870		$	5,315		$	(15,677	)	$	11,508
	Capital investment	$	8,025		$	706		$	—		$	8,731
	Total assets	$	892,716		$	294,149		$	12,307		$	1,199,172
	Three months ended September 30, 2012
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	34,389		$	12,999		$	57		$	47,445
	Expenses	(7,436		)	(4,144		)	—			(11,580		)
	Income from real estate	26,953			8,855			57			35,865
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(12,322		)	(12,322		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(1,870		)	—			(1,870		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(3,272		)	(3,272		)
	Subtotal	26,953			6,985			(15,537		)	18,401
	Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(6,456		)	(3,781		)	—			(10,237		)
	Gain on sale of property	1,057			—			—			1,057
	Gain on casualty settlement	—			—			219			219
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			17			17
	Loss from operation of properties sold	(53		)	—			—			(53		)
	Net income (loss)	$	21,501		$	3,204		$	(15,301	)	$	9,404
	Capital investment	$	4,633		$	1,358		$	—		$	5,991
	Total assets	$	863,352		$	302,261		$	34,834		$	1,200,447
	(Dollars in thousands)	Shopping			Mixed-Use			Corporate			Consolidated
		Centers			Properties			and Other			Totals
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	108,282		$	39,412		$	57		$	147,751
	Expenses	(22,709		)	(12,933		)	—			(35,642		)
	Income from real estate	85,573			26,479			57			112,109
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(35,164		)	(35,164		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(3,642		)	—			(3,642		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(10,830		)	(10,830		)
	Subtotal	85,573			22,837			(45,937		)	62,473
	Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(20,527		)	(18,789		)	—			(39,316		)
	Acquisition related costs	(99		)	—			—			(99		)
	Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			107			107
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(497		)	(497		)
	Net income (loss)	64,947			4,048			(46,327		)	22,668
	Capital investment	$	13,829		$	6,278		$	—		$	20,107
	Total assets	$	892,716		$	294,149		$	12,307		$	1,199,172
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	Real estate rental operations:
	Revenue	$	102,542		$	39,155		$	109		$	141,806
	Expenses	(22,428		)	(12,762		)	—			(35,190		)
	Income from real estate	80,114			26,393			109			106,616
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	—			—			(37,609		)	(37,609		)
	Predevelopment expenses	—			(1,870		)	—			(1,870		)
	General and administrative	—			—			(10,303		)	(10,303		)
	Subtotal	80,114			24,523			(47,803		)	56,834
	Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	(19,094		)	(10,650		)	—			(29,744		)
Gain on sale of property	1,057			—			—			1,057
Gain on casualty settlement	—			—			219			219
Change in fair value of derivatives	—			—			(2		)	(2		)
Loss from operation of properties sold	(45		)	—			—			(45		)
Net income (loss)	$	62,032		$	13,873		$	(47,586	)	$	28,319
Capital investment	$	8,105		$	5,158		$	—		$	13,263
Total assets	$	863,352		$	302,261		$	34,834		$	1,200,447

Organization_Formation_and_Str2

Organization, Formation and Structure - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2013
	partnership
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Distribution of REIT taxable income (excluding net capital gains) to its stockholders	90.00%
Number of partnerships	2
Shopping Centers	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of real estate properties	50
Mixed-Use Properties	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of real estate properties	6
Non-operating Development Properties	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of real estate properties	3

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	store		store
	tenant		tenant
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shopping centers	33	'	33	'	'
Number of tenants	1	'	1	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables	$1,100,000	'	$1,100,000	'	$1,200,000
Period expected for the sale of property to occur	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Construction in progress	7,232,000	'	7,232,000	'	2,267,000
Deferred debt costs, net	8,244,000	'	8,244,000	'	7,713,000
Accumulated amortization deferred leasing cost	4,200,000	'	4,200,000	'	3,800,000
Deferred leasing costs, net	25,673,000	'	25,673,000	'	26,102,000
Accumulated amortization deferred leasing cost	17,700,000	'	17,700,000	'	16,200,000
Amortization expense deferred leasing cost	'	'	5,000,000	4,300,000	'
Interest expensed capitalized	59,000	15,000	92,600	18,600	'
Commercial development projects, availability for occupancy, maximum period after major construction activity	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	'	'	34,300,000	25,500,000	'
Increase in depreciation expense	'	'	8,800,000	'	'
Repairs and maintenance expense	'	'	7,500,000	7,000,000	'
Shares credited to directors' deferred fee accounts	'	'	224,596	'	'
Percentage of ownership in Operating Partnership	'	'	74.80%	'	'
Outstanding options granted (in shares)	'	'	237,500	'	'
2007 | Stock Options	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding options granted (in shares)	92,500	'	'	'	'
2008 | Stock Options	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding options granted (in shares)	'	'	25,000	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net representing rental income accrued	36,500,000	'	36,500,000	'	34,400,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables representing rental income accrued	463,000	'	463,000	'	220,000
Building | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'	'35 years	'	'
Building | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'	'50 years	'	'
Building Improvements | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'	'20 years	'	'
Van Ness Square	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Construction in progress	5,500,000	'	5,500,000	'	'
Additional depreciation expense as a result of reduction in estimated useful life	'	'	($8,000,000)	'	'
Estimated remaining useful life	'	'	'4 months	'	'
Giant Food	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shopping centers	'	'	10	'	'
Percentage of total revenue	'	'	4.80%	'	'
Safeway	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shopping centers	'	'	8	'	'
Percentage of total revenue	'	'	2.60%	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of tenants	2	'	2	'	'
Percentage of total revenue	'	'	2.50%	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding-Basic	20,452	19,721	20,300	19,561
Effect of dilutive options	33	63	29	51
Weighted average common shares outstanding-Diluted	20,485	19,784	20,329	19,612

Real_Estate_Acquired_and_Sold_

Real Estate Acquired and Sold - Real Estate Properties Acquired, Developed and/or Disposed (Detail)	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
	Business Disposition One	Business Disposition Two	Business Acquisition One	Business Acquisition Two	Business Acquisition Three
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Name of Property	'West Park	'Belvedere	'1500 Rockville Pike	'5541 Nicholson Lane	'Kentlands pad
Location	'Oklahoma City, OK	'Baltimore, MD	'Rockville, MD	'Rockville, MD	'Gaithersburg, MD
Type	'Shopping Center	'Shopping Center	'Shopping Center	'Shopping Center	'Retail Pad
Year of Acquisition	'	'	'2012	'2012	'2013
Year of Disposition	'2012	'2012	'	'	'

Real_Estate_Acquired_and_Sold_1

Real Estate Acquired and Sold - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	1500 Rockville Pike	5541 Nicholson Lane	Kentlands Pad	West Park Shopping Center	Belvedere Shopping Center
			sqft	sqft	sqft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, property purchase price	$22,400,000	$11,700,000	$4,300,000	'	'
Property acquisition costs	600,000	500,000	99,000	'	'
Proceeds from sale of real estate property	'	'	'	2,000,000	4,000,000
Area of real estate property	'	'	7,100	77,000	54,900
Gain on sale of real estate property	'	'	'	$1,100,000	$3,400,000

Noncontrolling_Interest_Holder1

Noncontrolling Interest - Holders of Convertible Limited Partnership Units in Operating Partnership - Additional Information (Detail) (Noncontrolling Interest)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest of noncontrolling interest	25.20%	'	25.20%	'
Limited partnership units	6,900,000	'	6,900,000	'
Limited partnership units, conversion ratio	1	'	1	'
Outstanding stock percent that should be acquired for rights to be exercised	39.90%	'	39.90%	'
Limited partnership units convertible in to shares of common stock, eligible for conversion	875,000	'	875,000	'
Fully converted partnership units and diluted weighted average shares outstanding	27,400,000	26,700,000	27,200,000	26,500,000

Mortgages_Notes_Payable_Revolv

Mortgages Notes Payable, Revolving Credit Facility, Interest and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 19, 2013

28-May-13

Sep. 04, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Apr. 10, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Feb. 27, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Hampshire Langley

Beacon Center

Seabreeze Plaza

Metro Pike Center

Northrock

Cruse Market Place

Fixed Rate Mortgage Notes Payable

Fixed Rate Mortgage Notes Payable

Fixed Rate Mortgage Notes Payable

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Letter of Credit

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Metro Pike Center

Northrock Loan

Clarendon Center Mortgages

Metro Pike Center

Northrock

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Minimum

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage notes payable

$825,420,000

$789,776,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt outstanding with fixed-rate

795,100,000

774,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt outstanding with variable-rate

30,300,000

53,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of properties collateralizing mortgage notes

909,200,000

916,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

175,000,000

'

628,000

'

'

'

'

Description of variable rate basis

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20-May-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extension in line of credit facility period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

168,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate spread on LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.65%

1.65%

1.60%

2.50%

Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,500,000

7,400,000

27,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,700,000

14,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity term

'

'

'15 years

'15 years

'15 years

'3 years

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument amount

'

'

18,000,000

35,000,000

18,000,000

15,600,000

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'2028

'2028

'2028

'2016

'2016

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amortization period

'

'

'25 years

'20 years

'25 years

'25 years

'25 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument required final principal payment

'

'

9,500,000

11,300,000

9,500,000

14,700,000

14,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan extension period

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of debt

'

'

'

'

13,500,000

15,900,000

15,000,000

6,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early extinguishment costs

'

'

'

'

468,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'2013-06

'2013-05

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, fixed interest rate

'

'

4.04%

3.51%

3.99%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, monthly principal and interest payment

'

'

95,400

203,200

94,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt outstanding

'

$827,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$38,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Revolvi2

Mortgage Notes Payable, Revolving Credit Facility, Interest and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs - Scheduled Maturities of Debt, Including Scheduled Principal Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balloon Payments	'
October 1 through December 31, 2013	$0
2014	0
2015	15,077
2016	28,931
2017	0
2018	27,872
Thereafter	475,267
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid, Total	547,147
Scheduled Principal Amortization	'
October 1 through December 31, 2013	5,353
2014	22,190
2015	23,008
2016	23,444
2017	24,681
2018	24,696
Thereafter	154,901
Long-term Debt, Total	278,273
Total	'
October 1 through December 31, 2013	5,353
2014	22,190
2015	38,085
2016	52,375
2017	24,681
2018	52,568
Thereafter	630,168
Long-Term Debt, Repayments of Principal and Balloon Payments, Total	$825,420

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Revolvi3

Mortgage Notes Payable, Revolving Credit Facility, Interest and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs - Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest incurred	$11,488,000	$12,057,000	$34,323,000	$36,449,000
Amortization of deferred debt costs	309,000	280,000	934,000	1,179,000
Capitalized interest	-59,000	-15,000	-92,600	-18,600
Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	$11,738,000	$12,322,000	$35,164,000	$37,609,000

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon1

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interest - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 12, 2013	Feb. 12, 2013	Feb. 12, 2013
					Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Series A Preferred Stock	6.875 Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	6.875 Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	6.875 Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
									Minimum	Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	($2,110,000)	($1,456,000)	($1,692,000)	($4,428,000)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of redeemable preferred stock	'	'	'	'	60.00%	'	'	6.88%	'	'
Dividend rate on preferred stock	'	'	'	'	8.00%	9.00%	8.00%	'	'	'
Outstanding depositary shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.6	'	'	'
Depository shares to cumulative redeemable preferred stock ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.01	0.01	'	'
Annual dividend on depositary shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2	$1.72	'	'
Cumulative redeemable preferred stock liquidation preference	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25	$25	'	'
Number of depositary shares sold	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.6	'	'
Cash proceeds from sale depositary shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$135,200,000	'	'
Dividend payment accrual date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12-Feb-18	'
Dividend payment date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15-Apr-13	'	'
Dividends record date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12-Feb-13	31-Mar-13

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 04, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of times the employer contribution is higher than the amount deferred by employees	'	300.00%	'	'
Company contribution to a multi employer 401K plan at discretionary amount of employee's cash compensation, maximum percentage	'	6.00%	'	'
Company contribution to a multi employer 401K plan at discretionary amount of employee's cash compensation, amount	'	$282,000	$258,000	'
Deferred compensation, employee contribution, percentage	'	2.00%	'	'
Deferred compensation, company contribution, amount	'	162,000	166,000	'
Deferred compensation, cumulative unfunded liability	'	1,500,000	'	2,200,000
Ancillary costs and expenses	'	4,700,000	4,600,000	'
Liability due to The Saul Organization for the Company's share of these ancillary costs and expenses	'	317,000	'	499,000
New sublease expiration date	'	'2017-03	'	'
Percentage of annual increase in base rent	'	3.00%	'	'
Rent expense	'	637,000	650,000	'
Insurance Commissions and fees expense	'	283,000	228,000	'
Monthly consulting fees	60,000	'	'	'
Term of consulting agreement	'2 years	'	'	'
Consulting fees	'	$540,000	'	'

Stock_Option_Plans_Additional_

Stock Option Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	CompensationPlan	Stock Options	Stock Options
		2007	2008
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of stock incentive plans	2	'	'
Option expiration period	'10 years	'	'
Option vesting period	'4 years	'	'
Closing share price (in usd per share)	$46.25	'	'
Outstanding options granted (in shares)	237,500	92,500	25,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life of the Company's outstanding options	'6 years 10 months 24 days	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life of the Company's exercisable options	'5 years 2 months 12 days	'	'

Stock_Option_Plans_Stock_Optio

Stock Option Plans - Stock Options Issued (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	427,800
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$34.52
Weighted average term of remaining future expense	'3 years
Director | 4/26/2004	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	26-Apr-04
Total grant (in shares)	30,000
Vested (in shares)	$30,000
Exercised (in shares)	25,000
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	5,000
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	5,000
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$25.78
Volatility	0.183
Expected life (years)	'5 years
Assumed yield	5.75%
Risk-free rate	3.57%
Total value at grant date	66,600
Expensed in previous years	66,600
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 5/6/2005	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	6-May-05
Total grant (in shares)	30,000
Vested (in shares)	30,000
Exercised (in shares)	22,500
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	7,500
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	7,500
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$33.22
Volatility	0.198
Expected life (years)	'10 years
Assumed yield	6.91%
Risk-free rate	4.28%
Total value at grant date	71,100
Expensed in previous years	71,100
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 5/1/2006	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	1-May-06
Total grant (in shares)	30,000
Vested (in shares)	27,500
Exercised (in shares)	5,000
Forfeited (in shares)	2,500
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	22,500
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	22,500
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$40.35
Volatility	0.206
Expected life (years)	'9 years
Assumed yield	5.93%
Risk-free rate	5.11%
Total value at grant date	143,400
Expensed in previous years	143,400
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 4/27/2007	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	27-Apr-07
Total grant (in shares)	30,000
Vested (in shares)	25,000
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	5,000
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	25,000
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	25,000
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$54.17
Volatility	0.225
Expected life (years)	'8 years
Assumed yield	4.39%
Risk-free rate	4.65%
Total value at grant date	285,300
Expensed in previous years	285,300
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 4/25/2008	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	25-Apr-08
Total grant (in shares)	30,000
Vested (in shares)	25,000
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	5,000
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	25,000
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	25,000
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$50.15
Volatility	0.237
Expected life (years)	'7 years
Assumed yield	4.09%
Risk-free rate	3.49%
Total value at grant date	254,700
Expensed in previous years	254,700
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 4/24/2009	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	24-Apr-09
Total grant (in shares)	32,500
Vested (in shares)	32,500
Exercised (in shares)	15,000
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	17,500
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	17,500
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$32.68
Volatility	0.344
Expected life (years)	'6 years
Assumed yield	4.54%
Risk-free rate	2.19%
Total value at grant date	222,950
Expensed in previous years	222,950
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 5/7/2010	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	7-May-10
Total grant (in shares)	32,500
Vested (in shares)	30,000
Exercised (in shares)	5,000
Forfeited (in shares)	2,500
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	25,000
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	25,000
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$38.76
Volatility	0.369
Expected life (years)	'5 years
Assumed yield	4.23%
Risk-free rate	2.17%
Total value at grant date	287,950
Expensed in previous years	287,950
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 5/13/2011	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	13-May-11
Total grant (in shares)	32,500
Vested (in shares)	30,000
Exercised (in shares)	5,000
Forfeited (in shares)	2,500
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	25,000
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	25,000
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$41.82
Volatility	0.358
Expected life (years)	'5 years
Assumed yield	4.16%
Risk-free rate	1.86%
Total value at grant date	297,375
Expensed in previous years	297,375
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 5/4/2012	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	4-May-12
Total grant (in shares)	35,000
Vested (in shares)	35,000
Exercised (in shares)	5,000
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	30,000
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	30,000
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$39.29
Volatility	0.348
Expected life (years)	'5 years
Assumed yield	4.61%
Risk-free rate	0.78%
Total value at grant date	244,388
Expensed in previous years	244,388
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Director | 5/10/2013	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	10-May-13
Total grant (in shares)	35,000
Vested (in shares)	35,000
Exercised (in shares)	2,500
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	32,500
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	32,500
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$44.42
Volatility	0.333
Expected life (years)	'5 years
Assumed yield	4.53%
Risk-free rate	0.82%
Total value at grant date	262,946
Expensed in previous years	0
Expensed in 2013	262,946
Future expense	0
Director | Subtotals	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Total grant (in shares)	317,500
Vested (in shares)	300,000
Exercised (in shares)	85,000
Forfeited (in shares)	17,500
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	215,000
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	215,000
Total value at grant date	2,136,709
Expensed in previous years	1,873,763
Expensed in 2013	262,946
Future expense	0
Officer	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Total grant (in shares)	1,315,000
Vested (in shares)	696,875
Exercised (in shares)	269,075
Forfeited (in shares)	277,500
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	427,800
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	768,425
Total value at grant date	8,075,838
Forfeited options	1,119,125
Expensed in previous years	4,347,223
Expensed in 2013	687,920
Future expense	1,921,570
Officer | 4/26/2004	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	26-Apr-04
Total grant (in shares)	122,500
Vested (in shares)	115,000
Exercised (in shares)	96,450
Forfeited (in shares)	7,500
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	18,550
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	18,550
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$25.78
Volatility	0.183
Expected life (years)	'7 years
Assumed yield	5.75%
Risk-free rate	4.05%
Total value at grant date	292,775
Forfeited options	17,925
Expensed in previous years	274,850
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Officer | 5/6/2005	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	6-May-05
Total grant (in shares)	132,500
Vested (in shares)	118,750
Exercised (in shares)	69,500
Forfeited (in shares)	13,750
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	49,250
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	49,250
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$33.22
Volatility	0.207
Expected life (years)	'8 years
Assumed yield	6.37%
Risk-free rate	4.15%
Total value at grant date	413,400
Forfeited options	35,100
Expensed in previous years	378,300
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Officer | 4/27/2007	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	27-Apr-07
Total grant (in shares)	135,000
Vested (in shares)	67,500
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	67,500
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	67,500
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	67,500
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$54.17
Volatility	0.233
Expected life (years)	'6 years 6 months
Assumed yield	4.13%
Risk-free rate	4.61%
Total value at grant date	1,258,848
Forfeited options	0
Expensed in previous years	1,258,848
Expensed in 2013	0
Future expense	0
Officer | 5/13/2011	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	13-May-11
Total grant (in shares)	162,500
Vested (in shares)	67,500
Exercised (in shares)	16,250
Forfeited (in shares)	41,250
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	51,250
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	105,000
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$41.82
Volatility	0.33
Expected life (years)	'8 years
Assumed yield	4.81%
Risk-free rate	2.75%
Total value at grant date	1,277,794
Forfeited options	252,300
Expensed in previous years	456,738
Expensed in 2013	176,517
Future expense	392,239
Officer | 5/4/2012	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	4-May-12
Total grant (in shares)	242,500
Vested (in shares)	28,125
Exercised (in shares)	1,875
Forfeited (in shares)	130,000
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	26,250
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	110,625
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$39.29
Volatility	0.315
Expected life (years)	'8 years
Assumed yield	5.28%
Risk-free rate	1.49%
Total value at grant date	1,442,148
Forfeited options	813,800
Expensed in previous years	104,724
Expensed in 2013	117,815
Future expense	405,809
Officer | 5/10/2013	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Grant date	10-May-13
Total grant (in shares)	202,500
Vested (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	0
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	202,500
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$44.42
Volatility	0.304
Expected life (years)	'8 years
Assumed yield	5.12%
Risk-free rate	1.49%
Total value at grant date	1,254,164
Forfeited options	0
Expensed in previous years	0
Expensed in 2013	130,642
Future expense	1,123,522
Officer | Subtotals	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'
Total grant (in shares)	997,500
Vested (in shares)	396,875
Exercised (in shares)	184,075
Forfeited (in shares)	260,000
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	212,800
Remaining unexercised (in shares)	553,425
Total value at grant date	5,939,129
Forfeited options	1,119,125
Expensed in previous years	2,473,460
Expensed in 2013	424,974
Future expense	$1,921,570

Stock_Option_Plans_Summary_of_

Stock Option Plans - Summary of Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Number of Shares	'
Outstanding at January 1 (in shares)	570,840
Granted (in shares)	237,500
Exercised (in shares)	39,915
Expired/Forfeited (in shares)	0
Outstanding at September 30 (in shares)	768,425
Exercisable at September 30 (in shares)	427,800
Weighted average exercise price per share	'
Outstanding at January 1 (in usd per share)	$41.05
Granted (in usd per share)	$44.42
Exercised (in usd per share)	$34.52
Expired/Forfeited (in usd per share)	$0
Outstanding at September 30 (in usd per share)	$42.43
Exercisable at September 30 (in usd per share)	$42.19
Aggregate intrinsic value	'
Outstanding at January 1	$2,228,639
Granted	434,625
Exercised	365,504
Outstanding at September 30	3,763,697
Exercisable at September 30	$2,567,759

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Interest Rate Swap
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt, fixed interest rate	4.50%	4.00%	'
Notes payable, fair value	$854.80	$848.10	'
Notes payable, carrying value	795.1	774.8	'
Interest rate swap agreement, termination date	'	'	1-Jul-20
Fair value of derivative liability	'	'	$3.30

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Swaps (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Change in fair value:	'	'	'	'
Recognized in earnings	$46	$17	$107	($2)
Recognized in other comprehensive income	-12	-321	2,252	-1,231
Total change in fair value	$34	($304)	$2,359	($1,233)

Business_Segments_Additional_I

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable business segments	2

Business_Segments_Detail

Business Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$49,756	$47,445	$147,751	$141,806	'
Expenses	-11,907	-11,580	-35,642	-35,190	'
Income from real estate	37,849	35,865	112,109	106,616	'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	-11,738	-12,322	-35,164	-37,609	'
Predevelopment expenses	-60	-1,870	-3,642	-1,870	'
General and administrative	-3,501	-3,272	-10,830	-10,303	'
Subtotal	22,550	18,401	62,473	56,834	'
Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	-10,492	-10,237	-39,316	-29,744	'
Gain on sale of property	0	1,057	0	1,057	'
Gain on casualty settlement	0	219	0	219	'
Acquisition related costs	-99	0	-99	0	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	46	17	107	-2	'
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	-497	0	-497	0	'
Loss from operation of properties sold	'	-53	'	-45	'
Net Income	11,508	9,404	22,668	28,319	'
Capital investment	8,731	5,991	20,107	13,263	'
Total assets	1,199,172	1,200,447	1,199,172	1,200,447	1,207,309
Shopping Centers	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	36,486	34,389	108,282	102,542	'
Expenses	-7,732	-7,436	-22,709	-22,428	'
Income from real estate	28,754	26,953	85,573	80,114	'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	0	0	0	0	'
Predevelopment expenses	0	0	0	0	'
General and administrative	0	0	0	0	'
Subtotal	28,754	26,953	85,573	80,114	'
Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	-6,785	-6,456	-20,527	-19,094	'
Gain on sale of property	'	1,057	'	1,057	'
Gain on casualty settlement	'	0	'	0	'
Acquisition related costs	-99	'	-99	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	0	0	0	0	'
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	'	0	'	'
Loss from operation of properties sold	'	-53	'	-45	'
Net Income	21,870	21,501	64,947	62,032	'
Capital investment	8,025	4,633	13,829	8,105	'
Total assets	892,716	863,352	892,716	863,352	'
Mixed-Use Properties	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	13,257	12,999	39,412	39,155	'
Expenses	-4,175	-4,144	-12,933	-12,762	'
Income from real estate	9,082	8,855	26,479	26,393	'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	0	0	0	0	'
Predevelopment expenses	-60	-1,870	-3,642	-1,870	'
General and administrative	0	0	0	0	'
Subtotal	9,022	6,985	22,837	24,523	'
Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	-3,707	-3,781	-18,789	-10,650	'
Gain on sale of property	'	0	'	0	'
Gain on casualty settlement	'	0	'	0	'
Acquisition related costs	0	'	0	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	0	0	0	0	'
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	'	0	'	'
Loss from operation of properties sold	'	0	'	0	'
Net Income	5,315	3,204	4,048	13,873	'
Capital investment	706	1,358	6,278	5,158	'
Total assets	294,149	302,261	294,149	302,261	'
Corporate and Other	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	13	57	57	109	'
Expenses	0	0	0	0	'
Income from real estate	13	57	57	109	'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred debt costs	-11,738	-12,322	-35,164	-37,609	'
Predevelopment expenses	0	0	0	0	'
General and administrative	-3,501	-3,272	-10,830	-10,303	'
Subtotal	-15,226	-15,537	-45,937	-47,803	'
Depreciation and amortization of deferred leasing costs	0	0	0	0	'
Gain on sale of property	'	0	'	0	'
Gain on casualty settlement	'	219	'	219	'
Acquisition related costs	0	'	0	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives	46	17	107	-2	'
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	-497	'	-497	'	'
Loss from operation of properties sold	'	0	'	0	'
Net Income	-15,677	-15,301	-46,327	-47,586	'
Capital investment	0	0	0	0	'
Total assets	$12,307	$34,834	$12,307	$34,834	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Principal amortization period	'25 years
Van Ness Square	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument amount	71.6
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate	4.88%