Debt of the Operating Partnership (Exchangeable Senior Debentures) (4.125 Table) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Principal amount of the liability component	$ 3,076,081
Unamortized discount of the liability component	9,526
4.125% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2026 [Member]
Carrying amount of the equity component	5,119		9,406
Principal amount of the liability component	48,301		88,758
Unamortized discount of the liability component	113		1,456
Net carrying amount of the liability component	48,188		87,302
Remaining amortization period of discount (months)	1		7
Exchange price	$ 30.99		$ 31.42
Number of shares to be issued upon exchange	777	[1]	1,103	[1]
The amount by which the if-exchanged value exceeds the principal amount	48,003	[1]	56,828	[1]
Effective interest rate on liability component	6.75%		6.75%
Non-cash interest cost recognized for the year ended	1,117		2,067	[2]
Coupon rate interest cost recognized for the year ended	$ 1,376		$ 3,490	[2]

[1] In accordance with accounting guidance on convertible debt instruments that require the principal amount to be settled in cash upon conversion, we are required to disclose the exchange price and the number of shares on which the aggregate consideration to be delivered upon exchange is determined (principal plus excess value). The 2026 Debentures require the entire principal amount to be settled in cash, and at our option, any excess value above the principal amount may be settled in cash and/or common shares. Based on the June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 closing share prices of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and the exchange prices in the table above, the excess value was approximately $48.0 million and $56.8 million, respectively; accordingly, approximately 0.8 million and 1.1 million common shares, respectively, would be issued if the 2026 Debentures were settled on these dates and we elected to settle the excess value in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock.

[2] Amounts are for the six months ended June 30, 2010.