Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Summary of Activity in Noncontrolling Interest in the Operating Partnership) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011
As of December 31	5,463,449
Redemption of common units for shares of our common stock	(507,013)	[1]
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of our common stock	(51,957)	[1]
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors	(53,138)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	183,505
As of June 30	5,034,846
Common Units [Member]
As of December 31	3,937,827
Redemption of common units for shares of our common stock	(507,013)	[1]
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of our common stock		[1]
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors
As of June 30	3,430,814
Incentive Units [Member]
As of December 31	1,525,622
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of our common stock	(51,957)	[1]
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors	(53,138)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	183,505
As of June 30	1,604,032

[1] This redemption was recorded as a reduction to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and an increase to common stock and additional paid in capital based on the book value per unit in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.