Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Capital (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance (units)	128,455,350
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units	$ 51
Net proceeds from issuance of series H preferred units	289,857
Amortization of unearned compensation regarding share-based awards	10,478
Net income	46,717
Other comprehensive income (loss) - foreign currency translation adjustments	3,819
Other comprehensive income (loss) - fair value of interest rate swaps	(1,343)
Other comprehensive income - reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	846
Balance (units)	128,606,462
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. [Member]
Balance	3,646,512
Common stock offering costs	(100)
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options	38
Net proceeds from issuance of series H preferred units	289,857
Amortization of unearned compensation regarding share-based awards	10,478
Distributions	(121,104)
Net income	46,717
Other comprehensive income (loss) - foreign currency translation adjustments	3,819
Other comprehensive income (loss) - fair value of interest rate swaps	(1,343)
Other comprehensive income - reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	846
Balance	3,875,720
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net [Member] | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. [Member]
Balance	8,457
Other comprehensive income (loss) - foreign currency translation adjustments	3,819
Other comprehensive income (loss) - fair value of interest rate swaps	(1,343)
Other comprehensive income - reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	846
Balance	11,779
Noncontrolling Interests In Consolidated Joint Ventures [Member] | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. [Member]
Balance	6,969
Net income	112
Balance	7,081
General Partner [Member] | Preferred Units [Member] | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. [Member]
Balance	694,831
Balance (units)	28,800,000
Net proceeds from issuance of series H preferred units	289,857
Net proceeds from issuance of series H preferred units (units)	12,000,000
Distributions	(11,726)
Net income	11,726
Balance	984,688
Balance (units)	40,800,000
General Partner [Member] | Common Units [Member] | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. [Member]
Balance	2,904,994
Balance (units)	128,455,350
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units	51
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)	4,438
Issuance of unvested restricted common units, net of forfeitures (units)	145,757
Common stock offering costs	(100)
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options	38
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options (units)	917
Amortization of unearned compensation regarding share-based awards	10,478
Reclassification of vested share-based awards	(10,306)
Distributions	(106,743)
Net income	34,186
Balance	2,832,598
Balance (units)	128,606,462
Limited Partner [Member] | Common Units [Member] | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. [Member]
Balance	31,261
Balance (units)	2,967,021
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units	(51)
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)	(4,438)
Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures (units)	163,028
Reclassification of vested share-based awards	10,306
Distributions	(2,635)
Net income	693
Balance	$ 39,574
Balance (units)	3,125,611