Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Summary of Activity for Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest, Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3,013,661	2,967,021	2,851,400
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock	(42,500)	(28,000)	(24,000)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock	(113,508)	(106,073)	(33,138)
Vesting of Class C Units (2007 Grant)			(19,483)
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors	(151,579)	(18,773)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	127,252	199,486	192,242
Ending balance	2,833,326	3,013,661	2,967,021
Common Units
Noncontrolling Interest, Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,463,814	1,491,814	1,515,814
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock	(42,500)	(28,000)	(24,000)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock	0	0	0
Vesting of Class C Units (2007 Grant)			0
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors	0	0
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	0		0
Ending balance	1,421,314	1,463,814	1,491,814
Incentive Units
Noncontrolling Interest, Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,549,847	1,475,207	1,335,586
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock	0	0	0
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock	(113,508)	(106,073)	(33,138)
Vesting of Class C Units (2007 Grant)			(19,483)
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors	(151,579)	(18,773)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	127,252	199,486	192,242
Ending balance	1,412,012	1,549,847	1,475,207