Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Summary of Activity For Noncontrolling Interests in The Operating Partnership) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 shares
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2015 (units)	2,833,326
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(202,500)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(136,646)
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(1,416)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	28,227
As of September, 2016 (units)	2,520,991
Common Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2015 (units)	1,421,314
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(202,500)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	0
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	0
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	0
As of September, 2016 (units)	1,218,814
Incentive Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2015 (units)	1,412,012
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	0
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(136,646)
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(1,416)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	28,227
As of September, 2016 (units)	1,302,177