Debt of the Operating Partnership (Global Revolving Credit Facility) (Narrative) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) extension	Jan. 15, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2013 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 5,896,311,000
Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 2,000,000,000.0
Number of extension options | extension	2
Debt extension	6 months
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Commitment fee percentage	0.20%
Financing costs capitalized amount	$ 10,900,000
Long-term debt, gross	210,077,000		$ 967,884,000
Letters of credit	$ 20,000,000
Global revolving credit facility | Accordian Feature
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 2,500,000,000.0