Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Summary of Activity For Noncontrolling Interests in The Operating Partnership) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 shares
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2016 (units)	2,475,663
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(130,000)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(86,964)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	232,148
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	55,324
As of March 31, 2017 (units)	2,546,171
Common Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2016 (units)	1,141,814
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(130,000)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	0
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	0
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	0
As of March 31, 2017 (units)	1,011,814
Incentive Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2016 (units)	1,333,849
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)	(86,964)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	232,148
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	55,324
As of March 31, 2017 (units)	1,534,357