Debt of the Operating Partnership Debt of Operating Partnership (4.450% Notes due 2028) (Details) - 4.450% notes due 2028	Jun. 21, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	$ 650,000,000.0
Purchase price paid, percentage of principal	99.852%
Original issue discount on offering	$ 1,000,000
Underwriting commissions and expenses	5,700,000
Net proceeds from offering	$ 643,300,000
Covenant, leverage ratio percentage, required maximum	60.00%
Covenant, secured leverage ratio, allowable maximum	40.00%
Covenant, interest coverage ratio, required minimum	1.50
Covenant, unencumbered assets to unsecured debt	150.00%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.45%
Senior Notes | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.45%	4.45%