Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate number of nonredeemable preferred shares reserved for future issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cash received on stock transaction after deduction of issuance costs.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of shares issued or sold by the subsidiary or equity method investee per stock transaction.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:
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Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=dlr_DigitalRealtyTrustLPMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember
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- Details

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Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Forward Equity Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 27, 2019	Sep. 27, 2018	May 19, 2017	Sep. 27, 2016	Jun. 02, 2016	May 20, 2016
Forward Sale Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock subject to forward sale agreements (in shares)			2,375,000
Forward Sale Agreement \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		9,775,000		12,000,000	14,375,000	12,500,000
Proceeds from sale of stock			$ 211.1	$ 1,100.0
Forward Sale Agreement \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Scenario, Forecast
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of stock	$ 1,100.0
Over-Allotment Option \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		1,275,000			1,875,000