Debt of the Operating Partnership (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Senior Notes \| 2.500% notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.50%
Senior Notes \| 3.600% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.60%
Unsecured senior notes \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio	60.00%
Secured debt leverage ratio, maximum	40.00%
Interest coverage ratio	1.50
Total unencumbered assets	150.00%
Unsecured senior notes \| 2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.50%
Unsecured senior notes \| 2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	$ 1,075.0
Net proceeds from offering	$ 1,218.6
Unsecured senior notes \| 5.875% notes due 2020 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
Unsecured senior notes \| 3.600% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.60%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 900.0
Net proceeds from offering	$ 890.6
Unsecured senior notes \| 3.400% notes due 2020 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.40%

Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio Percentage

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Debt Instrument, Interest Coverage Ratio

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Debt Instrument, Secured Debt Ratio Percentage

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Debt Instrument, Unencumbered Assets Percentage to Unsecured Debt

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Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

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Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
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Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

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The cash inflow from additional borrowings, net of cash paid to third parties in connection with debt origination.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
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