Debt of the Operating Partnership (Schedule of Debt Maturities And Principal Maturities) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P. $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	$ 1,089
2021	800,000
2022	1,764,230
2023	1,150,656
Thereafter	6,489,458
Subtotal	10,205,433
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	(22,554)
Unamortized premium	6,463
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	10,189,342
Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	99,315
2023	146,451
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	245,766	$ 1,663,156
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	0
Unamortized premium	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 245,766
Number of extension options \| item	2
Debt instrument, extension term	6 months
Unsecured term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	$ 0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	813,205
2023	0
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	813,205
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	0
Unamortized premium	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 813,205
Debt instrument, extension term	6 months
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	$ 0
2020	0
2021	800,000
2022	747,710
2023	1,004,205
Thereafter	6,489,458
Subtotal	9,041,373
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	(22,554)
Unamortized premium	6,409
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	9,025,228
Secured Debt.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	1,089
2020	0
2021	0
2022	104,000
2023	0
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	105,089
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	0
Unamortized premium	54	148
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 105,143	$ 705,924

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