Debt of the Company (Narrative) (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2020
2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%
2.750% notes due 2023 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%
4.750% notes due 2025 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
3.700% notes due 2027 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.70%
4.450% notes due 2028 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.45%
3.600% notes due 2029 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.60%
4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
4.750% notes due 2023 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
2.750% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%
2.750% notes due 2024 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%
4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
4.250% notes due 2025 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
3.300% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.30%
3.300% notes due 2029 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.30%
3.750% notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.75%
3.750% notes due 2030 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.75%
2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%
2.625% notes due 2024 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%
2.500% notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.50%
2.500% notes due 2026 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.50%
1.125% notes due 2028 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.125%
0.125% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.125%
0.125% notes due 2022 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.125%
0.625% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.625%
0.625% notes due 2025 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.625%
1.500% notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.50%
1.500% notes due 2030 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.50%
1.250% notes due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.25%
1.250% notes due 2031 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.25%
1.000% notes due 2032
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.00%
1.000% notes due 2032 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.00%