Equity and Capital - Summary of Activity For Noncontrolling Interests in The Operating Partnership (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 shares
Common And Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (units)	8,046,267
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(603,039)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(39,151)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	219,652
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	119,418
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(1,876)
Ending balance (units)	7,741,271
Common Units
Common And Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (units)	6,212,369
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(603,039)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	0
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	0
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	0
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	0
Ending balance (units)	5,609,330
Incentive Units
Common And Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (units)	1,833,898
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	0
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(39,151)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	219,652
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	119,418
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(1,876)
Ending balance (units)	2,131,941