Debt of the Operating Partnership (Due to Parent) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions				9 Months Ended
	Oct. 13, 2015	Oct. 08, 2015	Aug. 24, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Intercompany Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate				4.50%
Interest accrued				$ 1.2
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Subsequent Event | Intercompany Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt		$ 244.1
Series I Preferred Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issued (shares)			10,000,000
Preferred Stock, dividend rate			6.35%	6.35%
Gross proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock			$ 242.7
Series I Preferred Stock | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issued (shares)	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	6.35%