Digital Realty Trust (DLR) 10-Q 9 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 03, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,297,996
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		205,442,570
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Entity Central Index Key	1,494,877
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Properties:
Land	$ 1,111,992,000	$ 746,822,000
Acquired ground leases	11,021,000	11,335,000
Buildings and improvements	14,758,575,000	10,267,525,000
Tenant improvements	547,732,000	532,787,000
Total investments in properties	16,429,320,000	11,558,469,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,075,294,000)	(2,668,509,000)
Net investments in properties	13,354,026,000	8,889,960,000
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	106,374,000	106,402,000
Net investments in real estate	13,460,400,000	8,996,362,000
Cash and cash equivalents	192,578,000	10,528,000
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,187 and $7,446 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	258,490,000	203,938,000
Deferred rent	420,348,000	412,269,000
Acquired above-market leases, net	178,190,000	22,181,000
Goodwill	3,384,394,000	752,970,000
Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles, net	3,052,277,000	1,522,378,000
Restricted cash	17,753,000	11,508,000
Assets held for sale	132,818,000	56,097,000
Other assets	135,250,000	204,354,000
Total assets	21,232,498,000	12,192,585,000
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured senior notes, net	6,806,333,000	4,153,797,000
Mortgage loans, including premiums, net	106,775,000	3,240,000
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,024,394,000	824,878,000
Accrued dividends and distributions	0	144,194,000
Acquired below-market leases, net	257,732,000	81,899,000
Security deposits and prepaid rents	223,536,000	168,111,000
Obligations associated with assets held for sale	4,660,000	2,599,000
Total liabilities	9,994,566,000	7,060,288,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests – operating partnership	64,509,000	0
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock	1,249,687,000	1,012,961,000
Common Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 315,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2017 and 265,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2016; 205,433,495 and 159,019,118 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	2,043,000	1,582,000
Partners’ capital:
Additional paid-in capital	11,249,867,000	5,764,497,000
Accumulated dividends in excess of earnings	(1,915,586,000)	(1,547,420,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(116,732,000)	(135,605,000)
Total stockholders’ equity	10,469,279,000	5,096,015,000
Noncontrolling Interests:
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership	697,558,000	29,684,000
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	6,586,000	6,598,000
Total noncontrolling interests	704,144,000	36,282,000
Total equity	11,173,423,000	5,132,297,000
Total liabilities and equity/capital	21,232,498,000	12,192,585,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Properties:
Land	1,111,992,000	746,822,000
Acquired ground leases	11,021,000	11,335,000
Buildings and improvements	14,758,575,000	10,267,525,000
Tenant improvements	547,732,000	532,787,000
Total investments in properties	16,429,320,000	11,558,469,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,075,294,000)	(2,668,509,000)
Net investments in properties	13,354,026,000	8,889,960,000
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	106,374,000	106,402,000
Net investments in real estate	13,460,400,000	8,996,362,000
Cash and cash equivalents	192,578,000	10,528,000
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,187 and $7,446 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	258,490,000	203,938,000
Deferred rent	420,348,000	412,269,000
Acquired above-market leases, net	178,190,000	22,181,000
Goodwill	3,384,394,000	752,970,000
Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles, net	3,052,277,000	1,522,378,000
Restricted cash	17,753,000	11,508,000
Assets held for sale	132,818,000	56,097,000
Other assets	135,250,000	204,354,000
Total assets	21,232,498,000	12,192,585,000
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured senior notes, net	6,806,333,000	4,153,797,000
Mortgage loans, including premiums, net	106,775,000	3,240,000
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,024,394,000	824,878,000
Accrued dividends and distributions	0	144,194,000
Acquired below-market leases, net	257,732,000	81,899,000
Security deposits and prepaid rents	223,536,000	168,111,000
Obligations associated with assets held for sale	4,660,000	2,599,000
Total liabilities	9,994,566,000	7,060,288,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests – operating partnership	64,509,000	0
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock	1,249,687,000	1,012,961,000
Partners’ capital:
Common units, 205,433,495 and 159,019,118 units issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	9,336,324,000	4,218,659,000
Limited Partners, 8,482,961 and 2,475,663 units issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	702,344,000	34,698,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(121,518,000)	(140,619,000)
Total partners’ capital	11,166,837,000	5,125,699,000
Noncontrolling Interests:
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	6,586,000	6,598,000
Total capital	11,173,423,000	5,132,297,000
Total liabilities and equity/capital	21,232,498,000	12,192,585,000
Global revolving credit facility, net
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	138,477,000	199,209,000
Global revolving credit facility, net | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	138,477,000	199,209,000
Unsecured term loan, net
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	1,432,659,000	1,482,361,000
Unsecured term loan, net | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	$ 1,432,659,000	$ 1,482,361,000

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 6,187	$ 7,446
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (shares)	110,000,000	110,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	50,650,000	41,900,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (shares)	50,650,000	41,900,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (shares)	315,000,000	265,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued (shares)	205,433,495	159,019,118
Common stock, shares, outstanding (shares)	205,433,495	159,019,118
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 6,187	$ 7,446
Preferred units, issued (units)	50,650,000	41,900,000
Preferred units, outstanding (units)	50,650,000	41,900,000
Common units, issued (units)	205,433,495	159,019,118
Common units, outstanding (units)	205,433,495	159,019,118
Limited Partners' units, issued (units)	8,482,961	2,475,663
Limited Partners' units outstanding (units)	8,482,961	2,475,663

Condensed Consolidated Income S

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Revenues:
Rental	$ 440,591	$ 395,212	$ 1,257,293	$ 1,143,449
Tenant reimbursements	107,613	95,665	288,243	268,094
Interconnection and other	59,851	53,897	175,377	149,223
Fee income	1,662	1,517	4,986	4,567
Other	208	2	584	93
Total operating revenues	609,925	546,293	1,726,483	1,565,426
Operating Expenses:
Rental property operating and maintenance	190,061	177,192	534,116	490,909
Property taxes	32,586	20,620	87,666	75,400
Insurance	2,590	2,470	7,758	7,123
Depreciation and amortization	199,914	178,133	554,491	522,743
General and administrative	43,765	46,135	115,921	111,580
Transactions and integration	42,809	6,015	60,367	11,530
Impairment of investments in real estate	28,992	0	28,992
Other	3,051	(22)	3,075	(23)
Total operating expenses	543,768	430,543	1,392,386	1,219,262
Operating income	66,157	115,750	334,097	346,164
Other Income (Expenses):
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	5,880	4,152	19,592	12,362
Gain on sale of properties	9,750	169,000	9,608	170,097
Interest and other (expense) income	2,813	355	3,331	(3,594)
Interest expense	(71,621)	(63,084)	(184,653)	(180,254)
Tax expense	(2,494)	(3,720)	(7,356)	(8,081)
Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt	1,990	(18)	1,990	(982)
Net income	12,475	222,435	176,609	335,712
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(40)	(3,247)	(1,985)	(4,600)
Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	12,435	219,188	174,624	331,112
Preferred stock/unit dividends/distributions, including undeclared dividends	(16,575)	(21,530)	(48,473)	(66,378)
Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock/units	0	(10,328)	(6,309)	(10,328)
Net (loss) income available to common stock/unitholders	$ (4,140)	$ 187,330	$ 119,842	$ 254,406
Net (loss) income per share/unit available to common stockholders/unitholders:
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.27	$ 0.73	$ 1.73
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.25	$ 0.73	$ 1.72
Weighted average common shares/units outstanding:
Basic (shares/units)	170,194,254	147,397,853	163,481,306	146,930,939
Diluted (shares/units)	170,194,254	149,384,871	164,371,096	147,655,184
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Operating Revenues:
Rental	$ 440,591	$ 395,212	$ 1,257,293	$ 1,143,449
Tenant reimbursements	107,613	95,665	288,243	268,094
Interconnection and other	59,851	53,897	175,377	149,223
Fee income	1,662	1,517	4,986	4,567
Other	208	2	584	93
Total operating revenues	609,925	546,293	1,726,483	1,565,426
Operating Expenses:
Rental property operating and maintenance	190,061	177,192	534,116	490,909
Property taxes	32,586	20,620	87,666	75,400
Insurance	2,590	2,470	7,758	7,123
Depreciation and amortization	199,914	178,133	554,491	522,743
General and administrative	43,765	46,135	115,921	111,580
Transactions and integration	42,809	6,015	60,367	11,530
Impairment of investments in real estate	28,992	0	28,992
Other	3,051	(22)	3,075	(23)
Total operating expenses	543,768	430,543	1,392,386	1,219,262
Operating income	66,157	115,750	334,097	346,164
Other Income (Expenses):
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	5,880	4,152	19,592	12,362
Gain on sale of properties	9,750	169,000	9,608	170,097
Interest and other (expense) income	2,813	355	3,331	(3,594)
Interest expense	(71,621)	(63,084)	(184,653)	(180,254)
Tax expense	(2,494)	(3,720)	(7,356)	(8,081)
Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt	1,990	(18)	1,990	(982)
Net income	12,475	222,435	176,609	335,712
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(119)	(223)	(353)	(456)
Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	12,356	222,212	176,256	335,256
Preferred stock/unit dividends/distributions, including undeclared dividends	(16,575)	(21,530)	(48,473)	(66,378)
Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock/units	0	(10,328)	(6,309)	(10,328)
Net (loss) income available to common stock/unitholders	$ (4,219)	$ 190,354	$ 121,474	$ 258,550
Net (loss) income per share/unit available to common stockholders/unitholders:
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.27	$ 0.73	$ 1.73
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.25	$ 0.73	$ 1.72
Weighted average common shares/units outstanding:
Basic (shares/units)	173,460,704	149,777,524	166,048,072	149,352,237
Diluted (shares/units)	173,460,704	151,764,542	166,937,862	150,076,482

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net income	$ 12,475	$ 222,435	$ 176,609	$ 335,712
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,301)	(18,438)	25,954	(37,388)
(Decrease) increase in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges	(2,234)	14,806	(8,926)	(2,113)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	396	1,313	2,073	3,569
Comprehensive income	6,336	220,116	195,710	299,780
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	76	(3,210)	(2,213)	(4,017)
Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	6,412	216,906	193,497	295,763
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Net income	12,475	222,435	176,609	335,712
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,301)	(18,438)	25,954	(37,888)
(Decrease) increase in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges	(2,234)	14,806	(8,926)	(2,113)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	396	1,313	2,073	3,569
Comprehensive income	6,336	220,116	195,710	299,280
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(119)	(223)	(353)	(456)
Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	$ 6,217	$ 219,893	$ 195,357	$ 298,824

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests -- Operating Partnership	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Dividends in Excess of Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net	Total Stockholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures	Total Noncontrolling Interests	DFT Company	DFT CompanyTotal Stockholders’ Equity	Series C Preferred StockDFT CompanyPreferred Stock
Balance as of December 31, 2016 at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 5,132,297	$ 0	$ 1,012,961	$ 1,582	$ 5,764,497	$ (1,547,420)	$ (135,605)	$ 5,096,015	$ 29,684	$ 6,598	$ 36,282
Balance as of December 31, 2016 (shares) at Dec. 31, 2016				159,019,118
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of common units to common stock				$ 5	6,910			6,915	(6,915)		(6,915)
Conversion of common units to common stock (shares)				529,103
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (shares)				245,724
Common stock and units issued in connection with DFT merger (in shares)				43,175,629
Issuance of common units in connection with DFT merger	5,924,124	66,259		$ 432	5,247,126			5,247,558	676,566		676,566		$ 5,247,558
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	$ 211,570			$ 24	211,546			211,570				$ 219,250	$ 219,250	$ 219,250
Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger	6,111,770			2,375,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 729				729			729
Exercise of stock options (shares)	17,668			17,668
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan	$ 5,143				5,143			5,143
Issuance of series J preferred stock, net of offering costs	193,667		193,667					193,667
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan (shares)				71,253
Redemption of series F preferred stock	(182,500)		(176,191)			(6,309)		(182,500)
Amortization of share-based compensation	21,339				21,339			21,339
Reclassification of vested share-based awards					(9,173)			(9,173)	9,173		9,173
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable	1,750	(1,750)			1,750			1,750
Dividends declared on preferred stock	(46,268)					(46,268)		(46,268)
Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units	(503,023)					(490,213)		(490,213)	(12,810)		(12,810)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions	(365)									(365)	(365)
Net income	176,609					174,624		174,624	1,632	353	1,985
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments	25,954						25,623	25,623	331		331
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges	(8,926)						(8,793)	(8,793)	(133)		(133)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	2,073						2,043	2,043	30		30
Balance as of September 30, 2017 at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 11,173,423	$ 64,509	$ 1,249,687	$ 2,043	$ 11,249,867	$ (1,915,586)	$ (116,732)	$ 10,469,279	$ 697,558	$ 6,586	$ 704,144
Balance as of September 30, 2017 (shares) at Sep. 30, 2017				205,433,495

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Capital - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016 (units)		159,019,118
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units		$ 6,915
Issuance of common units in connection with DFT merger		5,924,124
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		$ 5,143
Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger		6,111,770
Common units issued in connection with Merger		$ 211,570
Issuance of series J preferred units, net of offering costs		193,667
Redemption of series F preferred stock		(182,500)
Amortization of share-based compensation		21,339
Net income	$ 12,475	176,609
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,301)	25,954
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges	(2,234)	(8,926)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	$ 396	$ 2,073
Balance as of September 30, 2017 (units)	205,433,495	205,433,495
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016		$ 5,132,297
Issuance of common units in connection with DFT merger		5,924,124
Issuance of common units, net of offering costs		211,570
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options		729
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		5,143
Common units issued in connection with Merger		219,250
Issuance of series J preferred units, net of offering costs		193,667
Redemption of series F preferred stock		(182,500)
Amortization of share-based compensation		21,339
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units		1,750
Distributions		(549,291)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions		(365)
Net income	$ 12,475	176,609
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,301)	25,954
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges	(2,234)	(8,926)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	396	2,073
Balance as of September 30, 2017	11,173,423	11,173,423
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests -- Operating Partnership | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016		$ 0
Issuance of common units in connection with merger (in units)		66,259,000
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units		$ (1,750)
Balance as of September 30, 2017	64,509	64,509
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016		(140,619)
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments		25,954
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges		(8,926)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense		2,073
Balance as of September 30, 2017	(121,518)	(121,518)
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016		6,598
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions		(365)
Net income		353
Balance as of September 30, 2017	6,586	6,586
General Partner | Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016		$ 1,012,961
Balance as of December 31, 2016 (units)		41,900,000
Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger		8,000,000
Issuance of series J preferred units, net of offering costs		$ 193,667
Redemption of series F preferred stock		$ (176,191)
Redemption of series F preferred units (units)		(7,300,000)
Distributions		$ (46,268)
Net income		46,268
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$ 1,249,687	$ 1,249,687
Balance as of September 30, 2017 (units)	50,650,000	50,650,000
General Partner | Common Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016		$ 4,218,659
Balance as of December 31, 2016 (units)		159,019,118
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units		$ 6,915
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)		529,103
Issuance of unvested restricted common units (units)		245,724
Issuance of common units in connection with merger (in units)		43,175,629
Issuance of common units in connection with DFT merger		$ 5,247,558
Issuance of common units, net of offering costs		$ 211,570
Common unit offering costs, net (units)		2,375,000
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options		$ 729
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options (units)		17,668
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		$ 5,143
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (units)		71,253
Redemption of series F preferred stock		$ (6,309)
Amortization of share-based compensation		21,339
Reclassification of vested share-based awards		(9,173)
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units		1,750
Distributions		(490,213)
Net income		128,356
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$ 9,336,324	$ 9,336,324
Balance as of September 30, 2017 (units)	205,433,495	205,433,495
General Partner | Series C Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger		8,050,000
Common units issued in connection with Merger		$ 219,250
Limited Partners | Common Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016		$ 34,698
Balance as of December 31, 2016 (units)		2,475,663
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units		$ (6,915)
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)		(529,103)
Issuance of common units in connection with merger (in units)		6,111,770
Issuance of common units in connection with DFT merger		$ 676,566
Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures (units)		424,631
Reclassification of vested share-based awards		$ 9,173
Distributions		(12,810)
Net income		1,632
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$ 702,344	$ 702,344
Balance as of September 30, 2017 (units)	8,482,961	8,482,961

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity		$ 405,237,000	$ 1,086,091,000
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 12,475,000	176,609,000	335,712,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of properties	(9,750,000)	(9,608,000)	(170,097,000)
Impairment of investments in real estate	28,992,000	28,992,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(5,880,000)	(19,592,000)	(12,362,000)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures		26,592,000	12,578,000
Write-off of net assets due to early lease terminations		3,075,000	(23,000)
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases		409,229,000	387,492,000
Amortization of acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs		145,262,000	135,252,000
Amortization of share-based compensation		15,590,000	13,459,000
Non-cash amortization of terminated swaps		903,000	0
(Recovery of) allowance for doubtful accounts		(1,320,000)	4,208,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs		7,572,000	7,453,000
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt		(1,990,000)	982,000
Amortization of debt discount/premium		2,156,000	1,947,000
Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases, net		(4,857,000)	(6,303,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables		(41,713,000)	(46,497,000)
Deferred rent		(7,873,000)	(20,347,000)
Deferred leasing costs		(14,847,000)	(3,905,000)
Other assets		(1,635,000)	(146,763,000)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		52,597,000	(127,139,000)
Security deposits and prepaid rents		21,603,000	7,128,000
Net cash provided by operating activities		681,551,000	627,053,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of real estate		(44,354,000)	(873,285,000)
Proceeds from sale of properties, net		20,200,000	359,319,000
Excess proceeds from forward contracts		63,956,000	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		(7,614,000)	0
Receipt of value added tax refund		0	7,807,000
Refundable value added tax paid		0	(36,328,000)
Improvements to investments in real estate		(763,877,000)	(549,364,000)
Improvement advances to tenants		(37,271,000)	(7,937,000)
Collection of advances from tenants for improvements		30,340,000	25,369,000
Cash assumed in the DFT merger		20,650,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities		(717,970,000)	(1,074,419,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on global revolving credit facility		1,499,691,000	2,355,166,000
Repayments on global revolving credit facility		(2,035,808,000)	(3,161,016,000)
Borrowings on unsecured term loan		0	766,201,000
Repayments on unsecured term loan		(354,000,000)	(170,736,000)
Principal payments on unsecured senior notes		(669,109,000)	0
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes		2,265,060,000	675,591,000
Repayments on unsecured notes		0	(25,000,000)
Borrowings on mortgage loans		104,000,000	0
Principal payments on mortgage loans		(105,406,000)	(191,302,000)
Earnout payments related to acquisition		0	(23,842,000)
Payment of loan fees and costs		(15,643,000)	(19,274,000)
Capital distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net		(365,000)	(375,000)
Redemption of preferred stock		(182,500,000)	(287,500,000)
Proceeds from equity plans		5,872,000	4,729,000
Payment of dividends/distributions to preferred stockholders/unitholders		(46,268,000)	(66,378,000)
Payment of dividends/distributions to common stockholders/unitholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership		(647,217,000)	(521,620,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities		223,544,000	420,735,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		187,125,000	(26,631,000)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		1,170,000	(301,000)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		22,036,000	75,062,000
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	210,331,000	210,331,000	48,130,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized		167,148,000	172,463,000
Cash paid for income taxes		8,454,000	3,646,000
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments		25,954,000	37,388,000
Decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges		(8,926,000)	(2,113,000)
Acquisition measurement period adjustment to goodwill and accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		2,162,000	0
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership redeemed for or converted to shares of common stock		6,915,000	4,049,000
Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and accrued expenses		232,459,000	125,104,000
Investments in real estate		43,585,000	874,220,000
Acquired below-market leases		684,000	935,000
Acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs		1,453,000	0
Cash paid for acquisition of real estate		44,354,000	873,285,000
Goodwill	3,384,394,000	3,384,394,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests -- operating partnership	(66,259,000)	(66,259,000)
Common stock issued in connection with merger		(5,924,124,000)
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger		(211,570,000)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	12,475,000	176,609,000	335,712,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of properties	(9,750,000)	(9,608,000)	(170,097,000)
Impairment of investments in real estate	28,992,000	28,992,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(5,880,000)	(19,592,000)	(12,362,000)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures		26,592,000	12,578,000
Write-off of net assets due to early lease terminations		3,075,000	(23,000)
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases		409,229,000	387,492,000
Amortization of acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs		145,262,000	135,252,000
Amortization of share-based compensation		15,590,000	13,459,000
Non-cash amortization of terminated swaps		903,000	0
(Recovery of) allowance for doubtful accounts		(1,320,000)	4,208,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs		7,572,000	7,453,000
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt		(1,990,000)	982,000
Amortization of debt discount/premium		2,156,000	1,947,000
Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases, net		(4,857,000)	(6,303,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables		(41,713,000)	(46,497,000)
Deferred rent		(7,873,000)	(20,347,000)
Deferred leasing costs		(14,847,000)	(3,905,000)
Other assets		(1,635,000)	(146,763,000)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		52,597,000	(127,139,000)
Security deposits and prepaid rents		21,603,000	7,128,000
Net cash provided by operating activities		681,551,000	627,053,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of real estate		(44,354,000)	(873,285,000)
Proceeds from sale of properties, net		20,200,000	359,319,000
Excess proceeds from forward contracts		63,956,000	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		(7,614,000)	0
Receipt of value added tax refund		0	7,807,000
Refundable value added tax paid		0	(36,328,000)
Improvements to investments in real estate		(763,877,000)	(549,364,000)
Improvement advances to tenants		(37,271,000)	(7,937,000)
Collection of advances from tenants for improvements		30,340,000	25,369,000
Cash assumed in the DFT merger		20,650,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities		(717,970,000)	(1,074,419,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on global revolving credit facility		1,499,691,000	2,355,166,000
Repayments on global revolving credit facility		(2,035,808,000)	(3,161,016,000)
Borrowings on unsecured term loan		0	766,201,000
Repayments on unsecured term loan		(354,000,000)	(170,736,000)
Principal payments on unsecured senior notes		(669,109,000)	0
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes		2,265,060,000	675,591,000
Repayments on unsecured notes		0	(25,000,000)
Borrowings on mortgage loans		104,000,000	0
Principal payments on mortgage loans		(105,406,000)	(191,302,000)
Earnout payments related to acquisition		0	(23,842,000)
Payment of loan fees and costs		(15,643,000)	(19,274,000)
Capital distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net		(365,000)	(375,000)
Proceeds from Contributions from Parent		228,609,000	803,320,000
Payment of dividends/distributions to preferred stockholders/unitholders		(46,268,000)	(66,378,000)
Payment of dividends/distributions to common stockholders/unitholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership		(647,217,000)	(521,620,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities		223,544,000	420,735,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		187,125,000	(26,631,000)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		1,170,000	(301,000)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		22,036,000	75,062,000
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	210,331,000	210,331,000	48,130,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized		167,148,000	172,463,000
Cash paid for income taxes		8,454,000	3,646,000
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments		25,954,000	37,388,000
Decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges		(8,926,000)	(2,113,000)
Acquisition measurement period adjustment to goodwill and accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		2,162,000	0
Preferred units converted to common units		0	0
Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and accrued expenses		232,459,000	125,104,000
Investments in real estate		43,585,000	874,220,000
Acquired below-market leases		684,000	935,000
Acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs		1,453,000	0
Cash paid for acquisition of real estate		44,354,000	$ 873,285,000
Goodwill	3,384,394,000	3,384,394,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests -- operating partnership	(66,259,000)	(66,259,000)
Common stock issued in connection with merger		(5,924,124,000)
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger		(219,250,000)
DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Cash assumed in merger	20,650,000	20,650,000
Land	312,579,000	312,579,000
Building and improvements	3,677,497,000	3,677,497,000
Accounts and other receivables	10,978,000	10,978,000
Intangibles	1,582,385,000	1,582,385,000
Goodwill	2,592,181,000	2,592,181,000
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(248,259,000)	(248,259,000)
Acquired below-market leases	185,543,000	185,543,000
Other working capital, net	(24,630,000)	(24,630,000)
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger		(219,250,000)
DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Cash assumed in merger	20,650,000	20,650,000
Land	312,579,000	312,579,000
Building and improvements	3,677,497,000	3,677,497,000
Accounts and other receivables	10,978,000	10,978,000
Intangibles	1,582,385,000	1,582,385,000
Goodwill	2,592,181,000	2,592,181,000
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(248,259,000)	(248,259,000)
Acquired below-market leases	185,543,000	185,543,000
Other working capital, net	(24,630,000)	(24,630,000)
Above Market Leases | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Acquired above-market leases	162,333,000	162,333,000
Above Market Leases | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Acquired above-market leases	162,333,000	162,333,000
Global revolving credit facility, net | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	(450,697,000)	(450,697,000)
Global revolving credit facility, net | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	(450,697,000)	(450,697,000)
Unsecured Term Loans | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	(250,000,000)	(250,000,000)
Unsecured Term Loans | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	(250,000,000)	(250,000,000)
Senior Notes | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	(884,841,000)	(884,841,000)
Senior Notes | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	(884,841,000)	(884,841,000)
Mortgage Loans | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	(105,000,000)	(105,000,000)
Mortgage Loans | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Long term debt	$ (105,000,000)	(105,000,000)
Parent
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		174,624,000
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in connection with merger		(5,247,558,000)
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger		(211,570,000)
Parent | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in connection with merger		(5,247,558,000)
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger		(219,250,000)
Common Unit | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in connection with merger		(676,566,000)
Series C Preferred Units | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger		(219,250,000)
Series C Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock | DFT Company
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger		(219,250,000)
General Partner | Common Unit | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in connection with merger		(5,247,558,000)
Limited Partner | Common Unit | DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in connection with merger		$ (676,566,000)

Organization and Description of

Organization and Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Description Of Business	Organization and Description of Business Digital Realty Trust, Inc. through its controlling interest in Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (the Operating Partnership) and their subsidiaries (collectively, we, our, us or the Company) is engaged in the business of owning, acquiring, developing and managing data centers. The Company is focused on providing data center, colocation and interconnection solutions for domestic and international customers across a variety of industry verticals ranging from financial services, cloud and information technology services, to manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and consumer products. As of September 30, 2017 , our portfolio consisted of 159 operating properties, including nine held-for-sale properties and 14 properties held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, of which 117 are located throughout the United States, 32 are located in Europe, four are located in Asia, three are located in Australia and three are located in Canada. We are diversified in major metropolitan areas where data center and technology customers are concentrated, including the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley and Toronto metropolitan areas in North America, the Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, London and Paris metropolitan areas in Europe and the Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Osaka metropolitan areas in the Asia Pacific region. The portfolio consists of data centers, Internet gateway data centers and office and other non-data center space. The Operating Partnership was formed on July 21, 2004 in anticipation of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s initial public offering (IPO) on November 3, 2004 and commenced operations on that date. As of September 30, 2017 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owns a 96.0% common interest and a 100.0% preferred interest in the Operating Partnership. As sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for the Operating Partnership’s day-to-day management and control. The limited partners of the Operating Partnership do not have rights to replace Digital Realty Trust, Inc. as the general partner nor do they have participating rights, although they do have certain protective rights. On September 14, 2017, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., the Operating Partnership, Penguins REIT Sub, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (“Merger Sub”), Penguins OP Sub 2, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership (“Merger Sub GP”), Penguins OP Sub, LLC, a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership and Merger Sub GP (the “Partnership Merger Sub”), DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“DFT”), and DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership (the “DFT Operating Partnership”) (i) DFT merged with and into Merger Sub (the “REIT Merger”) and (ii) the Partnership Merger Sub merged with and into the DFT Operating Partnership (the “Partnership Merger” and, together with the REIT Merger, the “DFT merger” or “the merger”). Upon completion of the REIT Merger, Merger Sub survived and the separate corporate existence of DFT ceased. In connection with the closing of the DFT merger, each share of DFT's common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.545 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and (ii) each common unit of partnership interests in the DFT Operating Partnership was converted into the right to receive 0.545 common units in the Operating Partnership, or, in the alternative, each unit holder elected to redeem his or her units and receive 0.545 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock for each unit; and (iii) each share of DFT's 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock was converted into the right to receive one share of a newly designated class of preferred stock of Digital Realty Trust, Inc's. 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, with substantially similar rights, privileges, preferences and interests as DFT's 6.625% Series C Preferred Stock.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., the Operating Partnership and their subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All such adjustments are considered to be of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise indicated. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for the full fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership have been combined to provide the following benefits: • enhancing investors’ understanding of the Company and the Operating Partnership by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business; • eliminating duplicative disclosure and providing a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both the Company and the Operating Partnership; and • creating time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one set of notes instead of two separate sets of notes. There are a few differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, which are reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe it is important to understand the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership in the context of how we operate as an interrelated consolidated company. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, issuing public securities from time to time and guaranteeing certain unsecured debt of the Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. itself has not issued any indebtedness but guarantees the unsecured debt of the Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, as disclosed in these notes. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all the assets of the Company and holds the ownership interests in the Company’s joint ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from public equity issuances by Digital Realty Trust, Inc., which are generally contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for partnership units, the Operating Partnership generally generates the capital required by the Company’s business through the Operating Partnership’s operations, by the Operating Partnership’s or its affiliates direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness or through the issuance of partnership units. The presentation of noncontrolling interests in operating partnership, stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital are the main areas of difference between the condensed consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and those of the Operating Partnership. The common limited partnership interests held by the limited partners in the Operating Partnership are presented as limited partners’ capital within partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements and as noncontrolling interests in operating partnership within equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The common and preferred partnership interests held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in the Operating Partnership are presented as general partner’s capital within partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements and as preferred stock, common stock, additional paid-in capital and accumulated dividends in excess of earnings within stockholders’ equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The differences in the presentations between stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital result from the differences in the equity issued at the Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership levels. To help investors understand the significant differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, these consolidated financial statements present the following separate sections for each of the Company and the Operating Partnership: • condensed consolidated face financial statements; and • the following notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements: • "Debt of the Company" and "Debt of the Operating Partnership"; • "Income per Share" and "Income per Unit"; and • "Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net" and "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss". In the sections that combine disclosure of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership, these notes refer to actions or holdings as being actions or holdings of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership is generally the entity that enters into contracts and joint ventures and holds assets and debt, reference to the Company is appropriate because the business is one enterprise and the Company generally operates the business through the Operating Partnership. (b) Cash Equivalents For the purpose of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2017 , cash equivalents consist of investments in money market instruments. (c) Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures The Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is accounted for using the equity method, whereby the investment is increased for capital contributed and our share of the joint ventures’ net income and decreased by distributions we receive and our share of any losses of the joint ventures. We do not record losses of the joint ventures in excess of our investment balances unless we are liable for the obligations of the joint venture or are otherwise committed to provide financial support to the joint venture. Likewise, and as long as we have no explicit or implicit obligations to the joint venture, we will suspend equity method accounting to the extent that cash distributions exceed our investment balances until those unrecorded earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. In this case, we will apply cost accounting concepts which tie income recognition to the receipt of cash. Cost basis accounting concepts will apply until earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. We amortize the difference between the cost of our investment in the joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. The amortization of this difference was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (d) Capitalization of Costs Direct and indirect project costs that are clearly associated with the development of properties are capitalized as incurred. Project costs include all costs directly associated with the development of a property, including construction costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, legal fees and costs of personnel working on the project. Indirect costs that do not clearly relate to the projects under development are not capitalized and are charged to expense as incurred. Capitalization of costs begins when the activities necessary to get the development project ready for its intended use begins, which include costs incurred before the beginning of construction. Capitalization of costs ceases when the development project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Determining when a development project commences, and when it is substantially complete and ready for its intended use involves a degree of judgment. We generally consider a development project to be substantially complete and ready for its intended use upon receipt of a certificate of occupancy. If and when development of a property is suspended pursuant to a formal change in the planned use of the property, we will evaluate whether the accumulated costs exceed the estimated value of the project and write-off the amount of any such excess accumulated costs. For a development project that is suspended for reasons other than a formal change in the planned use of such property, the accumulated project costs are evaluated for impairment consistent with our impairment policies for long-lived assets. Capitalized costs are allocated to the specific components of a project that are benefited. We capitalized interest of approximately $5.3 million and $3.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We capitalized interest of approximately $13.7 million and $11.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation and other overhead expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $20.8 million and $18.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and approximately $58.4 million and $52.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Capitalized leasing costs of approximately $41.9 million and $31.4 million are included in improvements to investments in real estate in cash flows from investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (e) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Management performs an annual impairment test for goodwill and between annual tests, management will evaluate the recoverability of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be fully recoverable. In its impairment tests of goodwill, management will first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If based on this assessment, management determines that the fair value of the reporting unit is not less than its carrying value, then performing the additional two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If our qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we perform a two-step impairment test. We test goodwill for impairment under the two-step impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value or qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recognized. We have not recognized any goodwill impairments since our inception. Since some of the goodwill is denominated in foreign currencies, changes to the goodwill balance occur over time due to changes in foreign exchange rates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , changes in foreign exchange rates caused an increase to goodwill of $41.8 million . (f) Share-Based Compensation The Company measures all share-based compensation awards at fair value on the date they are granted to employees, consultants and directors. The fair value of share-based compensation awards that contain a market condition, including market performance-based Class D units of the Operating Partnership and market performance-based restricted stock units (discussed in Note 13 "Incentive Plan"), is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation method and not adjusted based on actual achievement of the performance goals. We recognize compensation cost, net of forfeitures, for all of our existing awards, including long-term incentive units, market performance-based awards and restricted stock, over a four -year period. (g) Income Taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally is not required to pay federal corporate income tax to the extent taxable income is currently distributed to its stockholders. If Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates. The Company is subject to foreign, state and local income taxes in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business. The Company’s U.S. consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to both federal and state income taxes to the extent there is taxable income. Accordingly, the Company recognizes current and deferred income taxes for its taxable REIT subsidiaries, including in certain states and non-U.S. jurisdictions, as appropriate. We assess our significant tax positions in accordance with U.S. GAAP for all open tax years and determine whether we have any material unrecognized liabilities from uncertain tax benefits. If a tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained solely on its technical merits, no benefits of the tax position are to be recognized (for financial statement purposes). As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we have no assets or liabilities for uncertain tax positions. We classify interest and penalties from significant uncertain tax positions as interest expense and operating expense, respectively, in our condensed consolidated income statements. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we had no such interest or penalties. The tax year 2014 and thereafter remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions with which the Company files tax returns. See Note 10 "Income Taxes" for further discussion on income taxes. (h) Presentation of Transactional-based Taxes We account for transactional-based taxes, such as value added tax, or VAT, for our international properties on a net basis. (i) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests include amounts related to partnership units issued by consolidated subsidiaries of the Company in which redemption for equity is outside the control of the Company. Partnership units which are determined to be contingently redeemable for cash under the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity" guidance are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests and presented in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholder’s equity on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the Company and to the noncontrolling interests are presented on the Company’s condensed consolidated income statements. (j) Fee Income Occasionally, customers engage the Company for certain services. The nature of these services historically involves property management, construction management, and assistance with financing. The proper revenue recognition of these services can be different, depending on whether the arrangements are service revenue or contractor type revenue. Service revenues are typically recognized on an equal monthly basis based on the minimum fee to be earned. The monthly amounts could be adjusted depending on if certain performance milestones are met. Fee income also includes management fees. These fees arise from contractual agreements with entities in which we have a noncontrolling interest. The management fees are recognized as earned under the respective agreements. Management and other fee income related to partially owned entities are recognized to the extent attributable to the unaffiliated interest. (k) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Fair value under U.S. GAAP is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, our fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair-value measurements, we use a fair-value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or (l) Transaction and Integration Expense Transaction and integration expense includes acquisition-related expenses, other business development expenses and other expenses to integrate newly acquired investments, which are expensed as incurred. Acquisition-related expenses include closing costs, broker commissions and other professional fees, including legal and accounting fees related to acquisitions and significant transactions. Integration costs include transition costs associated with organizational restructuring (such as severance and retention payments and recruiting expenses), third party consulting expenses directly related to the integration of acquired companies (in areas such as cost savings and synergy realization, technology and systems work), and internal costs such as training, travel and labor, reflecting time spent by Company personnel on integration activities and projects. (m) Gains on Sale of Properties Gains on sale of properties are recognized using the full accrual or partial sale methods, as applicable, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provided various criteria relating to the terms of sale and any subsequent involvement with the real estate sold are satisfied. (n) Management’s Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates made. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the valuation of our real estate properties, contingent consideration, accounts receivable and deferred rent receivable, performance-based equity compensation plans, the completeness of accrued liabilities and Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s qualification as a REIT. We base our estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could vary under different assumptions or conditions. (o) Segment and Geographic Information All of our properties generate similar revenues and expenses related to tenant rent and reimbursements and operating expenses. The delivery of our products and services are consistent across all properties and although services are provided to a wide range of customers, the types of services provided to them are standardized throughout the portfolio. As such, the properties in our portfolio have similar economic characteristics and the nature of the products and services provided to our customers and the method to distribute such services are consistent throughout the portfolio. In addition, the chief operating decision makers evaluate operating performance and make resource allocation decisions for the portfolio as a whole, rather than by property type or revenue stream. Consequently, our properties qualify for aggregation into one reporting segment. Operating revenues from properties in the United States were $478.2 million and $423.8 million and outside the United States were $131.7 million and $122.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties in the United States were $1,346.4 million and $1,243.7 million and outside the United States were $380.0 million and $321.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We had investments in real estate located in the United States of $10.2 billion and $6.3 billion , and outside the United States of $3.2 billion and $2.6 billion , as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties located in the United Kingdom were $70.1 million and $66.1 million , or 11.5% and 12.1% of total operating revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties located in the United Kingdom were $202.8 million and $169.4 million , or 11.7% and 10.8% of total operating revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of total operating revenues for each of these periods. We had investments in real estate located in the United Kingdom of $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion , or 12.0% and 16.6% of total long-lived assets, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of total long-lived assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . (p) New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Standards Adopted In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2017-01, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805)." ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business and provides further guidance for evaluating whether a transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of an asset or a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The update should be applied prospectively. We adopted ASU 2017-01 as of January 1, 2017 and the adoption did not require any additional disclosures. We believe most of our future acquisitions of operating properties will qualify as asset acquisitions and most future transaction costs associated with these acquisitions will be capitalized. In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that will require companies to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will require a disclosure of a reconciliation between the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flows when the statement of financial position includes more than one line item for cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents. Entities with material restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balances will be required to disclose the nature of the restrictions. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2017, and restricted cash balances are included along with cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period and beginning of period in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented; separate line items showing changes in restricted cash balances have been eliminated from our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which provides for simplification of certain aspects of employee share-based payment accounting, including income taxes, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this standard must be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the year of adoption, depending on the type of amendment. We adopted ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Issued but not yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", and since that date has issued several additional ASUs intended to clarify certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 and to provide for certain practical expedients entities may elect upon adoption. Collectively, these ASUs outline a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenues arising from contracts with customers. While lease contracts with customers, which constitute the vast majority of our revenues, are a specific scope exception, this update may have implications in certain variable payment terms included in lease agreements. The Company expects to adopt the guidance effective January 1, 2018 and is in the process of analyzing the impact of the adoption of this guidance. The standard permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and permits the use of certain practical expedients. We currently anticipate using the modified retrospective method, however, this determination is subject to change. As the standard does not significantly impact lessor accounting, we do not believe adoption will have a material impact on our accounting for rental revenue. In addition, we do not anticipate a significant impact to our accounting for certain of our revenue streams which are not based on contractually specified lease amounts, including interconnection, tenant reimbursement and other revenue. However, the Company believes that certain non-lease components of revenue from leases may be impacted by the adoption of the new revenue standard beginning January 1, 2019, the effective date of the new leasing standard (see below). This new guidance could result in different amounts of revenue being recognized and could result in revenue being recognized in different reporting periods than under the current guidance; however, the Company expects that the majority of its non-lease revenues will continue to be recognized during the periods in which services are performed. The Company is currently assessing what additional disclosures will be required upon adoption of this new standard. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)", which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Accounting for leases with a term of 12 months or less will be similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is expected to impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements for leases where the Company is a lessee, primarily for the Company’s data center operating leases, ground leases and administrative office leases, and the Company will be required to record a lease liability and a right of use asset on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value upon adoption. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, Leases (Topic 840). The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. A set of practical expedients for implementation, which must be elected as a package and for all leases, may also be elected. These practical expedients include relief from re-assessing lease classification at the adoption date for expired or existing leases, although a right-of-use asset and lease liability would still be recorded for such leases. We are currently assessing the method of adoption and the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASU Topic 2017-04, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating the process of measuring the implied value of goodwill, known as step two, from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the provisions of ASC 2017-04 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities". ASU 2017-12 simplifies the accounting for hedge accounting by eliminating the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and presenting all items that affect earnings in the same income statement line item as the hedged item. The standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the provisions of ASU 2017-12 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

DFT Merger

DFT Merger	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
DFT Merger	DFT Merger We completed the acquisition of DFT on September 14, 2017. A summary of the preliminary fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired for total equity of approximately $6.2 billion is as follows (in thousands): Land $ 312,579 Building and improvements 3,677,497 Cash and cash equivalents 20,650 Accounts and other receivables 10,978 Acquired above-market leases 162,333 Goodwill 2,592,181 Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles: Tenant relationship value 980,267 Acquired in-place lease value 557,128 Tenant origination costs 44,990 Global revolving credit facility, net (1) (450,697 ) Unsecured term loan (250,000 ) Unsecured senior notes, net (2) (884,841 ) Mortgage loans (1) (105,000 ) Acquired below-market leases (185,543 ) Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (248,259 ) Other working capital, net (24,630 ) Total equity consideration for DFT merger $ 6,209,633 (1) Debt was paid off in full at closing of the DFT merger. (2) Approximately $619 million of debt was paid off at closing of the DFT merger. The remainder was paid off in October 2017. The initial purchase accounting is based on management’s preliminary assessment, which may differ when final information becomes available. Subsequent adjustments made to the initial purchase accounting, if any, are made within the measurement period, which will be finalized within one year of the acquisition date. As shown above, we recorded approximately $2.6 billion of goodwill related to the DFT merger. The strategic benefits of the merger include the Company’s ability to grow its presence in strategic, high-demand metropolitan areas with strong growth prospects, expand our hyper-scale product offering and further enhance the credit quality of our existing customer base. These factors contributed to the goodwill that was recorded upon consummation of the transaction. The Company does not believe that any of the goodwill recorded as a result of the DFT merger will be deductible for federal income tax purposes. The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based on our historical condensed consolidated income statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, adjusted to give effect to the merger with DFT as if it occurred on January 1, 2016. The pro forma adjustments primarily relate to merger expenses, depreciation expense on acquired buildings and improvements, amortization of acquired intangibles, and estimated interest expense related to financing transactions, the proceeds of which were used to fund the repayment of DFT debt in connection with the DFT merger. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Pro forma (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total revenue $ 730,141 $ 680,619 $ 2,126,893 $ 1,952,439 Net (loss) income available to common stockholders (1) $ (41,288 ) $ 143,028 $ (17,108 ) $ 70,879 (Loss) income per share, diluted (2) $ (0.20 ) $ 0.74 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.37 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Pro forma (unaudited) (in thousands, except per unit data) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total revenue $ 730,141 $ 680,619 $ 2,126,893 $ 1,952,439 Net (loss) income available to common unitholders (1) $ (39,636 ) $ 148,749 $ (16,424 ) $ 73,714 (Loss) income per unit, diluted (2) $ (0.20 ) $ 0.74 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.37 (1) Pro forma net income available to common stockholders was adjusted to exclude $32.9 million and $42.3 million of merger related costs incurred by the Company during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and to include these charges for the corresponding periods in 2016. (2) Adjusted to give effect to the issuance of approximately 43.2 million shares of common stock in the DFT merger. Revenues of approximately $27.2 million and net income of approximately $4.2 million associated with properties acquired in the DFT merger are included in the condensed consolidated income statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Investments in Real Estate

Investments in Real Estate	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Real Estate [Abstract]
Investments In Real Estate	Investments in Real Estate Acquisitions We acquired the following real estate accounted for as asset acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Location Market Date Acquired Amount (2) Osaka Phase II (1) Osaka, Japan March 15, 2017 $ 13.6 2553 Edgington Street Chicago May 11, 2017 14.1 De President Phase II (1) Amsterdam June 23, 2017 6.3 NE Corner of Campbell Road and Ferris Road (1) Dallas August 17, 2017 5.4 Osaka Phase III (1) Osaka, Japan September 13, 2017 4.7 $ 44.1 (1) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. (2) Purchase price in U.S. dollars and excludes capitalized closing costs. Held for Sale During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we identified an additional four properties that met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, bringing the total to nine properties. As of September 30, 2017 , the nine properties had an aggregate carrying value of $132.8 million within total assets and $4.7 million within total liabilities and are shown as assets held for sale and obligations associated with assets held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, respectively. The nine properties are not representative of a significant component of our portfolio, nor do the potential sales represent a significant shift in our strategy. In addition, we evaluated the carrying value of the properties identified as held for sale to ensure the carrying value is recoverable in light of a potentially shorter holding period. As a result of our evaluation, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we recognized $29.0 million of impairment charges on three properties located in the United States to reduce the carrying values to the estimated fair values less costs to sell. The fair values of the three properties were primarily based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets supplemented by obtaining broker opinions of value. There were no impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Dispositions We sold the following real estate property during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Location Market Date Sold Gross Proceeds (in millions) Gain on Sale (in millions) 8025 North Interstate 35 Austin August 10, 2017 $ 20.2 $ 9.8 On October 6, 2017, the Company closed on the sale of 44874 Moran Road, a 78,000 square foot data center in Northern Virginia for approximately $34.0 million . The property was held in a consolidated joint venture, in which the Company owned a 75% interest. The Company expects to recognize a gain on the sale of approximately $15 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, or approximately $12 million , net of non-controlling interests. The property was classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2017 .

Investment in Unconsolidated Jo

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures As of September 30, 2017 , our investment in unconsolidated joint ventures consists of effective 50% interests in three joint ventures that own data center properties at 2001 Sixth Avenue in Seattle, Washington, 2020 Fifth Avenue in Seattle, Washington and 33 Chun Choi Street in Hong Kong, effective 20% interests in two joint ventures, one of which owns 10 data center properties with an investment fund managed by Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI ® ) and the other which owns one data center property with an affiliate of Griffin Capital Essential Asset REIT, Inc. (GCEAR), and a 17% interest in a joint venture that operates a high density colocation facility at 1101 Space Park Drive in Santa Clara, California. The following tables present summarized financial information for our joint ventures as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited, in thousands): As of September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2017 Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Debt Total Liabilities Equity Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 727,075 $ 926,486 $ 490,579 $ 581,111 $ 345,375 $ 106,793 $ (32,869 ) $ 73,924 $ 32,545 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 106,374 $ 19,592 As of December 31, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2016 Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Debt Total Liabilities Equity Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 741,228 $ 922,694 $ 457,141 $ 549,997 $ 372,697 $ 102,337 $ (33,444 ) $ 68,893 $ 27,084 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 106,402 $ 12,362 The amounts reflected in the tables above, except for our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures, are based on the historical financial information of the individual joint ventures. The debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures generally are non-recourse to us, except for customary exceptions pertaining to such matters as intentional misuse of funds, environmental conditions, and material misrepresentations. Differences between the Company’s investment in the joint ventures and the amount of the underlying equity in net assets of the joint ventures are due to basis differences resulting from the Company’s equity investment recorded at its historical basis versus the fair value of the Company’s contributed interest in the joint ventures. Our proportionate share of the earnings or losses related to these unconsolidated joint ventures is reflected as equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures on the accompanying condensed consolidated income statements.

Acquired Intangible Assets and

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquired Intangible Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities	Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities The following summarizes our acquired intangible assets (real estate intangibles, comprised of acquired in-place lease value and tenant relationship value along with acquired above-market lease value) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market lease value) as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Real Estate Intangibles: Acquired in-place lease value: Gross amount $ 1,447,485 $ 896,693 Accumulated amortization (564,924 ) (517,443 ) Net $ 882,561 $ 379,250 Tenant relationship value: Gross amount $ 1,975,311 $ 971,519 Accumulated amortization (138,780 ) (82,069 ) Net $ 1,836,531 $ 889,450 Acquired above-market leases: Gross amount $ 273,146 $ 110,142 Accumulated amortization (94,956 ) (87,961 ) Net $ 178,190 $ 22,181 Acquired below-market leases: Gross amount $ 470,528 $ 283,899 Accumulated amortization (212,796 ) (202,000 ) Net $ 257,732 $ 81,899 Amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases, resulted in an increase to rental revenues of $0.7 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $4.7 million and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The expected average remaining lives for acquired below-market leases and acquired above-market leases is 9.3 years and 4.0 years, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 . Estimated annual amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases, for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2017 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ (5,228 ) 2018 (23,152 ) 2019 (11,140 ) 2020 858 2021 5,812 Thereafter 112,392 Total $ 79,542 Amortization of acquired in-place lease value (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was $20.1 million and $13.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $48.7 million and $40.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The expected average amortization period for acquired in-place lease value is 6.8 years as of September 30, 2017 . The weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions is 6.3 years as of September 30, 2017 . Estimated annual amortization of acquired in-place lease value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2017 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ 52,026 2018 201,835 2019 141,967 2020 106,494 2021 82,641 Thereafter 297,598 Total $ 882,561 Amortization of tenant relationship value (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was approximately $19.9 million and $18.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and approximately $55.0 million and $49.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Amortization of trade names (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was approximately $0.0 million and $6.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. During the quarter ended June 30, 2016, management of the Company decided to retire the Telx trade name. There was no amortization of trade names in 2017. Accordingly, the Company wrote off the net remaining balance of approximately $6.1 million . As of September 30, 2017 , the weighted average remaining contractual life for tenant relationship value was 12.7 years. Estimated annual amortization of tenant relationship value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2017 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ 36,049 2018 140,933 2019 140,933 2020 140,933 2021 140,933 Thereafter 1,236,750 Total $ 1,836,531

Debt of the Company

Debt of the Company	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt of the Company	Debt of the Company In this Note 7, the “Company” refers only to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries. The Company itself does not currently have any indebtedness. All debt is currently held directly or indirectly by the Operating Partnership. Guarantee of Debt The Company guarantees the Operating Partnership’s obligations with respect to its 5.875% notes due 2020 ( 5.875% 2020 Notes ), 3.400% notes due 2020 ( 3.400% 2020 Notes), 5.250% notes due 2021 ( 2021 Notes ), 3.950% notes due 2022 ( 3.950% 2022 Notes ), 3.625% notes due 2022 ( 3.625% 2022 Notes ), 2.750% notes due 2023 (2.750% 2023 Notes), 5.625% notes due 2023 (5.625% 2023 Notes), 4.750% notes due 2025 ( 4.750% 2025 Notes) and 3.700% notes due 2027 (2027 Notes). The Company and the Operating Partnership guarantee the obligations of Digital Stout Holding, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, with respect to its 4.750% notes due 2023 (4.750% 2023 Notes ), 2.750% notes due 2024 (2.750% 2024 Notes), 4.250% notes due 2025 ( 4.250% 2025 Notes ) and 3.300% notes due 2029 (2029 Notes) and the obligations of Digital Euro Finco, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, with respect to its 2.625% notes due 2024 (2.625% 2024 Notes) and Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2019 (2019 Notes). The Company is also the guarantor of the Operating Partnership’s and its subsidiary borrowers’ obligations under the global revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan.

Debt of the Operating Partnersh

Debt of the Operating Partnership	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt of The Operating Partnership	Debt of the Operating Partnership A summary of outstanding indebtedness of the Operating Partnership as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2017 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2017 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2016 Global revolving credit facility Various (1) Jan 15, 2020 $ 146,536 (2) $ 210,077 (2) Deferred financing costs, net (8,059 ) (10,868 ) Global revolving credit facility, net 138,477 199,209 Unsecured Term Loans Unsecured term loan — 5-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2021 1,137,793 (5) 1,188,498 (5) Unsecured term loan — 7-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2023 300,000 (5) 300,000 (5) Deferred financing costs, net (5,134 ) (6,137 ) Unsecured term loan, net 1,432,659 1,482,361 Unsecured senior notes: Prudential Shelf Facility: Series E 5.730% Jan 20, 2017 — (6) 50,000 Total Prudential Shelf Facility — 50,000 Senior Notes: Floating rate notes due 2019 EURIBOR + 0.500% May 22, 2019 147,675 (7) — 5.875% notes due 2020 5.875% Feb 1, 2020 500,000 500,000 3.400% notes due 2020 3.400% Oct 1, 2020 500,000 500,000 5.250% notes due 2021 5.250% Mar 15, 2021 400,000 400,000 3.950% notes due 2022 3.950% Jul 1, 2022 500,000 500,000 3.625% notes due 2022 3.625% Oct 1, 2022 300,000 300,000 2.750% notes due 2023 2.750% Feb 1, 2023 350,000 — 5.625% notes due 2023 5.625% Jun 15, 2023 265,733 (9) — 4.750% notes due 2023 4.750% Oct 13, 2023 401,940 (8) 370,200 (8) 2.625% notes due 2024 2.625% Apr 15, 2024 708,840 (7) 631,020 (7) 2.750% notes due 2024 2.750% Jul 19, 2024 334,950 (8) — 4.250% notes due 2025 4.250% Jan 17, 2025 535,920 (8) 493,600 (8) 4.750% notes due 2025 4.750% Oct 1, 2025 450,000 450,000 3.700% notes due 2027 3.700% Aug 15, 2027 1,000,000 — 3.300% notes due 2029 3.300% May 22, 2029 468,930 (8) — Unamortized discounts (19,277 ) (15,649 ) Total senior notes, net of discount 6,844,711 4,179,171 Deferred financing costs, net (38,378 ) (25,374 ) Total unsecured senior notes, net of discount and deferred financing costs 6,806,333 4,153,797 Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2017 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2017 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2016 Mortgage loans: 731 East Trade Street 8.22% Jul 1, 2020 $ 2,511 $ 2,916 Secured note due 2023 LIBOR + 1.100% Mar 1, 2023 104,000 — Unamortized net premiums 264 334 Total mortgage loans, including premiums 106,775 3,250 Deferred financing costs, net — (10 ) Total mortgage loans, including premiums and net of deferred financing costs 106,775 3,240 Total indebtedness $ 8,484,244 $ 5,838,607 _________________________________ (1) The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin of 100 basis points, which is based on the current credit ratings of our long-term debt. An annual facility fee of 20 basis points, which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt, is due and payable quarterly on the total commitment amount of the facility. Two six -month extensions are available, which we may exercise if certain conditions are met. (2) Balances as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2017 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate Floating Rate Borrowing (a) U.S. dollar ($) $ — — % $ 105,000 1.67 % British pound sterling (£) — — % 11,106 (c) 1.25 % Euro (€) 20,675 (b) 0.61 % 15,250 (c) 0.63 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 3,572 (b) 1.54 % 1,728 (c) 1.66 % Japanese yen (JPY) 120,685 (b) 0.95 % 54,273 (c) 0.92 % Singapore dollar (SGD) — — % 11,186 (c) 1.52 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 1,604 (b) 2.33 % 11,534 (c) 1.92 % Total $ 146,536 0.93 % $ 210,077 1.39 % (a) The interest rates for floating rate borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equal the applicable index plus a margin of 100 basis points, which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt. (b) Based on exchange rates of $1.18 to €1.00, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY and $0.80 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 . (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.23 to £1.00, $1.05 to €1.00, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, $0.69 to 1.00 SGD and $0.74 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . (3) Interest rates are based on our current senior unsecured debt ratings and are 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5 -Year Term Loan and the 7 -Year Term Loan, respectively. (4) We have entered into interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge for interest generated by the U.S. dollar, Singapore dollar, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar tranches of the unsecured term loans. See Note 15 "Derivative Instruments" for further information. (5) Balances as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2017 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate U.S. dollar ($) $ 606,911 2.56 % (b) $ 710,911 1.99 % (d) British pound sterling (£) 227,063 (a) 1.35 % (b) 209,132 (c) 1.36 % (d) Singapore dollar (SGD) 237,668 (a) 1.91 % 222,824 (c) 1.76 % (d) Australian dollar (AUD) 185,117 (a) 2.70 % 170,325 (c) 2.72 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 85,428 (a) 1.52 % 86,029 (c) 1.77 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 78,987 (a) 2.45 % (b) 73,294 (c) 2.00 % (d) Japanese yen (JPY) 16,619 (a) 1.06 % 15,983 (c) 0.98 % Total $ 1,437,793 2.19 % (b) $ 1,488,498 1.93 % (d) (a) Based on exchange rates of $1.34 to £1.00, $0.74 to 1.00 SGD, $0.78 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.80 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 . (b) As of September 30, 2017 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.70% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.31% (Total). See Note 15 "Derivative Instruments" for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.23 to £1.00, $0.69 to 1.00 SGD, $0.72 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.74 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . (d) As of December 31, 2016 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.45% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.90% (Singapore dollar), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.23% (Total). (6) Unsecured note paid in full at maturity. (7) Based on exchange rates of $1.18 to €1.00 as of September 30, 2017 and $1.05 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . (8) Based on exchange rates of $1.34 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2017 and $1.23 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . (9) In connection with the DFT merger, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. was added as a guarantor of the DFT Operating Partnership's 5.625% 2023 Notes. On September 14, 2017, the DFT Operating Partnership issued a notice of redemption for 35% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5.625% 2023 Notes at a redemption price equal to 105.625% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed (the “Equity Claw Redemption”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, October 16, 2017. The DFT Operating Partnership also issued a notice of redemption for all outstanding 5.625% 2023 Notes following completion of the Equity Claw Redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus an applicable premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 5.625% 2023 Notes, and accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, October 17, 2017. The redemptions were made pursuant to the DFT Operating Partnership's optional redemption rights under the indenture governing the 5.625% 2023 Notes. The redemptions were completed on October 16, 2017 and October 17, 2017, and resulted in a gain on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.0 million . Global Revolving Credit Facility On January 15, 2016, we refinanced our global revolving credit facility and entered into a global senior credit agreement for a $2.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which we refer to as the global revolving credit facility, that replaced the $2.0 billion revolving credit facility executed on August 15, 2013, as amended. The global revolving credit facility has an accordion feature that would enable us to increase the borrowing capacity of the credit facility to up to $2.5 billion , subject to the receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. The refinanced facility matures on January 15, 2020 , with two six -month extension options available. The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt and is currently 100 basis points. An annual facility fee on the total commitment amount of the facility, based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt, currently 20 basis points, is payable quarterly. Funds may be drawn in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars, as well as Euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen. As of September 30, 2017 , interest rates are based on 1-month EURIBOR, 1-month HIBOR, 1-month JPY LIBOR and 1-month CDOR, plus a margin of 1.00% . We have used and intend to use available borrowings under the global revolving credit facility to acquire additional properties, fund development opportunities and for general working capital and other corporate purposes, including potentially for the repurchase, redemption or retirement of outstanding debt or equity securities. As of September 30, 2017 , approximately $20.5 million of letters of credit were issued. The global revolving credit facility contains various restrictive covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make certain investments or merge with another company, and requirements to maintain financial coverage ratios, including with respect to unencumbered assets. In addition, the global revolving credit facility restricts Digital Realty Trust, Inc. from making distributions to its stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of its capital stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances including as necessary to enable Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to maintain its qualification as a REIT and to minimize the payment of income or excise tax. As of September 30, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of such covenants. Unsecured Term Loans On January 15, 2016, we refinanced our senior unsecured multi-currency term loan facility and entered into a term loan agreement, which governs (i) a $1.25 billion 5 -year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 5 -Year Term Loan, and (ii) a $300 million 7 -year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 7 -Year Term Loan. The 2016 term loan agreement replaced the $1.0 billion term loan agreement executed on April 16, 2012, as amended. The 5 -Year Term Loan matures on January 15, 2021 and the 7 -Year Term Loan matures on January 15, 2023 . In addition, we have the ability from time to time to increase the aggregate size of lending under the 2016 term loan agreement from $1.55 billion to up to $1.8 billion , subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. Interest rates are based on our senior unsecured debt ratings and are currently 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5 -Year Term Loan and the 7 -Year Term Loan, respectively. Funds may be drawn in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars, as well as Euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen. In August 2017, we prepaid $104.0 million on the U.S. dollar tranche. Based on exchange rates in effect at September 30, 2017 , the balance outstanding is approximately $1.4 billion , excluding deferred financing costs. We have used borrowings under the term loan for acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness, development, working capital and general corporate purposes. The covenants under the term loans are consistent with our global revolving credit facility and, as of September 30, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of such covenants. Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2019 On May 22, 2017, Digital Euro Finco, LLC, a wholly owned indirect finance subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., issued and sold €125.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2019, which we refer to as the 2019 Notes, to an institutional investor in a private placement. The 2019 Notes will bear interest at a rate per annum, reset quarterly, equal to three-month EURIBOR plus 0.50% , and the interest rate for the initial interest period was 0.169% . Interest on the notes is payable quarterly in arrears, beginning on August 22, 2017. The 2019 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Digital Euro Finco, LLC and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately €124.6 million (or approximately $140.1 million based on the exchange rate as of May 22, 2017) after deducting estimated offering expenses. We have used the net proceeds from the offering of the 2019 Notes to temporarily repay borrowings under our global revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. The indenture governing the 2019 Notes contains certain covenants, including (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60% , (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 40% and (3) an interest coverage ratio of greater than 1.50 , and also requires us to maintain total unencumbered assets of not less than 150% of the aggregate principal amount of unsecured debt. At September 30, 2017 , we were in compliance with each of these financial covenants. GBP Notes On July 21, 2017, Digital Stout Holding, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., issued and sold £250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.750% Guaranteed Notes due 2024, or the 2024 Notes, and £350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.300% Guaranteed Notes due 2029, or the 2029 Notes and, together with the 2.750% 2024 Notes, the GBP Notes. The GBP Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Digital Stout Holding, LLC and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately £592.3 million after deducting managers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses. We used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering of the GBP Notes to fund a portion of the repayment, redemption and/or discharge of DFT debt and the payment of certain transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with the DFT merger. The remaining proceeds were used to temporarily repay borrowings under our global revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. The indenture governing the GBP Notes contains certain covenants, including (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60% , (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 40% and (3) an interest coverage ratio of greater than 1.50 , and also requires us to maintain total unencumbered assets of not less than 150% of the aggregate principal amount of unsecured debt. At September 30, 2017 , we were in compliance with each of these financial covenants. USD Notes On August 7, 2017, the Operating Partnership issued and sold $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.750% Notes due 2023, or the 2.750% 2023 Notes, and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.700% Notes due 2027, or the 2027 Notes and, together with the 2.750% 2023 Notes, the USD Notes. The USD Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Operating Partnership, rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the Operating Partnership and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $1.3 billion after deducting managers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses. We used the net proceeds from the offering of the USD Notes to fund a portion of the repayment, redemption and/or discharge of debt of DFT in connection with the DFT merger and the payment of certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with the DFT merger. The indenture governing the USD Notes contains certain covenants, including (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60% , (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 40% and (3) an interest coverage ratio of greater than 1.50 , and also requires us to maintain total unencumbered assets of not less than 150% of the aggregate principal amount of unsecured debt. At September 30, 2017 , we were in compliance with each of these financial covenants. The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of September 30, 2017 (in thousands): Global Revolving Credit Facility (1) Unsecured Unsecured Senior Notes Mortgage Loans Total Debt Remainder of 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ 141 $ 141 2018 — — — 593 593 2019 — — 147,675 644 148,319 2020 146,536 — 1,000,000 1,133 1,147,669 2021 — 1,137,793 400,000 — 1,537,793 Thereafter — 300,000 5,316,313 104,000 5,720,313 Subtotal $ 146,536 $ 1,437,793 $ 6,863,988 $ 106,511 $ 8,554,828 Unamortized discount — — (19,277 ) — (19,277 ) Unamortized premium — — — 264 264 Total $ 146,536 $ 1,437,793 $ 6,844,711 $ 106,775 $ 8,535,815 (1) Subject to two six -month extension options exercisable by us. The bank group is obligated to grant the extension options provided we give proper notice, we make certain representations and warranties and no default exists under the global revolving credit facility.

Income per Share

Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income per Share	Income per Share The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $ (4,140 ) $ 187,330 $ 119,842 $ 254,406 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 170,194,254 147,397,853 163,481,306 146,930,939 Potentially dilutive common shares: Stock options — 10,424 — 9,721 Unvested incentive units — 82,184 150,369 75,049 Forward equity offering — 1,264,749 166,493 2,611 Market performance-based awards — 629,661 572,928 636,864 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 170,194,254 149,384,871 164,371,096 147,655,184 (Loss) income per share: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 1.27 $ 0.73 $ 1.73 Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 1.25 $ 0.73 $ 1.72 We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 3,266,451 2,379,671 2,566,766 2,421,298 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock 329,709 — 109,903 — Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 2,488,354 — 2,880,254 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 1,925,208 617,734 1,942,351 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,193,331 2,632,407 2,262,875 2,655,847 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 3,214,098 3,857,518 3,316,008 3,891,866 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,195,898 2,635,488 2,265,524 2,658,955 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,045,730 — 348,577 — Total 12,245,217 15,918,646 11,487,387 16,450,571

Income per Unit

Income per Unit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Income per Unit	Income per Unit The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per unit (in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net (loss) income available to common unitholders $ (4,219 ) $ 190,354 $ 121,474 $ 258,550 Weighted average units outstanding—basic 173,460,704 149,777,524 166,048,072 149,352,237 Potentially dilutive common units: Stock options — 10,424 — 9,721 Unvested incentive units — 1,264,749 166,493 2,611 Forward equity offering — 82,184 150,369 75,049 Market performance-based awards — 629,661 572,928 636,864 Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 173,460,704 151,764,542 166,937,862 150,076,482 (Loss) income per unit: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 1.27 $ 0.73 $ 1.73 Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 1.25 $ 0.73 $ 1.72 We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units 329,709 — 109,903 — Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units — 2,488,354 — 2,880,254 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units — 1,925,208 617,734 1,942,351 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,193,331 2,632,407 2,262,875 2,655,847 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 3,214,098 3,857,518 3,316,008 3,891,866 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,195,898 2,635,488 2,265,524 2,658,955 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,045,730 — 348,577 — Total 8,978,766 13,538,975 8,920,621 14,029,273

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has elected to be treated and believes that it has been organized and has operated in a manner that has enabled it to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is generally not subject to corporate level federal income taxes on taxable income distributed currently to its stockholders. Since inception, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has distributed at least 100% of its taxable income annually and intends to do so for the tax year ending December 31, 2017 . As such, no provision for federal income taxes has been included in the Company's accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . The Operating Partnership is a partnership and is not required to pay federal income tax. Instead, taxable income is allocated to its partners, who include such amounts on their federal income tax returns. As such, no provision for federal income taxes has been included in the Operating Partnership’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. We have elected taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) status for some of our consolidated subsidiaries. In general, a TRS may provide services that would otherwise be considered impermissible for REITs to provide and may hold assets that REITs cannot hold directly. Income taxes for TRS entities were accrued, as necessary, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . For our TRS entities and foreign subsidiaries that are subject to U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset may not be realized, based on available evidence at the time the determination is made. An increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from the change in circumstances that causes a change in our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset is included in the income statement. Deferred tax assets (net of valuation allowance) and liabilities for our TRS entities and foreign subsidiaries were accrued, as necessary, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had deferred tax liabilities net of deferred tax assets of approximately $166.4 million and $153.8 million , respectively, primarily related to our foreign properties, classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The majority of our net deferred tax liability relates to differences between tax basis and book basis of the assets acquired in the Sentrum portfolio acquisition during 2012 and the European portfolio acquisition in July 2016. The valuation allowances at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 relate primarily to certain foreign jurisdictions and net operating loss carryforwards from the acquisition of Telx, that we do not expect to utilize, and deferred tax assets resulting from certain foreign real estate acquisition costs, which are not depreciated for tax purposes, but are deductible upon ultimate sale of the property. Given the indefinite holding period associated with these assets, realization of these deferred tax assets is not more-likely-than-not as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Equity and Accumulated Other Co

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net	Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (a) Equity Distribution Agreements Digital Realty Trust, Inc. entered into equity distribution agreements in June 2011, which we refer to as the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements, with each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, or the Agents, under which it can issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $400.0 million from time to time through, at its discretion, any of the Agents as its sales agents. The sales of common stock made under the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements will be made in “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act. Cumulatively through September 30, 2017 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has generated net proceeds of approximately $342.7 million from the issuance of approximately 5.7 million common shares under the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements at an average price of $60.35 per share after payment of approximately $3.5 million of commissions to the sales agents and before offering expenses. No sales were made under the program during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . As of September 30, 2017 , shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of $53.8 million remained available for offer and sale under the program. (b) Forward Equity Sale On May 20, 2016, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. completed an underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, all of which were offered in connection with forward sale agreements it entered into with certain financial institutions acting as forward purchasers. On June 2, 2016, the underwriters exercised their option in full to purchase an additional 1,875,000 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock from the forward purchasers. The forward purchasers borrowed and sold an aggregate of 14,375,000 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock in the public offering. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. did not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the forward purchasers in the public offering. On September 27, 2016, we physically settled a portion of the forward sale agreements by issuing an aggregate of 12,000,000 shares of our common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $1.1 billion . On May 19, 2017, we physically settled and issued the remaining 2,375,000 shares of our common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $211.1 million . (c) Redemption of Series F Preferred Stock On April 5, 2017, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. redeemed all 7,300,000 outstanding shares of its 6.625% series F cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or the series F preferred stock, for $25.01840 per share. The redemption price was equal to the original issuance price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. funded the redemption with borrowings under the global revolving credit facility, which the Operating Partnership distributed to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in connection with the Operating Partnership’s redemption of all 7,300,000 of its outstanding series F preferred units held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. The excess of the redemption price over the carrying value of the series F preferred stock of approximately $6.3 million relates to the original issuance costs and were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (d) Redeemable Preferred Stock 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock At the effective time of the DFT merger, each share of DFT's 6.625% series C cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock, or the DFT series C preferred stock, that was outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger was converted into the right to receive one share of a newly-designated series of Digital Realty Trust Inc.'s preferred stock, which the Company classified and designated as 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, or the series C preferred stock, with rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers substantially the same as the DFT series C preferred stock. The fair value of the series C preferred stock issued was measured based on the 8,050,000 shares of the series C preferred stock outstanding at the closing of the merger and the trading price of the series C preferred stock. Dividends are cumulative on the series C preferred stock from the date of original issuance in the amount of $1.65625 per share each year, which is equivalent to 6.6250% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share. Dividends on the series C preferred stock are payable quarterly in arrears. The first dividend payable on the series C preferred stock on December 29, 2017 will be a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017 in the amount of $0.492274 per share. The series C preferred stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the series C preferred stock will rank senior to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and rank on parity with Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s series G cumulative redeemable preferred stock, series H cumulative redeemable preferred stock, series I cumulative redeemable preferred stock and series J cumulative redeemable preferred stock with respect to the payment of distributions and other amounts. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is not allowed to redeem the series C preferred stock before May 15, 2021, except in limited circumstances to preserve its status as a REIT. On or after May 15, 2021, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may, at its option, redeem the series C preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such series C preferred stock up to but excluding the redemption date. Holders of the series C preferred stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances. Upon the occurrence of specified changes of control, as a result of which neither Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock nor the common securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT, LLC or the NASDAQ Stock Market or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, each holder of series C Preferred Stock will have the right (unless, prior to the change of control conversion date specified in the Articles Supplementary governing the series C preferred stock, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the series C preferred stock) to convert some or all of the series C preferred stock held by it into a number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock per share of series C preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of: • the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the change of control conversion date (unless the change of control conversion date is after a record date for a series C preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series C preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (ii) the common stock price specified in the Articles Supplementary governing the series C preferred stock; • and 0.6389035 , or the share cap, subject to certain adjustments; subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in the Articles Supplementary governing the series C preferred stock. Except in connection with specified change of control transactions, the series C preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock On August 7, 2017, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. issued 8,000,000 shares of its 5.250% series J cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or the series J preferred stock, for net proceeds of approximately $193.7 million . We used the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the repayment, redemption and/or discharge of debt of DFT in connection with the DFT merger and the payment of certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger. Dividends are cumulative on the series J preferred stock from the date of original issuance in the amount of $1.3125 per share each year, which is equivalent to 5.250% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share. Dividends on the series J preferred stock are payable quarterly in arrears. The first dividend payable on the series J preferred stock on December 29, 2017 will be a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017 in the amount of $0.5250 per share. The series J preferred stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the series J preferred stock will rank senior to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and rank on parity with Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s series C preferred stock, series G cumulative redeemable preferred stock, series H cumulative redeemable preferred stock and series I cumulative redeemable preferred stock with respect to the payment of distributions and other amounts. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is not allowed to redeem the series J preferred stock before August 7, 2022, except in limited circumstances to preserve its status as a REIT. On or after August 7, 2022, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may, at its option, redeem the series J preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such series J preferred stock up to but excluding the redemption date. Holders of the series J preferred stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances. Upon the occurrence of specified changes of control, as a result of which neither Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock nor the common securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT, LLC or the NASDAQ Stock Market or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, each holder of series J preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the change of control conversion date specified in the Articles Supplementary governing the series J preferred stock, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the series J preferred stock) to convert some or all of the series J preferred stock held by it into a number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock per share of series J preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of: • the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the change of control conversion date (unless the change of control conversion date is after a record date for a series J preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding series J preferred stock dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (ii) the common stock price specified in the Articles Supplementary governing the series J preferred stock; • and 0.42521 , or the share cap, subject to certain adjustments; subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in the Articles Supplementary governing the series J preferred stock. Except in connection with specified change of control transactions, the series J preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (e) Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership relate to the interests that are not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. The following table shows the ownership interests in the Operating Partnership as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Number of units Percentage of total Number of units Percentage of total Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 205,433,495 96.0 % 159,019,118 98.5 % Noncontrolling interests consist of: Common units held by third parties 6,908,584 3.2 % 1,141,814 0.7 % Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 13) 1,574,377 0.8 % 1,333,849 0.8 % 213,916,456 100.0 % 161,494,781 100.0 % Limited partners have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem part or all of their common units for cash based on the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock at the time of redemption. Alternatively, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may elect to acquire those common units in exchange for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on a one -for-one basis, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, issuance of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events. Pursuant to authoritative accounting guidance, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. evaluated whether it controls the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the share settlement of the noncontrolling Operating Partnership common and incentive units. Based on the results of this analysis, we concluded that the common and incentive Operating Partnership units met the criteria to be classified within equity, except for certain common units issued to the former DFT Operating Partnership unitholders in the DFT merger whereby the Operating Partnership can not settle with shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock, which are not presented as permanent equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the initial public offering of DFT in 2007, DFT, the DFT Operating Partnership and certain DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a tax protection agreement to assist such unitholders in deferring certain U.S. federal income tax liabilities that may have otherwise resulted from the contribution transactions undertaken in connection with the initial public offering and the ownership of interests in the DFT Operating Partnership and to set forth certain agreements with respect to other tax matters. In connection with the DFT merger, certain DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a new tax protection agreement with Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership that replaced and superseded the DFT tax protection agreement, effective as of the closing of the merger. Pursuant to the new tax protection agreement, the Operating Partnership generally will be required to offer such DFT Operating Partnership unitholders an opportunity to guarantee, at Digital Realty Trust, Inc.'s option, an existing DFT loan and/or a new mortgage loan secured by certain assets of the Operating Partnership or DFT with a term ending on or after March 1, 2023. The Operating Partnership must offer such DFT Operating Partnership unitholders a new guarantee opportunity in the event any guaranteed loan is repaid prior to March 1, 2023. If the Operating Partnership fails to offer the guarantee opportunity or to allocate guaranteed debt to any such DFT Operating Partnership unitholder as required under the new tax protection agreement, the Operating Partnership generally would be required to indemnify each such DFT Operating Partnership unitholder for the tax liability resulting from such failure, as determined under the new tax protection agreement. The redemption value of the noncontrolling Operating Partnership common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $975.7 million and $226.3 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The following table shows activity for the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Common Units Incentive Units Total As of December 31, 2016 1,141,814 1,333,849 2,475,663 Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger 6,111,770 — 6,111,770 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (345,000 ) — (345,000 ) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (184,103 ) (184,103 ) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 354,549 354,549 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 70,082 70,082 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — — — As of September 30, 2017 6,908,584 1,574,377 8,482,961 (1) Redemption of common units and conversion of incentive units were recorded as a reduction to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and an increase to common stock and additional paid in capital based on the book value per unit in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (f) Dividends We have declared and paid the following dividends on our common and preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands, except per share data): Date dividend declared Dividend Series F (1) Series G Series H Series I Preferred Stock Common March 1, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 148,358 May 8, 2017 June 30, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 150,814 August 7, 2017 September 29, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 191,041 $ 3,023 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 490,213 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.720 (1) Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. Distributions out of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s current or accumulated earnings and profits are generally classified as dividends whereas distributions in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, to the extent of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock, are generally classified as a return of capital. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock are generally characterized as capital gain. Cash provided by operating activities has generally been sufficient to fund all distributions; however, in the future we may also need to utilize borrowings under the global revolving credit facility to fund all or a portion of distributions. (g) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income, net are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow hedge Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (175,642 ) $ 4,888 $ 35,149 $ (135,605 ) Net current period change 25,623 618 (9,411 ) 16,830 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 2,043 — 2,043 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (150,019 ) $ 7,549 $ 25,738 $ (116,732 )

Capital and Accumulated Other C

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) Redeemable Preferred Units 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units At the effective time of the DFT merger, each DFT Operating Partnership 6.625% series C cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred unit, or the DFT series C preferred units, that was outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the Mergers was converted into one newly-designated series of the Digital Realty Trust L.P.'s preferred unit, which was classified and designated as 6.625% series C cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred units, or the series C preferred units. with rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers substantially the same as the DFT series C preferred units. The fair value of the series C preferred units issued was measured based on the 8,050,000 series C preferred units outstanding at the closing of the merger and the trading price of the series C preferred stock. Distributions are cumulative on the series C preferred units from the date of original issuance in the amount of $1.65625 per unit each year, which is equivalent to 6.6250% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per unit. Distributions on the series C preferred units are payable quarterly in arrears. The first distribution payable on the series C preferred units on December 29, 2017 will be a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017 in the amount of $0.492274 per unit. The series C preferred units do not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. The Operating Partnership is required to redeem the series C preferred units in the event that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (the General Partner) redeems the series C preferred stock. The General Partner is not allowed to redeem the series C preferred stock before May 15, 2021, except in limited circumstances to preserve its status as a REIT. On or after May 15, 2021, the General Partner may, at its option, redeem the series C preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such series C preferred stock up to but excluding the redemption date. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the series C preferred units will rank senior to the Operating Partnership's common units and rank on parity with the Operating Partnership’s series G cumulative redeemable preferred units, series H cumulative redeemable preferred units, series I cumulative redeemable preferred units and series J cumulative redeemable preferred units with respect to the payment of distributions and other amounts. Except in connection with specified change of control transactions of the General Partner, the series C preferred units are not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Operating Partnership. 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units On August 7, 2017, the Operating Partnership issued 8,000,000 of its 5.250% series J cumulative redeemable preferred units, or series J preferred units, to the General Partner in conjunction with the General Partner’s issuance of an equivalent number of shares of its 5.250% series J cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or the series J preferred stock. Distributions are cumulative on the series J preferred units from the date of original issuance in the amount of $1.3125 per unit each year, which is equivalent to 5.250% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per unit. Distributions on the series J preferred units are payable quarterly in arrears. The first distribution payable on the series J preferred units on December 29, 2017 will be a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017 in the amount of $0.5250 per unit. The series J preferred units do not have a stated maturity date and are not subject to any sinking fund. The Operating Partnership is required to redeem the series J preferred units in the event that the General Partner redeems the series J preferred stock. The General Partner is not allowed to redeem the series J preferred stock prior to August 7, 2022 except in limited circumstances to preserve the General Partner’s status as a REIT. On or after August 7, 2022, the General Partner may, at its option, redeem the series J preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such series J preferred stock up to but excluding the redemption date. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the series J preferred units will rank senior to the Operating Partnership’s common units with respect to the payment of distributions and other amounts and rank on parity with the Operating Partnership’s series C preferred units, series G cumulative redeemable preferred units, series H cumulative redeemable preferred units and series I cumulative redeemable preferred units. Except in connection with specified change of control transactions of the General Partner, the series J preferred units are not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Operating Partnership. (b) Allocations of Net Income and Net Losses to Partners Except for special allocations to holders of profits interest units described below in Note 14 “Incentive Plan—Long-Term Incentive Units,” the Operating Partnership’s net income will generally be allocated to the General Partner (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) to the extent of the accrued preferred return on its preferred units, and then to the General Partner and the Operating Partnership’s limited partners in accordance with the respective percentage interests in the common units issued by the Operating Partnership. Net loss will generally be allocated to the General Partner and the Operating Partnership’s limited partners in accordance with the respective common percentage interests in the Operating Partnership until the limited partner’s capital is reduced to zero and any remaining net loss would be allocated to the General Partner. However, in some cases, losses may be disproportionately allocated to partners who have guaranteed our debt. The allocations described above are subject to special allocations relating to depreciation deductions and to compliance with the provisions of Sections 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code, and the associated Treasury Regulations. (c) Partnership Units Limited partners have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem part or all of their common units for cash based on the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of the General Partner’s common stock at the time of redemption. Alternatively, the General Partner may elect to acquire those common units in exchange for shares of the General Partner’s common stock on a one -for-one basis, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, issuance of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events. Pursuant to authoritative accounting guidance, the Operating Partnership evaluated whether it controls the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the share settlement of the limited partners’ common units and the vested incentive units. Based on the results of this analysis, the Operating Partnership concluded that the common and vested incentive Operating Partnership units met the criteria to be classified within capital, except for certain common units issued to the former DFT Operating Partnership unitholders in the DFT merger which the Operating Partnership can not settle with shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock, which are not presented as permanent capital in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The redemption value of the limited partners’ common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $975.7 million and $226.3 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock on September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (d) Distributions All distributions on the Operating Partnership’s units are at the discretion of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors. The Operating Partnership has declared and paid the following distributions on its common and preferred units for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands, except for per unit data): Date distribution declared Distribution Series F (1) Series G Series H Series I Common March 1, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 150,968 May 8, 2017 June 30, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 153,176 August 7, 2017 September 29, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 199,049 $ 3,023 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 503,193 Annual rate of distribution per unit $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.720 (1) Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. (e) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow hedge Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (180,504 ) $ 4,191 $ 35,694 $ (140,619 ) Net current period change 25,954 616 (9,542 ) 17,028 Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — 2,073 — 2,073 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (154,550 ) $ 6,880 $ 26,152 $ (121,518 )

Incentive Plan

Incentive Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Incentive Plan	Incentive Plan Our Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan (as defined below) previously provided for grants of incentive awards to employees, directors and consultants. Awards issuable under the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan included stock options, restricted stock, dividend equivalents, stock appreciation rights, long-term incentive units, cash performance bonuses and other incentive awards. Only employees were eligible to receive incentive stock options under the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan. Initially, we reserved a total of 4,474,102 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to the Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (the 2004 Incentive Award Plan), subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2004 Incentive Award Plan. On May 2, 2007, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders approved the First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan). The Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan increased the aggregate number of shares of stock which could have been issued or transferred under the plan by 5,000,000 shares to a total of 9,474,102 shares, and provided that the maximum number of shares of stock with respect to awards granted to any one participant during a calendar year was 1,500,000 shares and the maximum amount that could have been paid in cash during any calendar year with respect to any performance-based award not denominated in stock or otherwise for which the foregoing limitation would not be an effective limitation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code was $10.0 million . On April 28, 2014, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. held its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or the 2014 Annual Meeting, at which its stockholders approved the Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc., and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the 2014 Incentive Award Plan), which had been previously adopted by its Board of Directors and recommended to the stockholders for approval by its Board of Directors. The 2014 Incentive Award Plan became effective and replaced the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan as of the date of such stockholder approval. The material features of the 2014 Incentive Award Plan are described in our definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 19, 2014 in connection with the 2014 Annual Meeting, which description is incorporated herein by reference. Effective as of September 14, 2017, the 2014 Incentive Award Plan was amended to provide that shares which remained available for issuance under DFT’s Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan immediately prior to the closing of the DFT merger (as adjusted and converted into shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock) may be used for awards under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan and will not reduce the shares authorized for grant under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan, to the extent that using such shares is permitted without stockholder approval under applicable stock exchange rules. In connection with the amendment to the 2014 Incentive Award Plan, on September 22, 2017, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. registered an additional 3,714,560 shares that may be issued pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Award Plan. As of September 30, 2017 , approximately 7.4 million shares of common stock, including awards convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, remained available for future issuance under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan. Each long-term incentive unit and each Class D Unit issued under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan counts as one share of common stock for purposes of calculating the limit on shares that may be issued under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan and the individual award limits set forth therein. (a) Long-Term Incentive Units Long-term incentive units, which are also referred to as profits interest units, may be issued to eligible participants for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Operating Partnership. Long-term incentive units (other than Class D units), whether vested or not, will receive the same quarterly per unit distributions as Operating Partnership common units, which equal the per share distributions on Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock. Initially, long-term incentive units do not have full parity with common units with respect to liquidating distributions. If such parity is reached, vested long-term incentive units may be converted into an equal number of common units of the Operating Partnership at any time, and thereafter enjoy all the rights and privileges of common units of the Operating Partnership, including redemption rights. For a discussion of how long-term incentive units achieve parity with common units, see Note 13(a) to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 , included in our Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Below is a summary of our long-term incentive unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Unvested Long-term Incentive Units Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 128,822 $ 66.58 Granted 70,082 109.27 Vested (82,283 ) 71.81 Cancelled or expired (4,490 ) 108.00 Unvested, end of period 112,131 $ 87.76 The grant date fair values, which equal the market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on the applicable grant date(s), are being expensed on a straight-line basis for service awards over four years, the current vesting period of the long-term incentive units. The expense recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 related to long-term incentive units was approximately $0.8 million and $1.1 million , respectively, and approximately $3.4 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and approximately $1.4 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Unearned compensation representing the unvested portion of the long-term incentive units totaled $7.8 million and $5.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. We expect to recognize this unearned compensation over the next 2.7 years on a weighted-average basis. (b) Market Performance-Based Awards During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. approved the grant of market performance-based Class D units of the Operating Partnership and market performance-based restricted stock units, or RSUs, covering shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock (collectively, the “awards”), under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan to officers and employees of the Company. The awards, which were determined to contain a market condition, utilize total shareholder return, or TSR, over a three -year measurement period as the market performance metric. Awards will vest based on Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s TSR relative to the MSCI US REIT Index, or RMS, over a three -year market performance period, or the Market Performance Period, commencing in January 2017 or January 2016, as applicable (or, if earlier, ending on the date on which a change in control of the Company occurs), subject to continued services. Vesting with respect to the market condition is measured based on the difference between Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s TSR percentage and the TSR percentage of the RMS, or the RMS Relative Market Performance. In the event that the RMS Relative Market Performance during the Market Performance Period is achieved at the “threshold,” “target” or “high” level as set forth below, the awards will become vested as to the market condition with respect to the percentage of Class D units or RSUs, as applicable, set forth below: Level RMS Relative Market Performance Vesting Percentage Below Threshold Level ≤ -300 basis points 0% Threshold Level -300 basis points 25% Target Level 100 basis points 50% High Level > 500 basis points 100% If the RMS Relative Market Performance falls between the levels specified above, the percentage of the award that will vest with respect to the market condition will be determined using straight-line linear interpolation between such levels. Following the completion of the Market Performance Period, the 2016 awards that have satisfied the market condition, if any, will service-vest 50% on February 27, 2019 and 50% on February 27, 2020, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Following the completion of the Market Performance Period, the 2017 awards that have satisfied the market condition, if any, will service-vest 50% on February 27, 2020 and 50% on February 27, 2021, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Service-based vesting will be accelerated, in full or on a pro rata basis, in the event of a change in control, termination of employment by the Company without cause, or termination of employment by the award recipient for good reason, death, disability or retirement, in any case prior to the completion of the Market Performance Period. However, vesting with respect to the market condition will continue to be measured based on RMS Relative Market Performance during the three -year Market Performance Period (or, in the case of a change in control, shortened Market Performance Period). The fair values of the 2017 awards and 2016 awards were measured using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the probability of the market vesting condition being satisfied. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s achievement of the market vesting condition is contingent on its TSR over a three -year market performance period, relative to the total shareholder return of the RMS. The Monte Carlo simulation is a probabilistic technique based on the underlying theory of the Black-Scholes formula, which was run for 100,000 trials to determine the fair value of the awards. For each trial, the payoff to an award is calculated at the settlement date and is then discounted to the grant date at a risk-free interest rate. The total expected value of the awards on the grant date was determined by multiplying the average value per award over all trials by the number of awards granted. Assumptions used in the 2017 valuation include expected stock price volatility of 25 percent and a risk-free interest rate of 1.49 percent . Assumptions used in the 2016 valuations include expected stock price volatility of 22 percent and 26 percent and risk-free interest rates of 1.32 percent and 0.89 percent , respectively. These valuations were performed in a risk-neutral framework, so no assumption was made with respect to an equity risk premium. As of September 30, 2017 , 2,029,908 Class D units and 543,923 market performance-based RSUs had been awarded to our executive officers and other employees. The number of units granted reflects the maximum number of Class D units or market performance-based RSUs, as applicable, which will become vested assuming the achievement of the highest level of RMS Relative Market Performance under the awards and, in the case of the Class D units, also includes dividend equivalent units. The fair value of these awards of approximately $74.9 million will be recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the expected service period of approximately four years. The unearned compensation as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $28.7 million and $25.6 million , respectively, net of cancellations. As of September 30, 2017 , 494,249 Class D units and 93,340 market performance-based RSUs had fully vested. We recognized compensation expense related to these awards of approximately $2.7 million and $1.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and approximately $7.3 million and $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees directly engaged in construction and leasing activities of approximately $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and approximately $1.9 million and $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. If the market conditions are not met, at the end of the applicable performance periods, the unamortized amount will be recognized as an expense at that time. (c) Stock Options The following table summarizes the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan’s stock option activity for the nine -month period ended September 30, 2017 : Period Ended September 30, 2017 Shares Weighted average exercise price Options outstanding, beginning of period 17,674 $ 41.73 Exercised (17,668 ) 41.73 Cancelled / Forfeited (6 ) 41.73 Options outstanding, end of period — $ — Exercisable, end of period — $ — (d) Restricted Stock Below is a summary of our restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Unvested Restricted Stock Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 274,642 $ 73.81 Granted 117,671 108.39 Vested (96,123 ) 68.80 Cancelled or expired (26,955 ) 84.22 Unvested, end of period 269,235 $ 89.67 The grant date fair values, which equal the market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on the grant date, are expensed on a straight-line basis for service awards over the vesting period of the restricted stock, which is generally four years. The expense recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 related to grants of restricted stock was approximately $1.1 million and $1.1 million , respectively, and approximately $3.3 million and $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $0.8 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and approximately $2.5 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Unearned compensation representing the unvested portion of the restricted stock totaled $19.5 million and $14.7 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. We expect to recognize this unearned compensation over the next 2.8 years on a weighted-average basis.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments Currently, we use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of fair value accounting guidance, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties. However, as of September 30, 2017 , we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not have any fair value measurements on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements related to the U.S. LIBOR, GBP-LIBOR and CDOR-based tranches of the unsecured term loans. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. We record all our interest rate swaps on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. In determining the fair value of our interest rate swaps, we consider the credit risk of our counterparties. These counterparties are generally larger financial institutions engaged in providing a variety of financial services. These institutions generally face similar risks regarding adverse changes in market and economic conditions, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, equity and commodity prices and credit spreads. The recent and pervasive disruptions in the financial markets have heightened the risks to these institutions. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no ineffective portions to our interest rate swaps. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as effective cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (in thousands): Notional Amount Fair Value at Significant Other As of As of Type of Strike Effective Date Expiration Date As of As of Currently-paying contracts $ 206,000 (1) $ — Swap 1.611 Jun 15, 2017 Jan 15, 2020 $ 183 (6) $ — 54,905 (1) — Swap 1.605 Jun 6, 2017 Jan 6, 2020 52 (6) — — 206,000 (1) Swap 0.932 Jun 18, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 — (90 ) (6) — 54,905 (1) Swap 0.670 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2017 — 16 (6) 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) Swap 1.016 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 6, 2021 1,773 (6) 1,911 (6) 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) Swap 1.164 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 1,431 (6) 1,487 (6) 300,000 (2) 300,000 (2) Swap 1.435 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2023 7,141 (6) 8,128 (6) — 130,850 (3) Swap 0.925 Jul 17, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 — 18 (6) 227,063 (4) 209,132 (4) Swap 0.792 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2019 (504 ) (6) (1,818 ) (6) 78,987 (5) 73,294 (5) Swap 0.779 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 2,918 (6) 1,556 (6) $ 1,016,955 $ 1,124,181 $ 12,994 $ 11,208 (1) Represents portions of the U.S. dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. (2) Represents the U.S. dollar tranche of the 7 -Year Term Loan. (3) Represents a portion of the Singapore dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $0.69 to 1.00 SGD as of December 31, 2016 . (4) Represents the British pound sterling tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $1.34 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2017 and $1.23 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . (5) Represents the Canadian dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $0.80 to 1.00 CAD as of September 30, 2017 and $0.74 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2016 . (6) Balance recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets if positive and recorded in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets if negative. As of September 30, 2017 , we estimate that an additional $0.8 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense during the twelve months ended September 30, 2018 , when the hedged forecasted transactions impact earnings. Foreign Currency Net Investment Hedges During the three months ended June 30, 2016, we entered into a series of forward contracts pursuant to which we agreed to sell an amount of foreign currency for an agreed upon amount of U.S. dollars. These forward contracts were executed to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain transactions. As of June 30, 2016, the forward contracts did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP and had a fair value of approximately $37.8 million . On July 1, 2016, the four forward contracts still in place met the criteria for net investment hedge accounting. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we terminated the four forward contracts with a notional amount of GBP 357.3 million . In connection with the settlement, we received approximately $64.0 million in proceeds and the related amount of approximately $26.2 million of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) will remain in AOCI until the Company sells or liquidates its GBP-denominated investments, which has not occurred as of September 30, 2017 .

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments We disclose fair value information about all financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Current accounting guidance requires the Company to disclose fair value information about all financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. The Company’s disclosures of estimated fair value of financial instruments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methods. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methods may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, accrued dividends and distributions, security deposits and prepaid rents approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. As described in Note 15 "Derivative Instruments", the interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts are recorded at fair value. We calculate the fair value of our mortgage loans, unsecured term loan and unsecured senior notes based on currently available market rates assuming the loans are outstanding through maturity and considering the collateral and other loan terms. In determining the current market rate for fixed rate debt, a market spread is added to the quoted yields on federal government treasury securities with similar maturity dates to our debt. The carrying value of our global revolving credit facility approximates fair value, due to the variability of interest rates. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the aggregate estimated fair value and carrying value of our global revolving credit facility, unsecured term loans, unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans were as follows (in thousands): Categorization under the fair value hierarchy As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Global revolving credit facility (1)(5) Level 2 $ 146,536 $ 146,536 $ 210,077 $ 210,077 Unsecured term loans (2)(6) Level 2 1,437,793 1,437,793 1,488,498 1,488,498 Unsecured senior notes (3)(4)(7) Level 2 7,195,333 6,844,711 4,428,074 4,179,171 Mortgage loans (3)(8) Level 2 106,708 106,775 3,217 3,250 $ 8,886,370 $ 8,535,815 $ 6,129,866 $ 5,880,996 (1) The carrying value of our global revolving credit facility approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (2) The carrying value of our unsecured term loans approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (3) Valuations for our unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans are determined based on the expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates. The 2019 Notes, 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 4.750% 2023 Notes, 2.750% 2023 Notes, 2.625% 2024 Notes, 2.750% 2024 Notes, 4.750% 2025 Notes, 4.250% 2025 Notes, 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes are valued based on quoted market prices. (4) The carrying value of the 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 4.750% 2023 Notes, 2.750% 2023 Notes, 2.625% 2024 Notes, 2.750% 2024 Notes, 4.250% 2025 Notes, 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes are net of discount of $19,277 and $15,649 in the aggregate as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (5) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $8.1 million and $10.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (6) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $5.1 million and $6.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (7) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $38.4 million and $25.4 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (8) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $0.0 million and $0.0 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies (a) Contingent liabilities Following the June 9, 2017 announcement that we and DFT had entered into the Merger Agreement, four purported stockholder class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia captioned: Scarantino v. DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., et al. , No. 1:17-cv-01428 (D.D.C.) (filed July 18, 2017); Canchola v. DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. , et al. , No. 1:17-cv-01481 (D.D.C.) (filed July 24, 2017); Lawrence v. DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., et al. , No. 1:17-cv-01465 (D.D.C.) (filed July 24, 2017); and McCullough v. DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. et al. , No. 1:17-cv-01563 (D.D.C.) (filed August 2, 2017). All four complaints allege purported violations of the federal securities laws and name as defendants DFT and the members of DFT’s board of directors. The Scarantino complaint also names as defendants DFT Operating Partnership, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., REIT Merger Sub, Penguins OP Sub 2, LLC, and Penguins OP Sub, LLC. Plaintiffs in each of the four actions allege primarily that the disclosures regarding the proposed mergers in the Form S-4 Registration Statement filed with the SEC on July 10, 2017 were inadequate in violation of Section 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 14a-9. Plaintiffs sought to enjoin the merger, or to recover damages in the event the merger was consummated, along with costs and attorneys’ fees. Since the merger was consummated, the parties agreed on and filed a stipulated dismissal of the actions, which is still pending before the Court. We believe that the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, and intend to vigorously defend against them in the event the Court does not grant the requested dismissal. (b) Construction Commitments Our properties require periodic investments of capital for tenant-related capital expenditures and for general capital improvements including ground up construction. From time to time in the normal course of our business, we enter into various construction contracts with third parties that may obligate us to make payments. At September 30, 2017 , we had open commitments, including amounts reimbursable of approximately $5.4 million , related to construction contracts of approximately $437.8 million . (c) Legal Proceedings Although the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, as of September 30, 2017 , the Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings nor, to its knowledge, is any legal proceeding threatened against it that it believes would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events In October 2017, the Company announced that it had entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation to provide data center solutions in Japan. Mitsubishi Corporation will contribute two existing data center facilities in the western Tokyo suburb of Mitaka, while the Company will contribute its recently completed data center development project in Osaka. The three seed assets are collectively valued at approximately 40 billion Japanese Yen, or approximately $350 million .

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., the Operating Partnership and their subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All such adjustments are considered to be of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise indicated. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for the full fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership have been combined to provide the following benefits: • enhancing investors’ understanding of the Company and the Operating Partnership by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business; • eliminating duplicative disclosure and providing a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both the Company and the Operating Partnership; and • creating time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one set of notes instead of two separate sets of notes. There are a few differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, which are reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe it is important to understand the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership in the context of how we operate as an interrelated consolidated company. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, issuing public securities from time to time and guaranteeing certain unsecured debt of the Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. itself has not issued any indebtedness but guarantees the unsecured debt of the Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, as disclosed in these notes. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all the assets of the Company and holds the ownership interests in the Company’s joint ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from public equity issuances by Digital Realty Trust, Inc., which are generally contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for partnership units, the Operating Partnership generally generates the capital required by the Company’s business through the Operating Partnership’s operations, by the Operating Partnership’s or its affiliates direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness or through the issuance of partnership units. The presentation of noncontrolling interests in operating partnership, stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital are the main areas of difference between the condensed consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and those of the Operating Partnership. The common limited partnership interests held by the limited partners in the Operating Partnership are presented as limited partners’ capital within partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements and as noncontrolling interests in operating partnership within equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The common and preferred partnership interests held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in the Operating Partnership are presented as general partner’s capital within partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements and as preferred stock, common stock, additional paid-in capital and accumulated dividends in excess of earnings within stockholders’ equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The differences in the presentations between stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital result from the differences in the equity issued at the Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership levels. To help investors understand the significant differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, these consolidated financial statements present the following separate sections for each of the Company and the Operating Partnership: • condensed consolidated face financial statements; and • the following notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements: • "Debt of the Company" and "Debt of the Operating Partnership"; • "Income per Share" and "Income per Unit"; and • "Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net" and "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss". In the sections that combine disclosure of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership, these notes refer to actions or holdings as being actions or holdings of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership is generally the entity that enters into contracts and joint ventures and holds assets and debt, reference to the Company is appropriate because the business is one enterprise and the Company generally operates the business through the Operating Partnership.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents For the purpose of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2017 , cash equivalents consist of investments in money market instruments.
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures The Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is accounted for using the equity method, whereby the investment is increased for capital contributed and our share of the joint ventures’ net income and decreased by distributions we receive and our share of any losses of the joint ventures. We do not record losses of the joint ventures in excess of our investment balances unless we are liable for the obligations of the joint venture or are otherwise committed to provide financial support to the joint venture. Likewise, and as long as we have no explicit or implicit obligations to the joint venture, we will suspend equity method accounting to the extent that cash distributions exceed our investment balances until those unrecorded earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. In this case, we will apply cost accounting concepts which tie income recognition to the receipt of cash. Cost basis accounting concepts will apply until earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. We amortize the difference between the cost of our investment in the joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. The amortization of this difference was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Capitalization of Costs	Capitalization of Costs Direct and indirect project costs that are clearly associated with the development of properties are capitalized as incurred. Project costs include all costs directly associated with the development of a property, including construction costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, legal fees and costs of personnel working on the project. Indirect costs that do not clearly relate to the projects under development are not capitalized and are charged to expense as incurred. Capitalization of costs begins when the activities necessary to get the development project ready for its intended use begins, which include costs incurred before the beginning of construction. Capitalization of costs ceases when the development project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Determining when a development project commences, and when it is substantially complete and ready for its intended use involves a degree of judgment. We generally consider a development project to be substantially complete and ready for its intended use upon receipt of a certificate of occupancy. If and when development of a property is suspended pursuant to a formal change in the planned use of the property, we will evaluate whether the accumulated costs exceed the estimated value of the project and write-off the amount of any such excess accumulated costs. For a development project that is suspended for reasons other than a formal change in the planned use of such property, the accumulated project costs are evaluated for impairment consistent with our impairment policies for long-lived assets. Capitalized costs are allocated to the specific components of a project that are benefited.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Management performs an annual impairment test for goodwill and between annual tests, management will evaluate the recoverability of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be fully recoverable. In its impairment tests of goodwill, management will first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If based on this assessment, management determines that the fair value of the reporting unit is not less than its carrying value, then performing the additional two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If our qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we perform a two-step impairment test. We test goodwill for impairment under the two-step impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value or qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recognized. We have not recognized any goodwill impairments since our inception. Since some of the goodwill is denominated in foreign currencies, changes to the goodwill balance occur over time due to changes in foreign exchange rates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , changes in foreign exchange rates caused an increase to goodwill of $41.8 million .
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company measures all share-based compensation awards at fair value on the date they are granted to employees, consultants and directors. The fair value of share-based compensation awards that contain a market condition, including market performance-based Class D units of the Operating Partnership and market performance-based restricted stock units (discussed in Note 13 "Incentive Plan"), is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation method and not adjusted based on actual achievement of the performance goals. We recognize compensation cost, net of forfeitures, for all of our existing awards, including long-term incentive units, market performance-based awards and restricted stock, over a four -year period.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally is not required to pay federal corporate income tax to the extent taxable income is currently distributed to its stockholders. If Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates. The Company is subject to foreign, state and local income taxes in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business. The Company’s U.S. consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to both federal and state income taxes to the extent there is taxable income. Accordingly, the Company recognizes current and deferred income taxes for its taxable REIT subsidiaries, including in certain states and non-U.S. jurisdictions, as appropriate. We assess our significant tax positions in accordance with U.S. GAAP for all open tax years and determine whether we have any material unrecognized liabilities from uncertain tax benefits. If a tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained solely on its technical merits, no benefits of the tax position are to be recognized (for financial statement purposes). As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we have no assets or liabilities for uncertain tax positions. We classify interest and penalties from significant uncertain tax positions as interest expense and operating expense, respectively, in our condensed consolidated income statements. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we had no such interest or penalties. The tax year 2014 and thereafter remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions with which the Company files tax returns.
Presentation of Transactional-Based Taxes	Presentation of Transactional-based Taxes We account for transactional-based taxes, such as value added tax, or VAT, for our international properties on a net basis.
Fee Income	Fee Income Occasionally, customers engage the Company for certain services. The nature of these services historically involves property management, construction management, and assistance with financing. The proper revenue recognition of these services can be different, depending on whether the arrangements are service revenue or contractor type revenue. Service revenues are typically recognized on an equal monthly basis based on the minimum fee to be earned. The monthly amounts could be adjusted depending on if certain performance milestones are met. Fee income also includes management fees. These fees arise from contractual agreements with entities in which we have a noncontrolling interest. The management fees are recognized as earned under the respective agreements. Management and other fee income related to partially owned entities are recognized to the extent attributable to the unaffiliated interest.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Fair value under U.S. GAAP is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, our fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair-value measurements, we use a fair-value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or
Transaction and Integration Expense	Transaction and Integration Expense Transaction and integration expense includes acquisition-related expenses, other business development expenses and other expenses to integrate newly acquired investments, which are expensed as incurred. Acquisition-related expenses include closing costs, broker commissions and other professional fees, including legal and accounting fees related to acquisitions and significant transactions. Integration costs include transition costs associated with organizational restructuring (such as severance and retention payments and recruiting expenses), third party consulting expenses directly related to the integration of acquired companies (in areas such as cost savings and synergy realization, technology and systems work), and internal costs such as training, travel and labor, reflecting time spent by Company personnel on integration activities and projects.
Gains on Sale of Properties	Gains on Sale of Properties Gains on sale of properties are recognized using the full accrual or partial sale methods, as applicable, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provided various criteria relating to the terms of sale and any subsequent involvement with the real estate sold are satisfied.
Management's Estimates	Management’s Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates made. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the valuation of our real estate properties, contingent consideration, accounts receivable and deferred rent receivable, performance-based equity compensation plans, the completeness of accrued liabilities and Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s qualification as a REIT. We base our estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could vary under different assumptions or conditions.
Segment and Geographic Information	Segment and Geographic Information All of our properties generate similar revenues and expenses related to tenant rent and reimbursements and operating expenses. The delivery of our products and services are consistent across all properties and although services are provided to a wide range of customers, the types of services provided to them are standardized throughout the portfolio. As such, the properties in our portfolio have similar economic characteristics and the nature of the products and services provided to our customers and the method to distribute such services are consistent throughout the portfolio. In addition, the chief operating decision makers evaluate operating performance and make resource allocation decisions for the portfolio as a whole, rather than by property type or revenue stream. Consequently, our properties qualify for aggregation into one reporting segment.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Standards Adopted In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2017-01, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805)." ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business and provides further guidance for evaluating whether a transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of an asset or a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The update should be applied prospectively. We adopted ASU 2017-01 as of January 1, 2017 and the adoption did not require any additional disclosures. We believe most of our future acquisitions of operating properties will qualify as asset acquisitions and most future transaction costs associated with these acquisitions will be capitalized. In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that will require companies to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will require a disclosure of a reconciliation between the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flows when the statement of financial position includes more than one line item for cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents. Entities with material restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balances will be required to disclose the nature of the restrictions. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2017, and restricted cash balances are included along with cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period and beginning of period in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented; separate line items showing changes in restricted cash balances have been eliminated from our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which provides for simplification of certain aspects of employee share-based payment accounting, including income taxes, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this standard must be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the year of adoption, depending on the type of amendment. We adopted ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Issued but not yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", and since that date has issued several additional ASUs intended to clarify certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 and to provide for certain practical expedients entities may elect upon adoption. Collectively, these ASUs outline a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenues arising from contracts with customers. While lease contracts with customers, which constitute the vast majority of our revenues, are a specific scope exception, this update may have implications in certain variable payment terms included in lease agreements. The Company expects to adopt the guidance effective January 1, 2018 and is in the process of analyzing the impact of the adoption of this guidance. The standard permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and permits the use of certain practical expedients. We currently anticipate using the modified retrospective method, however, this determination is subject to change. As the standard does not significantly impact lessor accounting, we do not believe adoption will have a material impact on our accounting for rental revenue. In addition, we do not anticipate a significant impact to our accounting for certain of our revenue streams which are not based on contractually specified lease amounts, including interconnection, tenant reimbursement and other revenue. However, the Company believes that certain non-lease components of revenue from leases may be impacted by the adoption of the new revenue standard beginning January 1, 2019, the effective date of the new leasing standard (see below). This new guidance could result in different amounts of revenue being recognized and could result in revenue being recognized in different reporting periods than under the current guidance; however, the Company expects that the majority of its non-lease revenues will continue to be recognized during the periods in which services are performed. The Company is currently assessing what additional disclosures will be required upon adoption of this new standard. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)", which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Accounting for leases with a term of 12 months or less will be similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is expected to impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements for leases where the Company is a lessee, primarily for the Company’s data center operating leases, ground leases and administrative office leases, and the Company will be required to record a lease liability and a right of use asset on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value upon adoption. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, Leases (Topic 840). The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. A set of practical expedients for implementation, which must be elected as a package and for all leases, may also be elected. These practical expedients include relief from re-assessing lease classification at the adoption date for expired or existing leases, although a right-of-use asset and lease liability would still be recorded for such leases. We are currently assessing the method of adoption and the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASU Topic 2017-04, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating the process of measuring the implied value of goodwill, known as step two, from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the provisions of ASC 2017-04 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. I

DFT Merger (Tables)

DFT Merger (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Preliminary Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Acquired	We completed the acquisition of DFT on September 14, 2017. A summary of the preliminary fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired for total equity of approximately $6.2 billion is as follows (in thousands): Land $ 312,579 Building and improvements 3,677,497 Cash and cash equivalents 20,650 Accounts and other receivables 10,978 Acquired above-market leases 162,333 Goodwill 2,592,181 Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles: Tenant relationship value 980,267 Acquired in-place lease value 557,128 Tenant origination costs 44,990 Global revolving credit facility, net (1) (450,697 ) Unsecured term loan (250,000 ) Unsecured senior notes, net (2) (884,841 ) Mortgage loans (1) (105,000 ) Acquired below-market leases (185,543 ) Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (248,259 ) Other working capital, net (24,630 ) Total equity consideration for DFT merger $ 6,209,633 (1) Debt was paid off in full at closing of the DFT merger. (2) Approximately $619 million of debt was paid off at closing of the DFT merger. The remainder was paid off in October 2017. We acquired the following real estate accounted for as asset acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Location Market Date Acquired Amount (2) Osaka Phase II (1) Osaka, Japan March 15, 2017 $ 13.6 2553 Edgington Street Chicago May 11, 2017 14.1 De President Phase II (1) Amsterdam June 23, 2017 6.3 NE Corner of Campbell Road and Ferris Road (1) Dallas August 17, 2017 5.4 Osaka Phase III (1) Osaka, Japan September 13, 2017 4.7 $ 44.1 (1) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. (2) Purchase price in U.S. dollars and excludes capitalized closing costs.
Pro Forma Financial Information	The pro forma adjustments primarily relate to merger expenses, depreciation expense on acquired buildings and improvements, amortization of acquired intangibles, and estimated interest expense related to financing transactions, the proceeds of which were used to fund the repayment of DFT debt in connection with the DFT merger. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Pro forma (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total revenue $ 730,141 $ 680,619 $ 2,126,893 $ 1,952,439 Net (loss) income available to common stockholders (1) $ (41,288 ) $ 143,028 $ (17,108 ) $ 70,879 (Loss) income per share, diluted (2) $ (0.20 ) $ 0.74 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.37 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Pro forma (unaudited) (in thousands, except per unit data) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total revenue $ 730,141 $ 680,619 $ 2,126,893 $ 1,952,439 Net (loss) income available to common unitholders (1) $ (39,636 ) $ 148,749 $ (16,424 ) $ 73,714 (Loss) income per unit, diluted (2) $ (0.20 ) $ 0.74 $ (0.08 ) $ 0.37 (1) Pro forma net income available to common stockholders was adjusted to exclude $32.9 million and $42.3 million of merger related costs incurred by the Company during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and to include these charges for the corresponding periods in 2016. (2) Adjusted to give effect to the issuance of approximately 43.2 million shares of common stock in the DFT merger.

Investments in Real Estate (Tab

Investments in Real Estate (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Real Estate Property Acquisitions	We completed the acquisition of DFT on September 14, 2017. A summary of the preliminary fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired for total equity of approximately $6.2 billion is as follows (in thousands): Land $ 312,579 Building and improvements 3,677,497 Cash and cash equivalents 20,650 Accounts and other receivables 10,978 Acquired above-market leases 162,333 Goodwill 2,592,181 Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles: Tenant relationship value 980,267 Acquired in-place lease value 557,128 Tenant origination costs 44,990 Global revolving credit facility, net (1) (450,697 ) Unsecured term loan (250,000 ) Unsecured senior notes, net (2) (884,841 ) Mortgage loans (1) (105,000 ) Acquired below-market leases (185,543 ) Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (248,259 ) Other working capital, net (24,630 ) Total equity consideration for DFT merger $ 6,209,633 (1) Debt was paid off in full at closing of the DFT merger. (2) Approximately $619 million of debt was paid off at closing of the DFT merger. The remainder was paid off in October 2017. We acquired the following real estate accounted for as asset acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Location Market Date Acquired Amount (2) Osaka Phase II (1) Osaka, Japan March 15, 2017 $ 13.6 2553 Edgington Street Chicago May 11, 2017 14.1 De President Phase II (1) Amsterdam June 23, 2017 6.3 NE Corner of Campbell Road and Ferris Road (1) Dallas August 17, 2017 5.4 Osaka Phase III (1) Osaka, Japan September 13, 2017 4.7 $ 44.1 (1) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. (2) Purchase price in U.S. dollars and excludes capitalized closing costs.

Investment in Unconsolidated 30

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Information for Joint Ventures	The following tables present summarized financial information for our joint ventures as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited, in thousands): As of September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2017 Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Debt Total Liabilities Equity Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 727,075 $ 926,486 $ 490,579 $ 581,111 $ 345,375 $ 106,793 $ (32,869 ) $ 73,924 $ 32,545 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 106,374 $ 19,592 As of December 31, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2016 Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Debt Total Liabilities Equity Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 741,228 $ 922,694 $ 457,141 $ 549,997 $ 372,697 $ 102,337 $ (33,444 ) $ 68,893 $ 27,084 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 106,402 $ 12,362

Acquired Intangible Assets an31

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquired Intangible Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets	The following summarizes our acquired intangible assets (real estate intangibles, comprised of acquired in-place lease value and tenant relationship value along with acquired above-market lease value) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market lease value) as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Real Estate Intangibles: Acquired in-place lease value: Gross amount $ 1,447,485 $ 896,693 Accumulated amortization (564,924 ) (517,443 ) Net $ 882,561 $ 379,250 Tenant relationship value: Gross amount $ 1,975,311 $ 971,519 Accumulated amortization (138,780 ) (82,069 ) Net $ 1,836,531 $ 889,450 Acquired above-market leases: Gross amount $ 273,146 $ 110,142 Accumulated amortization (94,956 ) (87,961 ) Net $ 178,190 $ 22,181 Acquired below-market leases: Gross amount $ 470,528 $ 283,899 Accumulated amortization (212,796 ) (202,000 ) Net $ 257,732 $ 81,899
Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Below Market Leases	Estimated annual amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases, for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2017 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ (5,228 ) 2018 (23,152 ) 2019 (11,140 ) 2020 858 2021 5,812 Thereafter 112,392 Total $ 79,542
Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Acquired of Intangible Assets	Estimated annual amortization of tenant relationship value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2017 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ 36,049 2018 140,933 2019 140,933 2020 140,933 2021 140,933 Thereafter 1,236,750 Total $ 1,836,531 Estimated annual amortization of acquired in-place lease value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2017 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ 52,026 2018 201,835 2019 141,967 2020 106,494 2021 82,641 Thereafter 297,598 Total $ 882,561

Debt of the Operating Partner32

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Tables) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Summary of Outstanding Indebtedness of the Operating Partnership	A summary of outstanding indebtedness of the Operating Partnership as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2017 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2017 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2016 Global revolving credit facility Various (1) Jan 15, 2020 $ 146,536 (2) $ 210,077 (2) Deferred financing costs, net (8,059 ) (10,868 ) Global revolving credit facility, net 138,477 199,209 Unsecured Term Loans Unsecured term loan — 5-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2021 1,137,793 (5) 1,188,498 (5) Unsecured term loan — 7-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2023 300,000 (5) 300,000 (5) Deferred financing costs, net (5,134 ) (6,137 ) Unsecured term loan, net 1,432,659 1,482,361 Unsecured senior notes: Prudential Shelf Facility: Series E 5.730% Jan 20, 2017 — (6) 50,000 Total Prudential Shelf Facility — 50,000 Senior Notes: Floating rate notes due 2019 EURIBOR + 0.500% May 22, 2019 147,675 (7) — 5.875% notes due 2020 5.875% Feb 1, 2020 500,000 500,000 3.400% notes due 2020 3.400% Oct 1, 2020 500,000 500,000 5.250% notes due 2021 5.250% Mar 15, 2021 400,000 400,000 3.950% notes due 2022 3.950% Jul 1, 2022 500,000 500,000 3.625% notes due 2022 3.625% Oct 1, 2022 300,000 300,000 2.750% notes due 2023 2.750% Feb 1, 2023 350,000 — 5.625% notes due 2023 5.625% Jun 15, 2023 265,733 (9) — 4.750% notes due 2023 4.750% Oct 13, 2023 401,940 (8) 370,200 (8) 2.625% notes due 2024 2.625% Apr 15, 2024 708,840 (7) 631,020 (7) 2.750% notes due 2024 2.750% Jul 19, 2024 334,950 (8) — 4.250% notes due 2025 4.250% Jan 17, 2025 535,920 (8) 493,600 (8) 4.750% notes due 2025 4.750% Oct 1, 2025 450,000 450,000 3.700% notes due 2027 3.700% Aug 15, 2027 1,000,000 — 3.300% notes due 2029 3.300% May 22, 2029 468,930 (8) — Unamortized discounts (19,277 ) (15,649 ) Total senior notes, net of discount 6,844,711 4,179,171 Deferred financing costs, net (38,378 ) (25,374 ) Total unsecured senior notes, net of discount and deferred financing costs 6,806,333 4,153,797 Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2017 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2017 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2016 Mortgage loans: 731 East Trade Street 8.22% Jul 1, 2020 $ 2,511 $ 2,916 Secured note due 2023 LIBOR + 1.100% Mar 1, 2023 104,000 — Unamortized net premiums 264 334 Total mortgage loans, including premiums 106,775 3,250 Deferred financing costs, net — (10 ) Total mortgage loans, including premiums and net of deferred financing costs 106,775 3,240 Total indebtedness $ 8,484,244 $ 5,838,607 _________________________________ (1) The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin of 100 basis points, which is based on the current credit ratings of our long-term debt. An annual facility fee of 20 basis points, which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt, is due and payable quarterly on the total commitment amount of the facility. Two six -month extensions are available, which we may exercise if certain conditions are met. (2) Balances as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2017 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate Floating Rate Borrowing (a) U.S. dollar ($) $ — — % $ 105,000 1.67 % British pound sterling (£) — — % 11,106 (c) 1.25 % Euro (€) 20,675 (b) 0.61 % 15,250 (c) 0.63 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 3,572 (b) 1.54 % 1,728 (c) 1.66 % Japanese yen (JPY) 120,685 (b) 0.95 % 54,273 (c) 0.92 % Singapore dollar (SGD) — — % 11,186 (c) 1.52 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 1,604 (b) 2.33 % 11,534 (c) 1.92 % Total $ 146,536 0.93 % $ 210,077 1.39 % (a) The interest rates for floating rate borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equal the applicable index plus a margin of 100 basis points, which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt. (b) Based on exchange rates of $1.18 to €1.00, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY and $0.80 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 . (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.23 to £1.00, $1.05 to €1.00, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, $0.69 to 1.00 SGD and $0.74 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . (3) Interest rates are based on our current senior unsecured debt ratings and are 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5 -Year Term Loan and the 7 -Year Term Loan, respectively. (4) We have entered into interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge for interest generated by the U.S. dollar, Singapore dollar, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar tranches of the unsecured term loans. See Note 15 "Derivative Instruments" for further information. (5) Balances as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2017 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate U.S. dollar ($) $ 606,911 2.56 % (b) $ 710,911 1.99 % (d) British pound sterling (£) 227,063 (a) 1.35 % (b) 209,132 (c) 1.36 % (d) Singapore dollar (SGD) 237,668 (a) 1.91 % 222,824 (c) 1.76 % (d) Australian dollar (AUD) 185,117 (a) 2.70 % 170,325 (c) 2.72 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 85,428 (a) 1.52 % 86,029 (c) 1.77 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 78,987 (a) 2.45 % (b) 73,294 (c) 2.00 % (d) Japanese yen (JPY) 16,619 (a) 1.06 % 15,983 (c) 0.98 % Total $ 1,437,793 2.19 % (b) $ 1,488,498 1.93 % (d) (a) Based on exchange rates of $1.34 to £1.00, $0.74 to 1.00 SGD, $0.78 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.80 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 . (b) As of September 30, 2017 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.70% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.31% (Total). See Note 15 "Derivative Instruments" for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.23 to £1.00, $0.69 to 1.00 SGD, $0.72 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.74 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . (d) As of December 31, 2016 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.45% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.90% (Singapore dollar), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.23% (Total). (6) Unsecured note paid in full at maturity. (7) Based on exchange rates of $1.18 to €1.00 as of September 30, 2017 and $1.05 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . (8) Based on exchange rates of $1.34 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2017 and $1.23 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . (9) In connection with the DFT merger, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. was added as a guarantor of the DFT Operating Partnership's 5.625% 2023 Notes. On September 14, 2017, the DFT Operating Partnership issued a notice of redemption for 35% of the outstanding principal amount of the 5.625% 2023 Notes at a redemption price equal to 105.625% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed (the “Equity Claw Redemption”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, October 16, 2017. The DFT Operating Partnership also issued a notice of redemption for all outstanding 5.625% 2023 Notes following completion of the Equity Claw Redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus an applicable premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 5.625% 2023 Notes, and accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, October 17, 2017. The redemptions were made pursuant to the DFT Operating Partnership's optional redemption rights under the indenture governing the 5.625% 2023 Notes. The redemptions were completed on October 16, 2017 and October 17, 2017, and resulted in a gain on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.0 million .
Schedule of Debt Maturities and Principal Maturities	The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of September 30, 2017 (in thousands): Global Revolving Credit Facility (1) Unsecured Unsecured Senior Notes Mortgage Loans Total Debt Remainder of 2017 $ — $ — $ — $ 141 $ 141 2018 — — — 593 593 2019 — — 147,675 644 148,319 2020 146,536 — 1,000,000 1,133 1,147,669 2021 — 1,137,793 400,000 — 1,537,793 Thereafter — 300,000 5,316,313 104,000 5,720,313 Subtotal $ 146,536 $ 1,437,793 $ 6,863,988 $ 106,511 $ 8,554,828 Unamortized discount — — (19,277 ) — (19,277 ) Unamortized premium — — — 264 264 Total $ 146,536 $ 1,437,793 $ 6,844,711 $ 106,775 $ 8,535,815 (1) Subject to two six -month extension options exercisable by us. The bank group is obligated to grant the extension options provided we give proper notice, we make certain representations and warranties and no default exists under the global revolving credit facility.

Income per Share (Tables)

Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $ (4,140 ) $ 187,330 $ 119,842 $ 254,406 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 170,194,254 147,397,853 163,481,306 146,930,939 Potentially dilutive common shares: Stock options — 10,424 — 9,721 Unvested incentive units — 82,184 150,369 75,049 Forward equity offering — 1,264,749 166,493 2,611 Market performance-based awards — 629,661 572,928 636,864 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 170,194,254 149,384,871 164,371,096 147,655,184 (Loss) income per share: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 1.27 $ 0.73 $ 1.73 Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 1.25 $ 0.73 $ 1.72
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 3,266,451 2,379,671 2,566,766 2,421,298 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock 329,709 — 109,903 — Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 2,488,354 — 2,880,254 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 1,925,208 617,734 1,942,351 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,193,331 2,632,407 2,262,875 2,655,847 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 3,214,098 3,857,518 3,316,008 3,891,866 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,195,898 2,635,488 2,265,524 2,658,955 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,045,730 — 348,577 — Total 12,245,217 15,918,646 11,487,387 16,450,571

Income per Unit (Tables)

Income per Unit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $ (4,140 ) $ 187,330 $ 119,842 $ 254,406 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 170,194,254 147,397,853 163,481,306 146,930,939 Potentially dilutive common shares: Stock options — 10,424 — 9,721 Unvested incentive units — 82,184 150,369 75,049 Forward equity offering — 1,264,749 166,493 2,611 Market performance-based awards — 629,661 572,928 636,864 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 170,194,254 149,384,871 164,371,096 147,655,184 (Loss) income per share: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 1.27 $ 0.73 $ 1.73 Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 1.25 $ 0.73 $ 1.72
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 3,266,451 2,379,671 2,566,766 2,421,298 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock 329,709 — 109,903 — Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 2,488,354 — 2,880,254 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 1,925,208 617,734 1,942,351 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,193,331 2,632,407 2,262,875 2,655,847 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 3,214,098 3,857,518 3,316,008 3,891,866 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,195,898 2,635,488 2,265,524 2,658,955 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,045,730 — 348,577 — Total 12,245,217 15,918,646 11,487,387 16,450,571
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per unit (in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net (loss) income available to common unitholders $ (4,219 ) $ 190,354 $ 121,474 $ 258,550 Weighted average units outstanding—basic 173,460,704 149,777,524 166,048,072 149,352,237 Potentially dilutive common units: Stock options — 10,424 — 9,721 Unvested incentive units — 1,264,749 166,493 2,611 Forward equity offering — 82,184 150,369 75,049 Market performance-based awards — 629,661 572,928 636,864 Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 173,460,704 151,764,542 166,937,862 150,076,482 (Loss) income per unit: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 1.27 $ 0.73 $ 1.73 Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 1.25 $ 0.73 $ 1.72
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units 329,709 — 109,903 — Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units — 2,488,354 — 2,880,254 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units — 1,925,208 617,734 1,942,351 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,193,331 2,632,407 2,262,875 2,655,847 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 3,214,098 3,857,518 3,316,008 3,891,866 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,195,898 2,635,488 2,265,524 2,658,955 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,045,730 — 348,577 — Total 8,978,766 13,538,975 8,920,621 14,029,273

Equity and Accumulated Other 35

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Ownership Interest In The Operating Partnership	The following table shows the ownership interests in the Operating Partnership as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Number of units Percentage of total Number of units Percentage of total Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 205,433,495 96.0 % 159,019,118 98.5 % Noncontrolling interests consist of: Common units held by third parties 6,908,584 3.2 % 1,141,814 0.7 % Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 13) 1,574,377 0.8 % 1,333,849 0.8 % 213,916,456 100.0 % 161,494,781 100.0 %
Summary of Activity for Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	The following table shows activity for the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Common Units Incentive Units Total As of December 31, 2016 1,141,814 1,333,849 2,475,663 Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger 6,111,770 — 6,111,770 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (345,000 ) — (345,000 ) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (184,103 ) (184,103 ) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 354,549 354,549 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 70,082 70,082 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — — — As of September 30, 2017 6,908,584 1,574,377 8,482,961 (1) Redemption of common units and conversion of incentive units were recorded as a reduction to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and an increase to common stock and additional paid in capital based on the book value per unit in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Schedule of Dividends/Distributions	We have declared and paid the following dividends on our common and preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands, except per share data): Date dividend declared Dividend Series F (1) Series G Series H Series I Preferred Stock Common March 1, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 148,358 May 8, 2017 June 30, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 150,814 August 7, 2017 September 29, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 191,041 $ 3,023 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 490,213 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.720 (1) Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income, net are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow hedge Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (175,642 ) $ 4,888 $ 35,149 $ (135,605 ) Net current period change 25,623 618 (9,411 ) 16,830 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 2,043 — 2,043 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (150,019 ) $ 7,549 $ 25,738 $ (116,732 )

Capital and Accumulated Other36

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Schedule of Dividends/Distributions	We have declared and paid the following dividends on our common and preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands, except per share data): Date dividend declared Dividend Series F (1) Series G Series H Series I Preferred Stock Common March 1, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 148,358 May 8, 2017 June 30, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 150,814 August 7, 2017 September 29, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 191,041 $ 3,023 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 490,213 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.720 (1) Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income, net are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow hedge Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (175,642 ) $ 4,888 $ 35,149 $ (135,605 ) Net current period change 25,623 618 (9,411 ) 16,830 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 2,043 — 2,043 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (150,019 ) $ 7,549 $ 25,738 $ (116,732 )
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Schedule of Dividends/Distributions	The Operating Partnership has declared and paid the following distributions on its common and preferred units for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands, except for per unit data): Date distribution declared Distribution Series F (1) Series G Series H Series I Common March 1, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 150,968 May 8, 2017 June 30, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 153,176 August 7, 2017 September 29, 2017 — 3,672 6,730 3,969 199,049 $ 3,023 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 503,193 Annual rate of distribution per unit $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.720 (1) Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow hedge Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (180,504 ) $ 4,191 $ 35,694 $ (140,619 ) Net current period change 25,954 616 (9,542 ) 17,028 Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — 2,073 — 2,073 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (154,550 ) $ 6,880 $ 26,152 $ (121,518 )

Incentive Plan (Tables)

Incentive Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Incentive Unit Activity	Below is a summary of our long-term incentive unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Unvested Long-term Incentive Units Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 128,822 $ 66.58 Granted 70,082 109.27 Vested (82,283 ) 71.81 Cancelled or expired (4,490 ) 108.00 Unvested, end of period 112,131 $ 87.76
Market Performance Based Awards	In the event that the RMS Relative Market Performance during the Market Performance Period is achieved at the “threshold,” “target” or “high” level as set forth below, the awards will become vested as to the market condition with respect to the percentage of Class D units or RSUs, as applicable, set forth below: Level RMS Relative Market Performance Vesting Percentage Below Threshold Level ≤ -300 basis points 0% Threshold Level -300 basis points 25% Target Level 100 basis points 50% High Level > 500 basis points 100%
Summary of Incentive Award Plan's Stock Option	The following table summarizes the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan’s stock option activity for the nine -month period ended September 30, 2017 : Period Ended September 30, 2017 Shares Weighted average exercise price Options outstanding, beginning of period 17,674 $ 41.73 Exercised (17,668 ) 41.73 Cancelled / Forfeited (6 ) 41.73 Options outstanding, end of period — $ — Exercisable, end of period — $ —
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	Below is a summary of our restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Unvested Restricted Stock Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 274,642 $ 73.81 Granted 117,671 108.39 Vested (96,123 ) 68.80 Cancelled or expired (26,955 ) 84.22 Unvested, end of period 269,235 $ 89.67

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments	As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as effective cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (in thousands): Notional Amount Fair Value at Significant Other As of As of Type of Strike Effective Date Expiration Date As of As of Currently-paying contracts $ 206,000 (1) $ — Swap 1.611 Jun 15, 2017 Jan 15, 2020 $ 183 (6) $ — 54,905 (1) — Swap 1.605 Jun 6, 2017 Jan 6, 2020 52 (6) — — 206,000 (1) Swap 0.932 Jun 18, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 — (90 ) (6) — 54,905 (1) Swap 0.670 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2017 — 16 (6) 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) Swap 1.016 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 6, 2021 1,773 (6) 1,911 (6) 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) Swap 1.164 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 1,431 (6) 1,487 (6) 300,000 (2) 300,000 (2) Swap 1.435 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2023 7,141 (6) 8,128 (6) — 130,850 (3) Swap 0.925 Jul 17, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 — 18 (6) 227,063 (4) 209,132 (4) Swap 0.792 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2019 (504 ) (6) (1,818 ) (6) 78,987 (5) 73,294 (5) Swap 0.779 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 2,918 (6) 1,556 (6) $ 1,016,955 $ 1,124,181 $ 12,994 $ 11,208 (1) Represents portions of the U.S. dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. (2) Represents the U.S. dollar tranche of the 7 -Year Term Loan. (3) Represents a portion of the Singapore dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $0.69 to 1.00 SGD as of December 31, 2016 . (4) Represents the British pound sterling tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $1.34 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2017 and $1.23 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . (5) Represents the Canadian dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $0.80 to 1.00 CAD as of September 30, 2017 and $0.74 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2016 . (6) Balance recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets if positive and recorded in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets if negative.

Fair Value of Financial Instr39

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value And Carrying Amounts	As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the aggregate estimated fair value and carrying value of our global revolving credit facility, unsecured term loans, unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans were as follows (in thousands): Categorization under the fair value hierarchy As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Global revolving credit facility (1)(5) Level 2 $ 146,536 $ 146,536 $ 210,077 $ 210,077 Unsecured term loans (2)(6) Level 2 1,437,793 1,437,793 1,488,498 1,488,498 Unsecured senior notes (3)(4)(7) Level 2 7,195,333 6,844,711 4,428,074 4,179,171 Mortgage loans (3)(8) Level 2 106,708 106,775 3,217 3,250 $ 8,886,370 $ 8,535,815 $ 6,129,866 $ 5,880,996 (1) The carrying value of our global revolving credit facility approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (2) The carrying value of our unsecured term loans approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (3) Valuations for our unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans are determined based on the expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates. The 2019 Notes, 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 4.750% 2023 Notes, 2.750% 2023 Notes, 2.625% 2024 Notes, 2.750% 2024 Notes, 4.750% 2025 Notes, 4.250% 2025 Notes, 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes are valued based on quoted market prices. (4) The carrying value of the 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 4.750% 2023 Notes, 2.750% 2023 Notes, 2.625% 2024 Notes, 2.750% 2024 Notes, 4.250% 2025 Notes, 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes are net of discount of $19,277 and $15,649 in the aggregate as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (5) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $8.1 million and $10.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (6) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $5.1 million and $6.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (7) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $38.4 million and $25.4 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (8) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $0.0 million and $0.0 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Organization and Description 40

Organization and Description of Business (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 14, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017property
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		159
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock conversion ratio (in shares)	0.545
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common unit conversion ratio (in shares)	0.545
Series C Preferred Stock
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Series C preferred stock, dividend rate	6.625%
Common Interest
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership		96.00%
Preferred Interest
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership		100.00%
United States
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		117
Europe
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		32
Asia
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		4
Australia
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		3
Canada
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		3
Unconsolidated Properties
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		14
Held-for-sale
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		9

Summary of Significant Accoun41

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period in which short-term investment become cash equivalents			90 days
Amortization expense, present value of future insurance profits			$ 0	$ 0
Interest capitalized	$ 5,300,000	$ 3,800,000	13,700,000	11,400,000
Compensation costs, leasing and construction activities	20,800,000	18,700,000	58,400,000	52,700,000
Cash flows from capitalized leasing costs			41,900,000	31,400,000
Increase to goodwill, changes in foreign exchange rates			$ 41,800,000
Award vesting period			4 years
Unrecognized tax benefits	0		$ 0		$ 0
Income tax penalties and interest expense	0	0	$ 0	0
Number of reportable segments | segment			1
Total operating revenues	609,925,000	$ 546,293,000	$ 1,726,483,000	$ 1,565,426,000
Net investments in real estate	$ 13,460,400,000		$ 13,460,400,000		$ 8,996,362,000
Sales | Geographic Concentration Risk
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk	11.50%	12.10%	11.70%	10.80%
Total long-lived assets
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk					16.60%
Total long-lived assets | Geographic Concentration Risk
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk			12.00%
Outside the United States
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 131,700,000	$ 122,500,000	$ 380,000,000	$ 321,800,000
Net investments in real estate	3,200,000,000		3,200,000,000		$ 2,600,000,000
United States
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	478,200,000	423,800,000	1,346,400,000	1,243,700,000
Net investments in real estate	10,200,000,000		10,200,000,000		6,300,000,000
United Kingdom
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	70,100,000	$ 66,100,000	202,800,000	$ 169,400,000
Net investments in real estate	$ 1,600,000,000		$ 1,600,000,000		$ 1,500,000,000

DFT Merger (Details)

DFT Merger (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 14, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 3,384,394,000	$ 752,970,000
DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration of assets and liabilities acquired	$ 6,209,633,000
Land	312,579,000	312,579,000
Building and improvements	3,677,497,000	3,677,497,000
Cash and cash equivalents	20,650,000	20,650,000
Accounts and other receivables	10,978,000	10,978,000
Goodwill	2,592,181,000	2,592,181,000
Acquired below-market leases	(185,543,000)	(185,543,000)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(248,259,000)	(248,259,000)
Other working capital, net	(24,630,000)	(24,630,000)
Above Market Leases | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired above-market leases	162,333,000	162,333,000
Customer-Related Intangible Assets | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired above-market leases	980,267,000
Acquired In-Place Lease Value | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired above-market leases	557,128,000
Tenant Origination Costs | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired above-market leases	44,990,000
Global revolving credit facility, net | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long term debt	(450,697,000)	(450,697,000)
Unsecured Debt | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long term debt	(250,000,000)
Senior Notes | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long term debt	(884,841,000)	(884,841,000)
Debt paid off at closing of merger	619,000,000
Mortgage Loans | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long term debt	$ (105,000,000)	(105,000,000)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		3,384,394,000	$ 752,970,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Land		312,579,000
Building and improvements		3,677,497,000
Cash and cash equivalents		20,650,000
Accounts and other receivables		10,978,000
Goodwill		2,592,181,000
Acquired below-market leases		(185,543,000)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		(248,259,000)
Other working capital, net		(24,630,000)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Above Market Leases | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired above-market leases		162,333,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility, net | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long term debt		(450,697,000)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long term debt		(884,841,000)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | DFT Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ (105,000,000)

DFT Merger Pro Forma Financial

DFT Merger Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 730,141	$ 680,619	$ 2,126,893	$ 1,952,439
Net income available to common shareholders	$ (41,288)	$ 143,028	$ (17,108)	$ 70,879
Earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)	$ 0.74	$ (0.08)	$ 0.37
Merger related costs	$ 32,900		$ 42,300
Adjustment to diluted earnings per share (in shares)			43.2	43.2
Revenue associated with properties acquired	27,200		$ 4,200
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenue	730,141	$ 680,619	2,126,893	$ 1,952,439
Net income available to common shareholders	$ (39,636)	$ 148,749	$ (16,424)	$ 73,714
Earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)	$ 0.74	$ (0.08)	$ 0.37

Investments in Real Estate (Sch

Investments in Real Estate (Schedule of Real Estate Property Acquisitions) (Details) ft² in Thousands

Sep. 13, 2017USD ($)

Aug. 17, 2017USD ($)

Aug. 10, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 23, 2017USD ($)

May 11, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 15, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)property

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)property

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2017property

Oct. 06, 2017USD ($)ft²

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price

$ 44,100,000

Number of properties | property

159

159

Assets

$ 21,232,498,000

$ 21,232,498,000

$ 12,192,585,000

Liabilities

9,994,566,000

9,994,566,000

$ 7,060,288,000

Impairment of real estate

$ 29,000,000

$ 0

$ 29,000,000

$ 0

Held-for-sale

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of additional properties | property

4

4

Number of properties | property

9

9

Assets

$ 132,800,000

$ 132,800,000

Liabilities

$ 4,700,000

$ 4,700,000

Osaka Phase II

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price

$ 13,600,000

2553 Edgington Street

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price

$ 14,100,000

De President Phase II

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price

$ 6,300,000

NE Corner of Campbell Road and Ferris Road

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price

$ 5,400,000

Osaka Phase III

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price

$ 4,700,000

United States

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of properties | property

3

3

8025 North Interstate 35

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Gross proceeds

$ 20,200,000

Gain on sale of property

$ 9,800,000

Scenario, Forecast | 44874 Moran Road | Disposal Group

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Gain on sale of property

$ 15,000,000

Gain on sale of property, net of NCI

$ 12,000,000

Subsequent Event

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of properties | property

2

Subsequent Event | 44874 Moran Road | Disposal Group

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of data center | ft²

78

Transaction value on sale of property

$ 34,000,000

Investment in Unconsolidated 45

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017propertyjoint_venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of properties | property	159
2001 Sixth Avenue, 2020 Fifth Avenue, 33 Chun Choi Street
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures | joint_venture	3
2001 Sixth Avenue
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	50.00%
2020 Fifth Avenue
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	50.00%
33 Chun Choi Street Hong Kong
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	50.00%
Prudential Real Estate Investors and Griffin Capital Essential Asset REIT, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures | joint_venture	2
PREI
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	20.00%
Number of joint ventures | joint_venture	1
Number of properties | property	10
GCEAR
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	20.00%
Number of properties | property	1
1101 Space Park Drive
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	17.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 46

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Summary Of Financial Information For Joint Ventures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Net Investment in Properties			$ 727,075		$ 741,228
Total Assets	$ 926,486		926,486		922,694
Debt	490,579		490,579		457,141
Total Liabilities	581,111		581,111		549,997
Equity	345,375		345,375		372,697
Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	106,374		106,374		$ 106,402
Revenues			106,793	$ 102,337
Property Operating Expense			(32,869)	(33,444)
Net Operating Income			73,924	68,893
Net Income			32,545	27,084
Investment in and share of net income (loss)	$ 5,880	$ 4,152	$ 19,592	$ 12,362

Acquired Intangible Assets an47

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of below market leases	$ 700,000	$ 1,400,000	$ 4,700,000	$ 5,700,000
Expected average remaining lives of acquired below market leases (in years)			9 years 3 months 12 days
Amortization of intangible assets			$ 145,262,000	135,252,000
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected average remaining lives (in years)			6 years 9 months 7 days
Amortization of intangible assets	20,100,000	13,000,000	$ 48,700,000	40,000,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions (in years)			6 years 3 months 12 days
Tenant relationship value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 19,900,000	18,100,000	$ 55,000,000	49,800,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions (in years)			12 years 8 months 4 days
Acquired above-market leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected average remaining lives (in years)			4 years
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets		0	$ 0	$ 6,900,000
Write-down of intangible assets		$ 6,100,000

Acquired Intangible Assets an48

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Below-market lease, gross amount	$ 470,528	$ 283,899
Below-market lease, accumulated amortization	(212,796)	(202,000)
Total	257,732	81,899
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	1,447,485	896,693
Accumulated amortization	(564,924)	(517,443)
Net	882,561	379,250
Tenant relationship value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	1,975,311	971,519
Accumulated amortization	(138,780)	(82,069)
Net	1,836,531	889,450
Acquired above-market leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	273,146	110,142
Accumulated amortization	(94,956)	(87,961)
Net	$ 178,190	$ 22,181

Acquired Intangible Assets an49

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Below Market Leases) (Details) - Below-Market Leases, Net of Above-Market Leases $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017	$ (5,228)
2,018	(23,152)
2,019	(11,140)
2,020	858
2,021	5,812
Thereafter	112,392
Total	$ 79,542

Acquired Intangible Assets An50

Acquired Intangible Assets And Liabilities (Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017	$ 52,026
2,018	201,835
2,019	141,967
2,020	106,494
2,021	82,641
Thereafter	297,598
Net	882,561	$ 379,250
Customer contracts and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017	36,049
2,018	140,933
2,019	140,933
2,020	140,933
2,021	140,933
Thereafter	1,236,750
Net	$ 1,836,531

Debt of the Company (Narrative)

Debt of the Company (Narrative) (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2017
5.875% notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
3.400% notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.40%
5.250% notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.25%
3.950% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.95%
3.625% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.625%
2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%
5.625% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.625%
4.750% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
3.700% notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.70%
4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
2.750% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%
4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
3.300% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.30%
2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%

Debt of the Operating Partner52

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Summary of Outstanding Indebtedness) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 15, 2016extension	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / €$ / £	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / €$ / £
Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		$ (8,100)	$ (10,900)
Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		(5,100)	(6,100)
Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		$ (38,400)	(25,400)
Unsecured Senior Notes | 5.875% notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.875%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 5.250% notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.25%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.950% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.95%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.625% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.625%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.75%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 5.625% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.625%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.625%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 2.750% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.75%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.25%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.700% notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.70%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.300% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.30%
Mortgage Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		$ 0	0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		8,554,828
Total indebtedness		8,484,244	5,838,607
Unamortized discounts		(19,277)
Unamortized net premiums		264
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		$ 8,535,815
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate basis spread		1.10%
Debt instrument term	5 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 7-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate basis spread		1.55%
Debt instrument term	7 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 146,536	210,077
Deferred financing costs		(8,059)	(10,868)
Total indebtedness		138,477	$ 199,209
Unamortized discounts		0
Unamortized net premiums		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		$ 146,536
Commitment fee percentage		0.20%
Number of extension options | extension	2
Debt instrument, extension term	6 months
Interest rate basis spread	1.00%	1.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | British pound sterling (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / £			1.23
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Euro (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / €		1.18	1.05
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,437,793	$ 1,488,498
Deferred financing costs		(5,134)	(6,137)
Total indebtedness		1,432,659	1,482,361
Unamortized discounts		0
Unamortized net premiums		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		1,437,793
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans | British pound sterling (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 227,063	$ 209,132
Exchange rate | $ / £		1.34	1.23
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans | Euro (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / €		1.18	1.05
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans | Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,137,793	$ 1,188,498
Interest rate basis spread		1.10%
Debt instrument term		5 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans | Unsecured term loan — 7-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 300,000	300,000
Interest rate basis spread		1.55%
Debt instrument term		7 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Prudential Shelf Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0	50,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Prudential Shelf Facility | Series E
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0	50,000
Stated interest rate		5.73%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 6,863,988
Deferred financing costs		(38,378)	(25,374)
Total indebtedness		6,806,333	4,153,797
Unamortized discounts		(19,277)	(15,649)
Unamortized net premiums		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		6,844,711	4,179,171
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | Floating rate notes due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 147,675	0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | Floating rate notes due 2019 | EURIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate basis spread		0.50%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 5.875% notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 500,000	500,000
Stated interest rate		5.875%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.400% notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 500,000	500,000
Stated interest rate		3.40%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 5.250% notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 400,000	400,000
Stated interest rate		5.25%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.950% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 500,000	500,000
Stated interest rate		3.95%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.625% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 300,000	300,000
Stated interest rate		3.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 350,000	0
Stated interest rate		2.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 5.625% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 265,733	0
Stated interest rate		5.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 401,940	370,200
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 708,840	631,020
Stated interest rate		2.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 2.750% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 334,950	0
Stated interest rate		2.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 535,920	493,600
Stated interest rate		4.25%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 450,000	450,000
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.700% notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,000,000	0
Stated interest rate		3.70%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.300% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 468,930	0
Stated interest rate		3.30%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 106,511
Deferred financing costs		0	(10)
Total indebtedness		106,775	3,240
Unamortized discounts		0
Unamortized net premiums		264	334
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		106,775	3,250
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 731 East Trade Street
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 2,511	$ 2,916
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		8.22%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | Secured Notes Due Twenty Twenty Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 104,000

Debt of the Operating Partner53

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Floating and Base Rate Borrowing) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 14, 2017	Jan. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / €$ / ¥$ / CAD$ / HKD	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / SGD$ / €$ / £$ / ¥$ / CAD$ / HKD
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 8,554,828
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 146,536	$ 210,077
Interest rate basis spread		1.00%	1.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 146,536	$ 210,077
Weighted-average interest rate			0.93%	1.39%
Interest rate basis spread			1.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | U.S. dollar ($) | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 0	$ 105,000
Weighted-average interest rate			0.00%	1.67%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | British pound sterling (£) | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / £				1.23
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | British pound sterling (£) | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 0	$ 11,106
Weighted-average interest rate			0.00%	1.25%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Euro (€) | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / €			1.18	1.05
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Euro (€) | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 20,675	$ 15,250
Weighted-average interest rate			0.61%	0.63%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Hong Kong dollar (HKD) | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / HKD			0.13	0.13
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Hong Kong dollar (HKD) | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 3,572	$ 1,728
Weighted-average interest rate			1.54%	1.66%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Japanese yen (JPY) | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / ¥			0.01	0.01
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Japanese yen (JPY) | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 120,685	$ 54,273
Weighted-average interest rate			0.95%	0.92%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Singapore dollar (SGD) | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / SGD				0.69
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Singapore dollar (SGD) | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 0	$ 11,186
Weighted-average interest rate			0.00%	1.52%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Canadian dollar (CAD) | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / CAD			0.80	0.74
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Canadian dollar (CAD) | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 1,604	$ 11,534
Weighted-average interest rate			2.33%	1.92%
5.625% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of outstanding principal amount of debt	35.00%
Redemption price of debt to be redeemed	105.625%

Debt of the Operating Partner54

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Weighted-average Interest Rate by Denomination of Draw) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 14, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / SGD$ / £$ / ¥$ / CAD$ / AUD$ / HKD	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / SGD$ / £$ / ¥$ / CAD$ / AUD$ / HKD	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / SGD$ / £$ / ¥$ / CAD$ / AUD$ / HKD
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt		$ 1,990	$ (18)	$ 1,990	$ (982)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		8,554,828		8,554,828
Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt		1,990	$ (18)	1,990	$ (982)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,437,793		$ 1,437,793		$ 1,488,498
Weighted-average interest rate		2.19%		2.19%		1.93%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 6,863,988		$ 6,863,988
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Interest Rate Swap | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		2.31%		2.31%		2.23%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | U.S. dollar ($) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 606,911		$ 606,911		$ 710,911
Weighted-average interest rate		2.56%		2.56%		1.99%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | U.S. dollar ($) | Interest Rate Swap | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		2.70%		2.70%		2.45%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | British pound sterling (£) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 227,063		$ 227,063		$ 209,132
Weighted-average interest rate		1.35%		1.35%		1.36%
Exchange rate | $ / £		1.34		1.34		1.23
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | British pound sterling (£) | Interest Rate Swap | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		1.89%		1.89%		1.89%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Singapore dollar (SGD) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 237,668		$ 237,668		$ 222,824
Weighted-average interest rate		1.91%		1.91%		1.76%
Exchange rate | $ / SGD		0.74		0.74		0.69
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Singapore dollar (SGD) | Interest Rate Swap | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate						1.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Australian dollar (AUD) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 185,117		$ 185,117		$ 170,325
Weighted-average interest rate		2.70%		2.70%		2.72%
Exchange rate | $ / AUD		0.78		0.78		0.72
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Hong Kong dollar (HKD) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 85,428		$ 85,428		$ 86,029
Weighted-average interest rate		1.52%		1.52%		1.77%
Exchange rate | $ / HKD		0.13		0.13		0.13
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Canadian dollar (CAD) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 78,987		$ 78,987		$ 73,294
Weighted-average interest rate		2.45%		2.45%		2.00%
Exchange rate | $ / CAD		0.80		0.80		0.74
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Canadian dollar (CAD) | Interest Rate Swap | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		1.88%		1.88%		1.88%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Japanese yen (JPY) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 16,619		$ 16,619		$ 15,983
Weighted-average interest rate		1.06%		1.06%		0.98%
Exchange rate | $ / ¥		0.01		0.01		0.01
DFT Company | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 250,000		$ 250,000
DFT Company | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	$ 884,841	884,841		884,841
DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		250,000		250,000
DFT Company | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		884,841		884,841
5.625% notes due 2023 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 265,733		$ 265,733		$ 0
Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt	$ 2,000

Debt of the Operating Partner55

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Global Revolving Credit Facility) (Narrative) (Details) - Global revolving credit facility, net - Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)extension	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,000,000,000		$ 2,000,000,000
Number of extension options | extension	2
Revolving credit facility commitments extension	6 months
Interest rate basis spread	1.00%	1.00%
Commitment fee percentage		0.20%
Letter of credit security amount		$ 20,500,000
Accordian Feature
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,500,000,000

Debt of the Operating Partner56

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Unsecured Term Loan) (Narrative) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P. - USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 16, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 8,554,828,000
Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 1,437,793,000	$ 1,488,498,000
Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,250,000,000
Debt instrument term	5 years
Interest rate basis spread			1.10%
Unsecured term loan — 5-year | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument term			5 years
Interest rate basis spread			1.10%
Long-term debt, gross			$ 1,137,793,000	1,188,498,000
Unsecured term loan — 7-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 300,000,000
Debt instrument term	7 years
Interest rate basis spread			1.55%
Unsecured term loan — 7-year | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument term			7 years
Interest rate basis spread			1.55%
Long-term debt, gross			$ 300,000,000	300,000,000
Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			1,550,000,000		$ 1,000,000,000
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions			1,800,000,000
U.S. dollar ($) | Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of Long Term Debt		$ 104,000,000
Long-term debt, gross			$ 606,911,000	$ 710,911,000

Debt of the Operating Partner57

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2019) (Narrative) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P. £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Jul. 21, 2017GBP (£)	May 22, 2017USD ($)	May 22, 2017EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017
Floating rate notes due 2019 | Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount | €			€ 125,000,000
Stated interest rate			0.169%
Net proceeds from offering		$ 140.1	€ 124,600,000
Floating rate notes due 2019 | Unsecured Senior Notes | EURIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate basis spread				0.50%
The GBP Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Covenant, unencumbered assets to unsecured debt				150.00%
The GBP Notes | Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net proceeds from offering | £	£ 592.3
Covenant, leverage ratio percentage, required maximum				60.00%
Covenant, secured leverage ratio, allowable maximum				40.00%
Covenant, interest coverage ratio, required minimum				1.50

Debt of the Operating Partner58

Debt of the Operating Partnership Debt of Operating Partnership (GBP Notes) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	Jul. 21, 2017GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2017
The GBP Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Covenant, unencumbered assets to unsecured debt		150.00%
Senior Notes | The GBP Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Covenant, leverage ratio percentage, required maximum		60.00%
Covenant, secured leverage ratio, allowable maximum		40.00%
Covenant, interest coverage ratio, required minimum		1.50
Net proceeds from offering	£ 592,300,000
Senior Notes | 2.750% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	250,000,000
Senior Notes | 3.300% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	£ 350,000,000

Debt of the Operating Partner59

Debt of the Operating Partnership Debt of Operating Partnership (USD Notes) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P. - Senior Notes	Aug. 07, 2017USD ($)
2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	$ 350,000,000
3.700% notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount	1,000,000,000
The USD Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net proceeds from offering	$ 1,300,000,000

Debt of the Operating Partner60

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Schedule of Debt Maturities And Principal Maturities) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P. $ in Thousands	Jan. 15, 2016extension	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017		$ 141
2,018		593
2,019		148,319
2,020		1,147,669
2,021		1,537,793
Thereafter		5,720,313
Subtotal		8,554,828
Unamortized discounts		(19,277)
Unamortized premium		264
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		8,535,815
Global revolving credit facility, net
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017		0
2,018		0
2,019		0
2,020		146,536
2,021		0
Thereafter		0
Subtotal		146,536	$ 210,077
Unamortized discounts		0
Unamortized premium		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		146,536
Number of extension options | extension	2
Revolving credit facility commitments extension	6 months
Unsecured Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017		0
2,018		0
2,019		0
2,020		0
2,021		1,137,793
Thereafter		300,000
Subtotal		1,437,793	1,488,498
Unamortized discounts		0
Unamortized premium		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		1,437,793
Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017		0
2,018		0
2,019		147,675
2,020		1,000,000
2,021		400,000
Thereafter		5,316,313
Subtotal		6,863,988
Unamortized discounts		(19,277)	(15,649)
Unamortized premium		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		6,844,711	4,179,171
Mortgage Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2017		141
2,018		593
2,019		644
2,020		1,133
2,021		0
Thereafter		104,000
Subtotal		106,511
Unamortized discounts		0
Unamortized premium		264	334
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		$ 106,775	$ 3,250

Income per Share (Summary of Ba

Income per Share (Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ (4,140)	$ 187,330	$ 119,842	$ 254,406
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	170,194,254	147,397,853	163,481,306	146,930,939
Potentially dilutive common shares:
Stock options (shares)	0	10,424	0	9,721
Unvested incentive units (shares)	0	82,184	150,369	75,049
Forward equity offering (shares)	0	1,264,749	166,493	2,611
Market performance-based awards (shares)	0	629,661	572,928	636,864
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	170,194,254	149,384,871	164,371,096	147,655,184
(Loss) income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.27	$ 0.73	$ 1.73
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.25	$ 0.73	$ 1.72

Income per Share (Schedule of A

Income per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	12,245,217	15,918,646		11,487,387	16,450,571
Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	3,266,451	2,379,671		2,566,766	2,421,298
Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	329,709	0	0	109,903
Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	0	2,488,354		0	2,880,254
Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	0	1,925,208		617,734	1,942,351
Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	2,193,331	2,632,407		2,262,875	2,655,847
Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	3,214,098	3,857,518		3,316,008	3,891,866
Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	2,195,898	2,635,488		2,265,524	2,658,955
Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,045,730	0		348,577	0

Income per Unit (Summary of Bas

Income per Unit (Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net (loss) income available to common unitholders	$ (4,140)	$ 187,330	$ 119,842	$ 254,406
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	170,194,254	147,397,853	163,481,306	146,930,939
Potentially dilutive common units:
Stock options (units)	0	10,424	0	9,721
Unvested incentive units (units)	0	82,184	150,369	75,049
Forward equity offering (units)	0	1,264,749	166,493	2,611
Market performance-based awards (units)	0	629,661	572,928	636,864
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	170,194,254	149,384,871	164,371,096	147,655,184
(Loss) income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.27	$ 0.73	$ 1.73
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.25	$ 0.73	$ 1.72
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net (loss) income available to common unitholders	$ (4,219)	$ 190,354	$ 121,474	$ 258,550
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	173,460,704	149,777,524	166,048,072	149,352,237
Potentially dilutive common units:
Stock options (units)	0	10,424	0	9,721
Unvested incentive units (units)	0	1,264,749	166,493	2,611
Forward equity offering (units)	0	82,184	150,369	75,049
Market performance-based awards (units)	0	629,661	572,928	636,864
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	173,460,704	151,764,542	166,937,862	150,076,482
(Loss) income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.27	$ 0.73	$ 1.73
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.25	$ 0.73	$ 1.72

Income per Unit (Schedule of An

Income per Unit (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	12,245,217	15,918,646		11,487,387	16,450,571
Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	329,709	0	0	109,903
Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	0	2,488,354		0	2,880,254
Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	0	1,925,208		617,734	1,942,351
Series G Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,193,331	2,632,407		2,262,875	2,655,847
Series H Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	3,214,098	3,857,518		3,316,008	3,891,866
Series I Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,195,898	2,635,488		2,265,524	2,658,955
Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,045,730	0		348,577	0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	8,978,766	13,538,975		8,920,621	14,029,273
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	329,709	0	0	109,903
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	0	2,488,354		0	2,880,254
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	0	1,925,208		617,734	1,942,351
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series G Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,193,331	2,632,407		2,262,875	2,655,847
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series H Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	3,214,098	3,857,518		3,316,008	3,891,866
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series I Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,195,898	2,635,488		2,265,524	2,658,955
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,045,730	0		348,577	0

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of income distributed (at least)	100.00%
Net deferred tax liability	$ 166.4	$ 153.8

Equity and Accumulated Other 66

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Equity Distribution Agreements) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	9 Months Ended		76 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Aggregate offering price of the distribution agreement maximum	$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Net proceeds from sale of common stock			$ 342,700,000
Issuance of common shares (shares)			5.7
Equity distribution agreements at an average price (in dollars per share)			$ 60.35
Payment of commissions to sales agents			$ 3,500,000
Sale of common stock make under the distribution agreement	0	$ 0
Aggregate offering price remaining available for offer and sale	$ 53,800,000		$ 53,800,000

Equity and Accumulated Other 67

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Forward Equity Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 19, 2017	Sep. 27, 2016	Jun. 02, 2016	May 20, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New issues of stock during period (shares)					6,111,770
Common stock shares issued (shares)					205,433,495	159,019,118
Common Stock
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New issues of stock during period (shares)					2,375,000
Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New issues of stock during period (shares)	2,375,000
Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock | Common Stock
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New issues of stock during period (shares)			14,375,000	12,500,000
New issues of stock during period, underwriters option (shares)			1,875,000
Common stock shares issued (shares)		12,000,000
Proceeds from common and preferred stock offerings, net	$ 211.1	$ 1,100

Equity and Accumulated Other 68

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Redemption of Series F Preferred Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Apr. 05, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, outstanding (shares)		50,650,000	41,900,000
Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, outstanding (shares)	7,300,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate	6.625%
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 25.01840
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 25
Redemption premium	$ 6.3

Equity and Accumulated Other 69

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Redeemable Preferred Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Sep. 14, 2017	Aug. 07, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, issued (shares)				50,650,000	41,900,000
Share cap (in shares)		0.42521
Series C Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 1.65625
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)	25
Preferred Stock, Per Share Amounts of Preferred Dividends in Arrears	$ 0.492274
Share cap (in shares)	0.6389035
Series J Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.3125
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares)		8,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred stock		$ 193.7
Scenario, Forecast | Series J Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)			$ 0.5250

Equity and Accumulated Other 70

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units (units)	205,433,495	159,019,118
Percentage of total	96.00%	98.50%
Common stock conversion ratio	1
Common units held by third parties
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common units held by third parties (units)	6,908,584	1,141,814
Percentage of total	3.20%	0.70%
Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 13)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	1,574,377	1,333,849
Percentage of total	0.80%	0.80%
Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units (units)	213,916,456	161,494,781
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock conversion ratio	1
Redeemable noncontrolling interests – operating partnership | $	$ 975.7	$ 226.3

Equity and Accumulated Other 71

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Summary of Activity For Noncontrolling Interests in The Operating Partnership) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017shares
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2016 (units)	2,475,663
Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger	6,111,770
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(345,000)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(184,103)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition	354,549
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	70,082
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors	0
As of June 30, 2017 (units)	8,482,961
Common Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2016 (units)	1,141,814
Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger	6,111,770
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(345,000)
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	0
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	0
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors	0
As of June 30, 2017 (units)	6,908,584
Incentive Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2016 (units)	1,333,849
Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger	0
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)	(184,103)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition	354,549
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors	70,082
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors	0
As of June 30, 2017 (units)	1,574,377

Equity and Accumulated Other 72

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Schedule of Dividends) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 14, 2017	Aug. 07, 2017	Apr. 05, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock, issued (shares)					50,650,000	41,900,000
Share cap (in shares)		0.42521
March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend declared					Mar. 1, 2017
Dividend payment date					Mar. 31, 2017
May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend declared					May 8, 2017
Dividend payment date					Jun. 30, 2017
August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend declared					Aug. 7, 2017
Dividend payment date					Sep. 29, 2017
Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 3,023
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)					$ 1.656
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share/unit)			$ 25.01840
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)			$ 25
Accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date			$ 100
Redemption premium			$ 6,300
Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock | March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 3,023
Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock | May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					0
Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock | August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					0
Series C Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 1.65625
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)	25
Preferred Stock, Per Share Amounts of Preferred Dividends in Arrears	$ 0.492274
Share cap (in shares)	0.6389035
Series J Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.3125
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares)		8,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred stock		$ 193,700
Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 11,016
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)					$ 1.469
Series G Preferred Units | March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 3,672
Series G Preferred Units | May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					3,672
Series G Preferred Units | August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					3,672
Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 20,190
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)					$ 1.844
Series H Preferred Units | March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 6,730
Series H Preferred Units | May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					6,730
Series H Preferred Units | August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					6,730
Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 11,907
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)					$ 1.588
Series I Preferred Units | March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					$ 3,969
Series I Preferred Units | May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					3,969
Series I Preferred Units | August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock					3,969
Common Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units					$ 490,213
Common stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)					$ 3.720
Common Stock | March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units					$ 148,358
Common Stock | May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units					150,814
Common Stock | August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units					$ 191,041
Scenario, Forecast | Series J Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)				$ 0.5250

Equity and Accumulated Other 73

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$ 5,132,297
Net current period change	16,830
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	2,043
Balance as of September 30, 2017	11,173,423
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	(175,642)
Net current period change	25,623
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Balance as of September 30, 2017	(150,019)
Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	4,888
Net current period change	618
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	2,043
Balance as of September 30, 2017	7,549
Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	35,149
Net current period change	(9,411)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Balance as of September 30, 2017	25,738
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	(135,605)
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$ (116,732)

Capital and Accumulated Other74

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Partnership Units Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 14, 2017$ / shares	Aug. 07, 2017$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock conversion ratio				1
Redemption value of common units | $				$ 64,509,000	$ 0
Preferred stock, issued (shares) | shares				50,650,000	41,900,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock conversion ratio				1
Redemption value of common units | $				$ 64,509,000	$ 0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests – operating partnership | $				$ 975,700,000	$ 226,300,000
Series C Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 1.65625
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)	25
Preferred Stock, Per Share Amounts of Preferred Dividends in Arrears	$ 0.492274
Series J Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.3125
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares) | shares		8,000,000
Scenario, Forecast | Series J Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)			$ 0.5250

Capital and Accumulated Other75

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Schedule of Distributions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 05, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,023
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.656
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 25.01840
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 25
Accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date	$ 100
Redemption premium	$ 6,300
Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,016
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.469
Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 20,190
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.844
Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,907
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.588
March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date distribution declared		Mar. 1, 2017
Distribution payment date		Mar. 31, 2017
March 1, 2017 | Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,023
March 1, 2017 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
March 1, 2017 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
March 1, 2017 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,969
May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date distribution declared		May 8, 2017
Distribution payment date		Jun. 30, 2017
May 8, 2017 | Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 0
May 8, 2017 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
May 8, 2017 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
May 8, 2017 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,969
August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date distribution declared		Aug. 7, 2017
Distribution payment date		Sep. 29, 2017
August 7, 2017 | Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 0
August 7, 2017 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
August 7, 2017 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
August 7, 2017 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,023
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.656
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 25.01840
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 25
Accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date	$ 100
Redemption premium	$ 6,300
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,016
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.469
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 20,190
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.844
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,907
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 1.588
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 503,193
Common stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)		$ 3.72
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | March 1, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date distribution declared		Mar. 1, 2017
Distribution payment date		Mar. 31, 2017
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | March 1, 2017 | Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,023
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | March 1, 2017 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | March 1, 2017 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | March 1, 2017 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | March 1, 2017 | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 150,968
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 8, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date distribution declared		May 8, 2017
Distribution payment date		Jun. 30, 2017
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 8, 2017 | Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 8, 2017 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 8, 2017 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 8, 2017 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 8, 2017 | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 153,176
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 7, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date distribution declared		Aug. 7, 2017
Distribution payment date		Sep. 29, 2017
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 7, 2017 | Series F Preferred Unite
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 7, 2017 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 7, 2017 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 7, 2017 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 7, 2017 | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 199,049

Capital and Accumulated Other76

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	$ 16,830
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	2,043
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	25,623
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	618
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	2,043
Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	(9,411)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	5,132,297
Net current period change	17,028
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	2,073
Balance as of September 30, 2017	11,173,423
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	(180,504)
Net current period change	25,954
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Balance as of September 30, 2017	(154,550)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	4,191
Net current period change	616
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	2,073
Balance as of September 30, 2017	6,880
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	35,694
Net current period change	(9,542)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Balance as of September 30, 2017	26,152
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2016	(140,619)
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$ (121,518)

Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Det

Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 22, 2017shares	May 02, 2007USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2017shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares granted per employee (shares)		1,500,000
Maximum amount of cash paid per employee | $		$ 10
2004 Incentive Award Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized and reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan (shares)			4,474,102
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	3,714,560
Amended And Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized and reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan (shares)		9,474,102
Increase in number of shares reserved for issuance (shares)		5,000,000
2014 Incentive Award Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares remaining for issuance under the Incentive Plan (shares)			7,400,000
Conversion of units to shares ratio			1

Incentive Plan (Summary of Long

Incentive Plan (Summary of Long-Term Incentive Units) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Units
Granted (shares)			70,082
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period			4 years
Long-Term Incentive Units
Units
Unvested beginning of period (shares)			128,822
Granted (shares)			70,082
Vested (shares)			(82,283)
Cancelled or expired (shares)			(4,490)
Unvested end of period (shares)	112,131		112,131
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 66.58
Granted (in dollars per share)			109.27
Vested (in dollars per share)			71.81
Cancelled or expired (in dollars per share)			108
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 87.76		$ 87.76
Award vesting period			4 years
Share/unit compensation expense	$ 0.8	$ 1.1	$ 3.4	$ 3.8
Capitalized expense related to construction and leasing activities	0.6	$ 0.5	1.4	$ 1.5
Unearned compensation	$ 7.8		$ 7.8		$ 5.6
Unearned compensation, period of recognition (in years)			2 years 7 months 29 days

Incentive Plan (Market Performa

Incentive Plan (Market Performance Based Awards) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)simulationshares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (shares)			70,082
Market Performance-Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period			3 years
Number of trials | simulation			100,000
Fair value of awards | $			$ 74.9
Award requisite service period			4 years
Unearned compensation | $	$ 28.7		$ 28.7		$ 25.6
Recognized compensation expense | $	2.7	$ 1.9	7.3	$ 5.9
Capitalized expense related to construction and leasing activities | $	$ 0.6	$ 0.5	$ 1.9	$ 1.4
Market Performance-Based Awards | Below Threshold Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold percentage			(3.00%)
Vesting percentage			0.00%
Market Performance-Based Awards | Threshold Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold percentage			(3.00%)
Vesting percentage			25.00%
Market Performance-Based Awards | Target Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold percentage			1.00%
Vesting percentage			50.00%
Market Performance-Based Awards | High Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold percentage			5.00%
Vesting percentage			100.00%
Class D Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (shares)			2,029,908
Vested (shares)			494,249
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (shares)			543,923
Vested (shares)			93,340
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period			3 years
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Five
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			50.00%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Six
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			50.00%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate			22.00%
Risk-free interest rate			1.32%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate			26.00%
Risk-free interest rate			0.89%
2017 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period			3 years
Expected volatility rate			25.00%
Risk-free interest rate			1.49%
2017 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Five
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			50.00%
2017 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Six
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			50.00%

Incentive Plan (Summary of Ince

Incentive Plan (Summary of Incentive Award Plan's Stock Option) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Shares
Options outstanding, end of period (shares) | shares	17,674
Exercised (shares) | shares	(17,668)
Cancelled / Forfeited (shares) | shares	(6)
Options outstanding, end of period (shares) | shares	0
Exercisable, end of period (shares) | shares	0
Weighted average exercise price
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 41.73
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	41.73
Cancelled / Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	41.73
Options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0

Incentive Plan (Summary of Rest

Incentive Plan (Summary of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Units
Granted (shares)			70,082
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period			4 years
Restricted Stock
Units
Unvested beginning of period (shares)			274,642
Granted (shares)			117,671
Vested (shares)			(96,123)
Cancelled or expired (shares)			(26,955)
Unvested end of period (shares)	269,235		269,235
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 73.81
Granted (in dollars per share)			108.39
Vested (in dollars per share)			68.80
Cancelled or expired (in dollars per share)			84.22
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 89.67		$ 89.67
Restricted stock expense	$ 1.1	$ 1.1	$ 3.3	$ 3.1
Capitalized expense related to construction and leasing activities	0.8	$ 0.6	2.5	$ 2.2
Unearned compensation	$ 19.5		$ 19.5		$ 14.7
Unearned compensation, period of recognition (in years)			2 years 9 months 5 days
Restricted Stock | Maximum
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period			4 years

Derivative Instruments (Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) £ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017GBP (£)instrument	Jul. 01, 2016instrument	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months			(800,000)
Proceeds from forward contracts			63,956,000	$ 0
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument					4	4
Notional amount | £					£ 357.3
Proceeds from forward contracts			64,000,000
Amount of AOCI to remain in AOCI			$ 26,200,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives							$ 37,800,000

Derivative Instruments (Outstan

Derivative Instruments (Outstanding Interest Rate Derivatives) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / SGD$ / £$ / CAD	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / SGD$ / £$ / CAD
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Currently-paying contracts
Debt instrument term	5 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 7-year
Currently-paying contracts
Debt instrument term	7 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans | Singapore dollar (SGD)
Currently-paying contracts
Exchange rate | $ / SGD	0.74	0.69
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans | British pound sterling (£)
Currently-paying contracts
Exchange rate | $ / £	1.34	1.23
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured Term Loans | Canadian dollar (CAD)
Currently-paying contracts
Exchange rate | $ / CAD	0.80	0.74
Interest Rate Swap, 1.611
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 206,000	$ 0
Strike Rate	1.611%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.611 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 183	0
Interest Rate Swap, 1.605
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 54,905	0
Strike Rate	1.605%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.605 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 52	0
Interest Rate Swap, 0.932
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 0	206,000
Strike Rate	0.932%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.932 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 0	(90)
Interest Rate Swap, 0.670
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 0	54,905
Strike Rate	0.67%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.670 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 0	16
Interest Rate Swap 1.016
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 75,000	75,000
Strike Rate	1.016%
Interest Rate Swap 1.016 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 1,773	1,911
Interest Rate Swap, 1.164
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 75,000	75,000
Strike Rate	1.164%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.164 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 1,431	1,487
Interest Rate Swap, 1.435
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 300,000	300,000
Strike Rate	1.435%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.435 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 7,141	8,128
Interest Rate Swap, 0.925
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 0	130,850
Strike Rate	0.925%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.925 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 0	18
Interest Rate Swap, 0.792
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 227,063	209,132
Strike Rate	0.792%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.792 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ (504)	(1,818)
Interest Rate Swap, 0.779
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 78,987	73,294
Strike Rate	0.779%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.779 | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 2,918	1,556
Interest Rate Swap
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	1,016,955	1,124,181
Interest Rate Swap | Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives	$ 12,994	$ 11,208
Forward-starting Swap, 2.224
Currently-paying contracts
Strike Rate	2.224%
Forward-starting Swap, 1.923
Currently-paying contracts
Strike Rate	1.923%

Derivative Instruments (Outst84

Derivative Instruments (Outstanding Derivatives) (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - Currency forward contracts £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)instrument	Sep. 30, 2017GBP (£)instrument	Jul. 01, 2016instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	4	4	4
Notional Amount		£ 357,300
Net investment hedging | Notional Amount Sold
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount		£ 87,299
Net investment hedging | Notional Amount Purchased
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount | $	$ 126,961

Fair Value of Financial Instr85

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Estimated Fair Value And Carrying Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 8,886,370	$ 6,129,866
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	8,535,815	5,880,996
Global revolving credit facility, net
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	8,100	10,900
Unsecured Term Loans
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	5,100	6,100
Unsecured Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	19,277	15,649
Deferred financing costs	$ 38,400	25,400
Unsecured Senior Notes | 5.875% notes due 2020
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.400% notes due 2020
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.40%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.950% notes due 2022
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.95%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 3.625% notes due 2022
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.625%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2025
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
Unsecured Senior Notes | 4.250% notes due 2025
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
Mortgage Loans
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	$ 0	0
Level 2 | Global revolving credit facility, net | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	146,536	210,077
Level 2 | Global revolving credit facility, net | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	146,536	210,077
Level 2 | Unsecured Term Loans | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	1,437,793	1,488,498
Level 2 | Unsecured Term Loans | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	1,437,793	1,488,498
Level 2 | Unsecured Senior Notes | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	7,195,333	4,428,074
Level 2 | Unsecured Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	6,844,711	4,179,171
Level 2 | Mortgage Loans | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans	106,708	3,217
Level 2 | Mortgage Loans | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans	$ 106,775	$ 3,250

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2017action	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reimbursable amount of commitments related to construction contracts		$ 5.4
Commitments related to construction contracts		$ 437.8
Scarantino, Canchola, Lawrence And McCullough v. DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. | Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of stockholder class actions filed | action	4

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)property	Oct. 31, 2017JPY (¥)property	Sep. 30, 2017property
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of properties			159
Subsequent Event Type
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of properties	2	2
Seed assets contributed to joint venture	3
Seed asset, book vale	$ 350	¥ 40