Digital Realty Trust 10-Q 9 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 03, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
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		158,935,108
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Entity Central Index Key	1,494,877
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Properties:
Land	$ 737,562	$ 689,573
Acquired ground leases	11,916	12,639
Buildings and improvements	10,222,116	9,676,427
Tenant improvements	540,271	536,734
Total investments in properties	11,511,865	10,915,373
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,565,368)	(2,251,268)
Net investments in properties	8,946,497	8,664,105
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	105,819	106,107
Net investments in real estate	9,052,316	8,770,212
Cash and cash equivalents	36,445	57,053
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,052 and $5,844 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	208,097	177,398
Deferred rent	412,977	403,327
Acquired above-market leases, net	24,554	32,698
Goodwill	780,099	330,664
Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles, net	1,526,563	1,391,659
Restricted cash	11,685	18,009
Assets held for sale	55,915	180,139
Other assets	190,384	54,904
Total assets	12,299,035	11,416,063
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured senior notes, net of discount	4,238,435	3,712,569
Mortgage loans, including premiums	111,750	302,930
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	823,905	608,343
Accrued dividends and distributions	0	126,925
Acquired below-market leases, net	86,888	101,114
Security deposits and prepaid rents	163,787	138,347
Obligations associated with assets held for sale	2,820	5,795
Total liabilities	7,102,387	6,879,561
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Common Stock: $0.01 par value, 265,000,000 and 215,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, 158,926,811 and 146,384,247 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	1,581	1,456
Additional paid-in capital	5,759,338	4,655,220
Accumulated dividends in excess of earnings	(1,483,220)	(1,350,089)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(131,939)	(96,590)
Total stockholders’ equity	5,158,721	4,500,132
Noncontrolling Interests:
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership	31,088	29,612
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	6,839	6,758
Total noncontrolling interests	37,927	36,370
Total equity	5,196,648	4,536,502
Total liabilities and equity/capital	12,299,035	11,416,063
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Properties:
Land	737,562	689,573
Acquired ground leases	11,916	12,639
Buildings and improvements	10,222,116	9,676,427
Tenant improvements	540,271	536,734
Total investments in properties	11,511,865	10,915,373
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,565,368)	(2,251,268)
Net investments in properties	8,946,497	8,664,105
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	105,819	106,107
Net investments in real estate	9,052,316	8,770,212
Cash and cash equivalents	36,445	57,053
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,052 and $5,844 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	208,097	177,398
Deferred rent	412,977	403,327
Acquired above-market leases, net	24,554	32,698
Goodwill	780,099	330,664
Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles, net	1,526,563	1,391,659
Restricted cash	11,685	18,009
Assets held for sale	55,915	180,139
Other assets	190,384	54,904
Total assets	12,299,035	11,416,063
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured senior notes, net of discount	4,238,435	3,712,569
Mortgage loans, including premiums	111,750	302,930
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	823,905	609,708
Accrued dividends and distributions	0	126,925
Acquired below-market leases, net	86,888	101,114
Security deposits and prepaid rents	163,787	138,347
Obligations associated with assets held for sale	2,820	5,795
Total liabilities	7,102,387	6,880,926
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Common Units: 146,859,067 and 146,384,247 common units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	4,277,699	3,305,222
Limited partners, 1,218,814 and 1,421,314 common units, 963,593 and 1,170,610 profits interest units and 338,584 and 379,237 class C units outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	36,045	33,986
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(136,896)	(100,964)
Total partners’ capital	5,189,809	4,528,379
Noncontrolling Interests:
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	6,839	6,758
Total capital	5,196,648	4,535,137
Total liabilities and equity/capital	12,299,035	11,416,063
Series E Preferred Units
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	0	277,172
Series E Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	0	277,172
Series F Preferred Units
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	176,191	176,191
Series F Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	176,191	176,191
Series G Preferred Units
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	241,468	241,468
Series G Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	241,468	241,468
Series H Preferred Units
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	353,290	353,290
Series H Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	353,290	353,290
Series I Preferred Units
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	242,012	242,014
Series I Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 and 70,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:
Preferred Stock Shares/Units	242,012	242,014
Global revolving credit facility
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	153,189	960,271
Global revolving credit facility | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	153,189	960,271
Unsecured term loan
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	1,521,613	923,267
Unsecured term loan | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit	$ 1,521,613	$ 923,267

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 10,052,000	$ 5,844,000
Preferred Stock, par value ($ per share/unit)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, authorized (shares)	110,000,000	70,000,000
Common Stock, par value ($ per share/unit)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, authorized (shares)	265,000,000	215,000,000
Common Stock, shares, issued (shares)	158,926,811	146,384,247
Common Stock, shares, outstanding (shares)	158,926,811	146,384,247
Series E Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	7.00%	7.00%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 0	$ 287,500,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	0	11,500,000
Preferred Stock, outstanding (shares)	0	11,500,000
Series F Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	6.625%	6.625%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 182,500,000	$ 182,500,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	7,300,000	7,300,000
Preferred Stock, outstanding (shares)	7,300,000	7,300,000
Series G Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	5.875%	5.875%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, outstanding (shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Series H Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	7.375%	7.375%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 365,000,000	$ 365,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	14,600,000	14,600,000
Preferred Stock, outstanding (shares)	14,600,000	14,600,000
Series I Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	6.35%	6.35%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, outstanding (shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 10,052,000	$ 5,844,000
Common Units, issued (units)	158,926,811	146,384,247
Common Units, outstanding (units)	158,926,811	146,384,247
Limited Partners, common units (units)	1,218,814	1,421,314
Limited Partners, profits interest units (units)	963,593	1,170,610
Limited Partners, Class C units outstanding (units)	338,584	379,237
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series E Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	7.00%	7.00%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 0	$ 287,500,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred Units, issued (units)	0	11,500,000
Preferred Units, outstanding (units)	0	11,500,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series F Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	6.625%	6.625%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 182,500,000	$ 182,500,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred Units, issued (units)	7,300,000	7,300,000
Preferred Units, outstanding (units)	7,300,000	7,300,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series G Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	5.875%	5.875%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred Units, issued (units)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Units, outstanding (units)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series H Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	7.375%	7.375%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 365,000,000	$ 365,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred Units, issued (units)	14,600,000	14,600,000
Preferred Units, outstanding (units)	14,600,000	14,600,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series I Preferred Units
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	6.35%	6.35%
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference value	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred Units, issued (units)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Units, outstanding (units)	10,000,000	10,000,000

Condensed Consolidated Income S

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Operating Revenues:
Rental	$ 395,212	$ 336,679	$ 1,143,449	$ 983,695
Tenant reimbursements	95,665	95,484	268,094	268,885
Interconnection and other	53,897	1,651	149,223	4,477
Fee income	1,517	1,595	4,567	4,758
Other	2	580	93	1,078
Total operating revenues	546,293	435,989	1,565,426	1,262,893
Operating Expenses:
Rental property operating and maintenance	177,192	140,538	490,909	394,640
Property taxes	20,620	19,953	75,400	64,116
Insurance	2,470	2,140	7,123	6,449
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	0	(1,594)	0	(44,276)
Depreciation and amortization	178,133	136,974	522,743	397,571
General and administrative	46,135	22,755	111,580	69,562
Transactions	6,015	11,042	11,530	14,301
Other	(22)	51	(23)	29
Total operating expenses	430,543	331,859	1,219,262	902,392
Operating income	115,750	104,130	346,164	360,501
Other Income (Expenses):
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	4,152	4,169	12,362	12,170
Gain (loss) on sale of properties	169,000	(207)	170,097	94,282
Interest and other (expense) income	355	(358)	(3,594)	(2,879)
Interest expense	(63,084)	(48,138)	(180,254)	(139,718)
Tax expense	(3,720)	(1,754)	(8,081)	(6,044)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	(18)	0	(982)	(148)
Net income	222,435	57,842	335,712	318,164
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,247)	(864)	(4,600)	(5,492)
Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	219,188	56,978	331,112	312,672
Preferred stock/unit dividends/distributions	(21,530)	(18,456)	(66,378)	(55,367)
Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock/units	(10,328)	0	(10,328)	0
Net income available to common stock/unitholders	$ 187,330	$ 38,522	$ 254,406	$ 257,305
Net income per share/unit available to common stockholders/unitholders:
Basic ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.27	$ 0.28	$ 1.73	$ 1.89
Diluted ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.25	$ 0.28	$ 1.72	$ 1.88
Weighted average common shares/units outstanding:
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	147,397,853	135,832,503	146,930,939	135,782,831
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	149,384,871	138,259,936	147,655,184	136,920,477
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Operating Revenues:
Rental	$ 395,212	$ 336,679	$ 1,143,449	$ 983,695
Tenant reimbursements	95,665	95,484	268,094	268,885
Interconnection and other	53,897	1,651	149,223	4,477
Fee income	1,517	1,595	4,567	4,758
Other	2	580	93	1,078
Total operating revenues	546,293	435,989	1,565,426	1,262,893
Operating Expenses:
Rental property operating and maintenance	177,192	140,538	490,909	394,640
Property taxes	20,620	19,953	75,400	64,116
Insurance	2,470	2,140	7,123	6,449
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	0	(1,594)	0	(44,276)
Depreciation and amortization	178,133	136,974	522,743	397,571
General and administrative	46,135	22,755	111,580	69,562
Transactions	6,015	11,042	11,530	14,301
Other	(22)	51	(23)	29
Total operating expenses	430,543	331,859	1,219,262	902,392
Operating income	115,750	104,130	346,164	360,501
Other Income (Expenses):
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	4,152	4,169	12,362	12,170
Gain (loss) on sale of properties	169,000	(207)	170,097	94,282
Interest and other (expense) income	355	(358)	(3,594)	(2,879)
Interest expense	(63,084)	(49,291)	(180,254)	(140,871)
Tax expense	(3,720)	(1,754)	(8,081)	(6,044)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	(18)	0	(982)	(148)
Net income	222,435	56,689	335,712	317,011
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(223)	(117)	(456)	(342)
Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	222,212	56,572	335,256	316,669
Preferred stock/unit dividends/distributions	(21,530)	(18,456)	(66,378)	(55,367)
Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock/units	(10,328)	0	(10,328)	0
Net income available to common stock/unitholders	$ 190,354	$ 38,116	$ 258,550	$ 261,302
Net income per share/unit available to common stockholders/unitholders:
Basic ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.27	$ 0.28	$ 1.73	$ 1.89
Diluted ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.25	$ 0.27	$ 1.72	$ 1.88
Weighted average common shares/units outstanding:
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	149,777,524	138,467,947	149,352,237	138,481,046
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	151,764,542	139,192,198	150,076,482	139,050,965

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net income	$ 222,435	$ 57,842	$ 335,712	$ 318,164
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,438)	(19,105)	(37,388)	(41,480)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges	14,806	(2,534)	(2,113)	(4,374)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	1,313	574	3,569	2,077
Comprehensive income	220,116	36,777	299,780	274,387
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,210)	(463)	(4,017)	(4,657)
Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	216,906	36,314	295,763	269,730
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Net income	222,435	56,689	335,712	317,011
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,438)	(19,105)	(37,388)	(41,480)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges	14,806	(2,534)	(2,113)	(4,374)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	1,313	574	3,569	2,077
Comprehensive income	220,116	35,624	299,780	273,234
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(223)	(117)	(456)	(342)
Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	$ 219,893	$ 35,507	$ 299,324	$ 272,892

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	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	Series E Preferred UnitsPreferred Stock
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 4,536,502	$ 1,290,135	$ 1,456	$ 4,655,220	$ (1,350,089)	$ (96,590)	$ 4,500,132	$ 29,612	$ 6,758	$ 36,370
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			146,384,247
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of units to common stock			$ 4	4,045			4,049	(4,049)		(4,049)
Conversion of units to common stock (shares)			339,146
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (shares)			119,122
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	1,086,091		$ 120	1,085,971			1,086,091
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (shares)			12,000,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 1,380			1,380			1,380
Exercise of stock options (shares)	33,948		33,948
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan	$ 3,349		$ 1	3,348			3,349
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan (shares)			50,348
Preferred stock offering costs	(2)	(2)					(2)
Redemption of series E preferred stock	(287,500)				(10,328)		(287,500)
Redemption of series E preferred stock (shares)											(277,172,000)
Amortization of share-based compensation	18,496			18,496			18,496
Reclassification of vested share-based awards				(9,122)			(9,122)	9,122		9,122
Dividends declared on preferred stock	(66,378)				(66,378)		(66,378)
Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units	(394,695)				(387,537)		(387,537)	(7,158)		(7,158)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions	(375)								(375)	(375)
Net income	335,712				331,112		331,112	4,144	456	4,600
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments	(37,388)					(36,789)	(36,789)	(599)		(599)
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps	(2,113)					(2,071)	(2,071)	(42)		(42)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	3,569					3,511	3,511	58		58
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 5,196,648	$ 1,012,961	$ 1,581	$ 5,759,338	$ (1,483,220)	$ (131,939)	$ 5,158,721	$ 31,088	$ 6,839	$ 37,927
Balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2016			158,926,811

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Capital - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance (units) as of December 31, 2015		146,384,247
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units		$ 4,049
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		3,349
Preferred unit offering costs		(2)
Redemption of series E preferred units		(287,500)
Amortization of share-based compensation		18,496
Net income	$ 222,435	335,712
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,438)	(37,388)
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps	14,806	(2,113)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	$ 1,313	$ 3,569
Balance (units) as of September 30, 2016	158,926,811	158,926,811
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		$ 4,535,137
Common unit offering costs, net		1,086,091
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options		1,380
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		3,349
Preferred unit offering costs		(2)
Amortization of share-based compensation		18,496
Distributions		(459,708)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions		(375)
Net income	$ 222,435	335,712
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,438)	(37,388)
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps	14,806	(2,113)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense	1,313	3,569
Balance as of September 30, 2016	5,196,648	5,196,648
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		(100,964)
Other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustments		(37,388)
Other comprehensive loss—fair value of interest rate swaps		(2,113)
Other comprehensive income—reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense		3,569
Balance as of September 30, 2016	(136,896)	(136,896)
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		6,758
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions		(375)
Net income		456
Balance as of September 30, 2016	6,839	6,839
General Partner | Preferred Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		$ 1,290,135
Balance (units) as of December 31, 2015		53,400,000
Preferred unit offering costs		$ (2)
Redemption of series E preferred units		$ (277,172)
Redemption of series E preferred units (units)		(11,500,000)
Distributions		$ (66,378)
Net income		66,378
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$ 1,012,961	$ 1,012,961
Balance (units) as of September 30, 2016	41,900,000	41,900,000
General Partner | Common Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		$ 3,305,222
Balance (units) as of December 31, 2015		146,384,247
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units		$ 4,049
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)		339,146
Issuance of unvested restricted common units, net of forfeitures (units)		119,122
Common unit offering costs, net		$ 1,086,091
Common unit offering costs, net (units)		12,000,000
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options		$ 1,380
Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options (units)		33,948
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		$ 3,349
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (units)		50,348
Redemption of series E preferred units		$ (10,328)
Amortization of share-based compensation		18,496
Reclassification of vested share-based awards		(9,122)
Distributions		(386,172)
Net income		264,734
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$ 4,277,699	$ 4,277,699
Balance (units) as of September 30, 2016	158,926,811	158,926,811
Limited Partners | Common Units | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		$ 33,986
Balance (units) as of December 31, 2015		2,833,326
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units		$ (4,049)
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)		(339,146)
Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures (units)		26,811
Reclassification of vested share-based awards		$ 9,122
Distributions		(7,158)
Net income		4,144
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$ 36,045	$ 36,045
Balance (units) as of September 30, 2016	2,520,991	2,520,991

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 335,712	$ 318,164
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of properties	(170,097)	(94,282)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(12,362)	(12,170)
Change in fair value of accrued contingent consideration	0	(44,276)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	12,578	10,786
Write-off of net assets due to early lease terminations	(23)	(8)
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases	387,492	346,459
Amortization of share-based compensation	13,459	5,717
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4,208	739
Amortization of deferred financing costs	7,453	6,360
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	982	148
Amortization of debt discount/premium	1,947	1,472
Amortization of acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs	135,252	51,112
Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases, net	(6,303)	(6,856)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	4,398	2,878
Accounts and other receivables	(46,497)	(1,382)
Deferred rent	(20,347)	(41,447)
Deferred leasing costs	(3,905)	(2,611)
Other assets	(146,763)	(14,869)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	127,139	13,213
Security deposits and prepaid rents	7,128	60
Net cash provided by operating activities	631,451	539,207
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of real estate	(873,285)	(48,424)
Proceeds from sale of properties, net	359,319	185,565
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	(7,547)
Receipt of value added tax refund	7,807	2,934
Refundable value added tax paid	(36,328)	(24,142)
Change in restricted cash	2,028	1,520
Improvements to investments in real estate	(549,364)	(535,141)
Improvement advances to tenants	(7,937)	(26,977)
Collection of advances from tenants for improvements	25,369	26,971
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,072,391)	(425,241)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	2,355,166	1,430,671
Repayments on revolving credit facility	(3,161,016)	(1,240,340)
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	766,201	0
Repayments on unsecured term loan	(170,736)	0
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes	675,591	496,190
Principal payments on unsecured senior notes	0	(374,927)
Repayments on unsecured notes	(25,000)	(67,000)
Principal payments on mortgage loans	(191,302)	(73,724)
Earnout payments related to acquisition	(23,842)	(12,985)
Change in restricted cash	(99)	1,137
Payment of loan fees and costs	(19,274)	(5,116)
Capital distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net	(375)	(372)
Gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock	1,089,154	0
Gross proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock	0	250,000
Common and preferred stock offering costs paid, net	(3,063)	(5,934)
Redemption of series E preferred stock	(287,500)	0
Proceeds from equity plans	4,729	798
Payment of dividends/distributions to preferred stockholders/unitholders	(66,378)	(55,367)
Payment of dividends/distributions to common unit/stockholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership	(521,620)	(468,813)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	420,636	(125,782)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(20,304)	(11,816)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(304)	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	57,053	34,814
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	36,445	22,998
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	172,463	146,105
Cash paid for income taxes	3,646	2,979
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments	(37,388)	(41,480)
Decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps	(2,113)	(4,374)
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership redeemed for or converted to shares of common stock	4,049	1,364
Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	125,104	115,632
Accrual for potential earnout contingency	0	18,900
Note receivable related to sale of property	0	9,000
Allocation of purchase price of real estate/investment in partnership to:
Investments in real estate	874,220	48,424
Acquired below-market leases	935	0
Cash paid for acquisition of real estate	873,285	48,424
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	335,712	317,011
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of properties	(170,097)	(94,282)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(12,362)	(12,170)
Change in fair value of accrued contingent consideration	0	(44,276)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	12,578	10,786
Write-off of net assets due to early lease terminations	(23)	(8)
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases	387,492	346,459
Amortization of share-based compensation	13,459	5,717
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4,208	739
Amortization of deferred financing costs	7,453	6,360
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	982	148
Amortization of debt discount/premium	1,947	1,472
Amortization of acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs	135,252	51,112
Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases, net	(6,303)	(6,856)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	4,398	2,878
Accounts and other receivables	(46,497)	(1,382)
Deferred rent	(20,347)	(41,447)
Deferred leasing costs	(3,905)	(2,611)
Other assets	(146,763)	(14,869)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	127,139	14,366
Security deposits and prepaid rents	7,128	60
Net cash provided by operating activities	631,451	539,207
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of real estate	(873,285)	(48,424)
Proceeds from sale of properties, net	359,319	185,565
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	(7,547)
Receipt of value added tax refund	7,807	2,934
Refundable value added tax paid	(36,328)	(24,142)
Change in restricted cash	2,028	1,520
Improvements to investments in real estate	(549,364)	(535,141)
Improvement advances to tenants	(7,937)	(26,977)
Collection of advances from tenants for improvements	25,369	26,971
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,072,391)	(425,241)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	2,355,166	1,430,671
Repayments on revolving credit facility	(3,161,016)	(1,240,340)
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	766,201	0
Repayments on unsecured term loan	(170,736)	0
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes	675,591	496,190
Principal payments on unsecured senior notes	0	(374,927)
Repayments on unsecured notes	(25,000)	(67,000)
Principal payments on mortgage loans	(191,302)	(73,724)
Earnout payments related to acquisition	(23,842)	(12,985)
Change in restricted cash	(99)	1,137
Payment of loan fees and costs	(19,274)	(5,116)
Capital distributions paid to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net	(375)	(372)
General partner contributions, net	803,320	2,175
Due to Parent	0	242,689
Payment of dividends/distributions to preferred stockholders/unitholders	(66,378)	(55,367)
Payment of dividends/distributions to common unit/stockholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership	(521,620)	(468,813)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	420,636	(125,782)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(20,304)	(11,816)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(304)	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	57,053	34,814
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	36,445	22,998
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	172,463	146,105
Cash paid for income taxes	3,646	2,979
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments	(37,388)	(41,480)
Decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps	(2,113)	(4,374)
Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	125,104	115,632
Accrual for potential earnout contingency	0	18,900
Note receivable related to sale of property	0	9,000
Allocation of purchase price of real estate/investment in partnership to:
Investments in real estate	874,220	48,424
Acquired below-market leases	935	0
Cash paid for acquisition of real estate	$ 873,285	$ 48,424

Organization and Description of

Organization and Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership (collectively, we, our, us or the Company) is engaged in the business of owning, acquiring, developing and operating data centers. The Company is focused on providing data center, colocation and interconnection solutions for domestic and international tenants 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, 2016 , our portfolio consisted of 144 operating properties, including 14 properties held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, of which 106 are located throughout North America, 31 are located in Europe, three are located in Australia and four are located in Asia. We are diversified in major metropolitan areas where corporate data center and technology tenants are concentrated, including the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and Silicon Valley metropolitan areas in the United States, 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 corporate 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, 2016 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owns a 98.4% 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.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. 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, 2015 , as amended. 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. As a result, 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 Income, Net" and "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income". 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, 2016 , 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 amortize the difference between the cost of our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. (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 $3.8 million and $2.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We capitalized interest of approximately $11.4 million and $9.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation and other overhead expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $18.7 million and $17.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and approximately $52.7 million and $43.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Capitalized leasing costs of approximately $31.4 million and $37.8 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, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (e) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired 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. Goodwill amounted to approximately $780.1 million and $330.7 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. (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, 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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, 2016 and 2015 , we had no such interest or penalties. The tax year 2013 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) 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. (j) 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 (k) Transactions Expense Transactions 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. (l) 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. (m) 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. (n) 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 real estate 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 maker evaluates operating performance and makes 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 $423.8 million and $334.5 million and outside the United States were $122.5 million and $101.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties in the United States were $1.2 billion and $1.0 billion and outside the United States were $321.8 million and $291.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We had investments in real estate located in the United States of $6.2 billion and $6.0 billion and outside the United States of $2.8 billion and $2.6 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties located in the United Kingdom were $66.1 million and $55.2 million , or 12.1% and 12.7% of total operating revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties located in the United Kingdom were $169.4 million and $160.1 million , or 10.8% and 12.7% of total operating revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , 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 $1.6 billion , or 17.6% and 18.8% of total long-lived assets, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of total long-lived assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . (o) Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , $1.7 million and $4.5 million was reclassified from rental revenues to interconnection and other revenue, respectively. See Note 2(p) for discussion of reclassification of deferred financing costs. (p) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", 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 can 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, certain of our revenue streams may be impacted by the new guidance. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that adoption of the new revenue standard will have on our financial position and results of operations. 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 standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2017 and will be applied either prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition approach depending on the area covered in this update. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact of the ASU on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 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 as the Company has certain operating and land lease arrangements for which it is the lessee. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, Leases (Topic 840). The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. ASU 2015-03 amended the then-current presentation guidance by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 was effective for the Company beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The adoption of this standard required restatement of our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. As a result, Deferred financing costs, net decreased by $35.2 million and Global unsecured revolving credit facility, Unsecured term loan, Unsecured senior notes and Mortgage loans decreased by $7.6 million , $1.3 million , $26.0 million and $0.3 million , respectively, versus amounts previously reported. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which provides guidance on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In accordance with the guidance, all legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 was effective for the Company beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and the adoption of the standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Investments in Real Estate

Investments in Real Estate	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Investments In Real Estate	Investments in Real Estate We acquired the following real estate properties during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Location Market Date Acquired Amount Sovereign House London July 5, 2016 (1) West Drayton London July 5, 2016 (1) Olivers Yard London July 5, 2016 (1) Bonnington House London July 5, 2016 (1) Meridian Gate London July 5, 2016 (1) Amsterdam Business Park Amsterdam July 5, 2016 (1) Amsterdam Science Park Amsterdam July 5, 2016 (1) Lyonerstrasse Frankfurt July 5, 2016 (1) Land parcels (2) Various Various $ 47.6 Total $ 866.5 (1) On July 5, 2016, the company completed the acquisition of a portfolio of eight high-quality, carrier-neutral data centers in Europe from Equinix, which we refer to as the Europe Portfolio Acquisition. The purchase price was $818.9 million in the aggregate (based on the exchange rate at the date of acquisition). (2) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. We completed four acquisitions of land parcels in the three months ended September 30, 2016 in Northern Virginia, Dallas and Chicago. Purchase price in U.S. dollars and excludes capitalized closing costs on land acquisitions. The table below summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation for the properties acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands): Location Investments in Real Estate Intangibles Above / Below-Market Lease (Lessee) Goodwill Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Deferred Taxes Europe Portfolio $ 308,692 $ 226,077 $ 8,089 $ 448,123 $ (118,647 ) $ (53,449 ) Due to the timing of the closing of the acquisition of the Europe Portfolio, the final purchase price allocation is expected to be completed in late 2016. As such, the estimates used as of September 30, 2016 are subject to change, including the amounts allocated to the acquired intangible assets, including goodwill, and deferred taxes. Dispositions We sold the following real estate property during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Location Market Date Sold Gross Proceeds (in millions) Gain on Sale (in millions) 47700 Kato Road and 1055 Page Avenue Silicon Valley January 21, 2016 $ 37.5 $ 1.0 Data center portfolio (1) Various July 11, 2016 114.5 24.5 114 Rue Ambroise Croizat (2) Paris August 1, 2016 212.0 144.3 $ 364.0 $ 169.8 (1) On July 11, 2016, the Company closed on the sale of a four -property data center portfolio, including two in St. Louis and two in Northern Virginia totaling over 454,000 square feet for approximately $114.5 million . The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $24.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. The four properties were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016. (2) The Company granted Equinix an option to acquire the Company's facility in 114 rue Ambroise Croizat in Paris. Equinix elected to exercise its option to acquire the Paris property, and on July 2, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the property to Equinix for approximately €190 million (or approximately $212 million based on the exchange rate as of August 1, 2016). The Paris property sale closed on August 1, 2016. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $144.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. This property was classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016. We have identified certain non-core investment properties we intend to sell as part of our capital recycling strategy. Our capital recycling program is designed to identify non-strategic and underperforming assets that can be sold to generate proceeds that will support the funding of our core investment activity. We expect our capital recycling initiative will likewise have a meaningfully positive impact on overall return on invested capital. In addition, our capital recycling program does not represent a strategic shift, as we are not entirely exiting regions or property types. During this process, we are evaluating the carrying value of certain investment properties identified for potential sale to ensure the carrying value is recoverable in light of a potentially shorter holding period. As a result of our evaluation, during the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized approximately $126.5 million of impairment losses on five properties located in the Central, East and West regions. The fair values of the five properties were primarily based on discounted cash flow analyses, and in certain cases, we supplemented the analyses by obtaining broker opinions of value. As of September 30, 2016 , two of these five properties met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and the other three have since been sold. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company has taken the necessary actions to conclude that an additional property (in addition to the two properties referenced above) to be disposed of as part of our capital recycling strategy met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. As of September 30, 2016 , these three properties had an aggregate carrying value of $55.9 million within total assets and $2.8 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. The three properties are not representative of a significant component of our portfolio, nor do the potential sales represent a significant shift in our strategy.

Investment in Unconsolidated Jo

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures As of September 30, 2016 , 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, and 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). The following tables present summarized financial information for our material joint ventures as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited, in thousands): As of September 30, 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 $ 739,066 $ 921,545 $ 458,836 $ 556,355 $ 365,190 $ 100,649 $ (30,226 ) $ 70,423 $ 29,276 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 105,819 $ 12,362 As of December 31, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2015 Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Debt Total Liabilities Equity Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 758,582 $ 935,990 $ 460,023 $ 558,310 $ 377,679 $ 96,407 $ (26,431 ) $ 69,976 $ 28,303 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 106,107 $ 12,170 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 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, 2016
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, tenant relationship value and trade name along with acquired above-market lease value) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market lease value) as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Real Estate Intangibles: Acquired in-place lease value: Gross amount $ 904,027 $ 901,381 Accumulated amortization (506,390 ) (472,933 ) Net $ 397,637 $ 428,448 Tenant relationship value: Gross amount $ 943,341 $ 734,800 Accumulated amortization (64,296 ) (14,495 ) Net $ 879,045 $ 720,305 Trade name: Gross amount $ 7,300 $ 7,300 Accumulated amortization (7,300 ) (417 ) Net $ — $ 6,883 Acquired above-market leases: Gross amount $ 111,965 $ 122,311 Accumulated amortization (87,411 ) (89,613 ) Net $ 24,554 $ 32,698 Acquired below-market leases: Gross amount $ 286,649 $ 294,791 Accumulated amortization (199,761 ) (193,677 ) Net $ 86,888 $ 101,114 Amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases, resulted in an increase to rental revenues of $1.4 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $5.7 million and $6.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The expected average remaining lives for acquired below-market leases and acquired above-market leases is 6.6 years and 4.3 years, respectively, as of September 30, 2016 . 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, 2016 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2016 $ 2,164 2017 7,060 2018 5,499 2019 5,659 2020 7,473 Thereafter 34,479 Total $ 62,334 Amortization of acquired in-place lease value (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was $13.0 million and $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $40.0 million and $32.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The expected average amortization period for acquired in-place lease value is 7.7 years as of September 30, 2016 . The weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions is 7.1 years as of September 30, 2016 . Estimated annual amortization of acquired in-place lease value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2016 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2016 $ 15,000 2017 57,199 2018 50,611 2019 43,225 2020 39,199 Thereafter 192,403 Total $ 397,637 Amortization of tenant relationship value and trade names (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was approximately $18.1 million and $0.0 million , respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and approximately $49.8 million and $6.9 million , respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . During the quarter ended June 30, 2016, management of the Company decided to retire the Telx trade name. Accordingly, the Company wrote off the net remaining balance of approximately $6.1 million . As of September 30, 2016 , the weighted average remaining contractual life for customer contracts was 12.5 years. Estimated annual amortization of customer contracts for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2016 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2016 $ 19,122 2017 74,412 2018 74,412 2019 74,412 2020 74,412 Thereafter 562,275 Total $ 879,045

Debt of the Company

Debt of the Company	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt of the Company	Debt of the Company In this Note 6, 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 ), 4.750% notes due 2025 (4.750% 2025 Notes) and its unsecured senior notes sold to Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and certain of its affiliates pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, as amended, which we refer to as the Prudential Shelf Facility. 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 ( 2023 Notes ) and 4.250% notes due 2025 ( 4.250% 2025 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 (2024 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, 2016
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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows (in thousands): Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2016 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2016 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2015 Global revolving credit facility Various (1) Jan 15, 2020 $ 164,786 (2) $ 967,884 (2) Deferred financing costs, net (11,597 ) (7,613 ) Global revolving credit facility, net 153,189 960,271 Unsecured Term Loan Unsecured term loan — 5-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2021 1,228,099 (5) 924,568 (5) Unsecured term loan — 7-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2023 300,000 (5) — Deferred financing costs, net (6,486 ) (1,301 ) Unsecured term loan, net 1,521,613 923,267 Unsecured senior notes: Prudential Shelf Facility: Series C 9.680% Jan 6, 2016 — 25,000 Series E 5.730% Jan 20, 2017 50,000 50,000 Total Prudential Shelf Facility 50,000 75,000 Senior Notes: 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 4.750% notes due 2023 4.750% Oct 13, 2023 389,160 (6) 442,080 (6) 2.625% notes due 2024 2.625% Apr 15, 2024 674,100 (7) — 4.250% notes due 2025 4.250% Jan 17, 2025 518,880 (6) 589,440 (6) 4.750% notes due 2025 4.750% Oct 1, 2025 450,000 450,000 Unamortized discounts (16,658 ) (17,914 ) Total senior notes, net of discount 4,215,482 3,663,606 Deferred financing costs, net (27,047 ) (26,037 ) Total unsecured senior notes, net of discount and deferred financing costs 4,238,435 3,712,569 Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2016 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2016 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2015 Mortgage loans: 2045 & 2055 Lafayette Street (8) 5.93% Feb 6, 2017 (9) $ 60,561 $ 61,437 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard 1-4 5.95% Nov 11, 2016 — 50,477 1100 Space Park Drive 5.89% Dec 11, 2016 — 50,423 600 West Seventh Street 5.80% Mar 15, 2016 — 46,000 150 South First Street (8) 6.30% Feb 6, 2017 (9) 47,835 48,484 2334 Lundy Place 5.96% Nov 11, 2016 — 36,714 8025 North Interstate 35 4.09% Mar 6, 2016 — 5,789 731 East Trade Street 8.22% Jul 1, 2020 3,046 3,420 Unamortized net premiums 357 439 Total mortgage loans, including premiums 111,799 303,183 Deferred financing costs, net (49 ) (253 ) Total mortgage loans, including premiums and net of deferred financing costs 111,750 302,930 Total indebtedness $ 6,024,987 $ 5,899,037 _________________________________ (1) The interest rate for borrowings under the 2016 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2015 Weighted-average interest rate Floating Rate Borrowing (a) U.S. dollar ($) $ 50,000 1.53 % $ 274,000 1.46 % British pound sterling (£) 26,593 (b) 1.26 % 95,784 (c) 1.61 % Euro (€) — (b) — % 280,565 (c) 0.90 % Australian dollar (AUD) — — % 96,831 (c) 3.16 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 1,547 (b) 1.25 % 86,082 (c) 1.33 % Japanese yen (JPY) 47,268 (b) 0.93 % 14,304 (c) 1.15 % Singapore dollar (SGD) 22,008 (b) 1.27 % 49,132 (c) 1.92 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 9,370 (b) 1.88 % 71,186 (c) 1.95 % Total $ 156,786 1.28 % $ 967,884 1.53 % Base Rate Borrowing (b) U.S. dollar ($) $ 8,000 3.50 % $ — — % Total borrowings $ 164,786 1.39 % $ 967,884 1.53 % (a) The interest rates for floating rate borrowings under the 2016 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 $1.30 to £1.00, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, $0.73 to 1.00 SGD and $0.76 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of September 30, 2016 . (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.47 to £1.00, $1.09 to €1.00, $0.73 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, $0.70 to 1.00 SGD and $0.72 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . (3) Interest rates are based on our current senior unsecured debt ratings and are 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5 -Year Term Loan and the 7 -Year Term Loan, respectively. (4) We have entered into interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge for interest generated by the U.S. dollar, Singapore dollar, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar tranches of the unsecured term loan. See Note 14 "Derivative Instruments" for further information. (5) Balances as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2015 Weighted-average interest rate U.S. dollar ($) $ 710,911 1.82 % (b) $ 410,905 1.51 % (d) British pound sterling (£) 219,843 (a) 1.37 % (b) 178,195 (c) 1.78 % Singapore dollar (SGD) 236,733 (a) 1.64 % (b) 161,070 (c) 2.16 % (d) Australian dollar (AUD) 181,100 (a) 2.72 % 75,337 (c) 3.27 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 86,022 (a) 1.38 % — — % Canadian dollar (CAD) 75,037 (a) 1.98 % (b) — — % Euro (€) — (a) — % 99,061 (c) 1.00 % Japanese yen (JPY) 18,453 (a) 1.00 % — — % Total $ 1,528,099 1.81 % (b) $ 924,568 1.76 % (d) (a) Based on exchange rates of $1.30 to £1.00, $0.73 to 1.00 SGD, $0.77 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.76 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of September 30, 2016 . (b) As of September 30, 2016 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.39% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.74% (Singapore dollar), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.16% (Total). See Note 14 "Derivative Instruments" for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (c) Based on exchange rates of $0.70 to 1.00 SGD, $1.47 to £1.00, $1.09 to €1.00 and $0.73 to 1.00 AUD, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . (d) As of December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 1.90% (U.S. dollar), 2.19% (Singapore dollar) and 1.94% (Total). See Note 14 "Derivative Instruments" for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (6) Based on exchange rate of $1.30 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2016 and $1.47 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2015 . (7) Based on exchange rate of $1.12 to €1.00 as of September 30, 2016 . (8) The respective borrower’s assets and credit are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of affiliates or any other person. (9) On November 7, 2016, the Company paid these mortgage loans in full. 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 2016 global revolving credit facility, that replaced the $2.0 billion revolving credit facility executed on August 15, 2013, as amended. The 2016 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 2016 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, 2016 , interest rates are based on 1-month GBP LIBOR, 1-month HIBOR, 1-month JPY LIBOR, 1-month SOR and 1-month CDOR, plus a margin of 1.00% . The facility also bore a base borrowing rate of 3.50% (USD) which is based on U.S. Prime Rate. We have used and intend to use available borrowings under the 2016 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, 2016 , we have capitalized approximately $15.0 million of financing costs related to the 2016 global revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2016 , approximately $164.8 million was drawn under the 2016 global revolving credit facility and $20.3 million of letters of credit were issued. The 2016 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 2016 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, 2016 , 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. Based on exchange rates in effect at September 30, 2016 , the balance outstanding is approximately $1.5 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 2016 global revolving credit facility and, as of September 30, 2016 , we were in compliance with all of such covenants. As of September 30, 2016 , we have capitalized approximately $7.4 million of financing costs related to the 2016 unsecured term loans. 2024 Notes On April 15, 2016, Digital Euro Finco, LLC, a wholly owned indirect finance subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., issued and sold €600.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 2.625% Guaranteed Notes due 2024, which we refer to as the 2024 Notes. The 2024 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 €594.0 million (or approximately $670.3 million based on the exchange rate as of April 15, 2016) after deducting managers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses. We have used the net proceeds from the offering of the 2024 Notes to temporarily repay borrowings under our 2016 global revolving credit facility. The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of September 30, 2016 (in thousands): Global Revolving Credit Facility (1) Unsecured Prudential Shelf Facility Senior Notes Mortgage Loans Total Debt Remainder of 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 666 $ 666 2017 — — 50,000 — 108,405 158,405 2018 — — — — 593 593 2019 — — — — 644 644 2020 164,786 — — 1,000,000 1,134 1,165,920 Thereafter — 1,528,099 — 3,232,140 — 4,760,239 Subtotal $ 164,786 $ 1,528,099 $ 50,000 $ 4,232,140 $ 111,442 $ 6,086,467 Unamortized discount — — — (16,658 ) — (16,658 ) Unamortized premium — — — — 357 357 Total $ 164,786 $ 1,528,099 $ 50,000 $ 4,215,482 $ 111,799 $ 6,070,166 (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, as applicable.

Income per Share

Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income available to common stockholders $ 187,330 $ 38,522 $ 254,406 $ 257,305 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 147,397,853 135,832,503 146,930,939 135,782,831 Potentially dilutive common shares: Stock options 10,424 19,983 9,721 20,629 Unvested incentive units 82,184 86,190 75,049 65,752 Forward equity offering 1,264,749 — 2,611 — Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 1,703,182 — 567,727 Market performance-based awards 629,661 618,078 636,864 483,538 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 149,384,871 138,259,936 147,655,184 136,920,477 Income per share: Basic $ 1.27 $ 0.28 $ 1.73 $ 1.89 Diluted $ 1.25 $ 0.28 $ 1.72 $ 1.88 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2,379,671 2,635,444 2,421,298 2,698,215 Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,488,354 4,567,661 2,880,254 4,440,429 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,925,208 2,896,800 1,942,351 2,816,110 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,632,407 3,960,900 2,655,847 3,850,569 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 3,857,518 5,804,286 3,891,866 5,642,608 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,635,488 — 2,658,955 — Shares subject to forward equity offering — 10,500,000 — 10,500,000 Total 15,918,646 30,365,091 16,450,571 29,947,931

Income per Unit

Income per Unit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income available to common unitholders $ 190,354 $ 38,116 $ 258,550 $ 261,302 Weighted average units outstanding—basic 149,777,524 138,467,947 149,352,237 138,481,046 Potentially dilutive common units: Stock options 10,424 19,983 9,721 20,629 Unvested incentive units 82,184 86,190 75,049 65,752 Forward equity offering 1,264,749 — 2,611 — Market performance-based awards 629,661 618,078 636,864 483,538 Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 151,764,542 139,192,198 150,076,482 139,050,965 Income per unit: Basic $ 1.27 $ 0.28 $ 1.73 $ 1.89 Diluted $ 1.25 $ 0.27 $ 1.72 $ 1.88 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,488,354 4,567,661 2,880,254 4,440,429 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,925,208 2,896,800 1,942,351 2,816,110 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,632,407 3,960,900 2,655,847 3,850,569 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 3,857,518 5,804,286 3,891,866 5,642,608 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,635,488 — 2,658,955 — Units subject to forward equity offering — 10,500,000 — 10,500,000 Total 13,538,975 27,729,647 14,029,273 27,249,716

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 earnings 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, 2016 . As such, no provision for federal income taxes has been included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . 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, 2016 and 2015 . 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, 2016 and 2015 . As of September 30, 2016 , we had deferred tax liabilities net of deferred tax assets of approximately $168.8 million primarily related to our foreign properties, classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses in the 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 Europe Portfolio in July 2016. The valuation allowance at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 relate primarily to certain foreign jurisdiction and net operating loss carryforwards from the acquisition of Telx, or the Telx Acquisition, 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Equity and Accumulated Other Co

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, 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, 2016 , 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, 2016 and 2015 . As of September 30, 2016 , 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 . Following such settlement, 2,375,000 shares of our common stock remain subject to the forward sale agreements, which are anticipated to be settled no later than May 19, 2017. (c) Redemption of Series E Preferred Stock On September 15, 2016, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. redeemed all 11,500,000 outstanding shares of its 7.00% series E cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or the series E preferred stock, at a redemption price of $25.35972 per share. The redemption price was equal to the original issuance price of $25.0 0 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 2016 global revolving credit facility, which the Operating Partnership distributed to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in connection with the Operating Partnership’s redemption of all 11,500,000 of its outstanding series E preferred units held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. The excess of the redemption price over the carrying value of the series E preferred stock of approximately $10.3 million relates to the original issuance costs and has been reflected as reduction to net income available to common stockholders in the accompanying condensed consolidated income statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. (d) 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Number of units Percentage of total Number of units Percentage of total Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 158,926,811 98.4 % 146,384,247 98.1 % Noncontrolling interests consist of: Common units held by third parties 1,218,814 0.8 1,421,314 1.0 Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 13) 1,302,177 0.8 1,412,012 0.9 161,447,802 100.0 % 149,217,573 100.0 % 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. The redemption value of the noncontrolling Operating Partnership common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $231.2 million and $192.7 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The following table shows activity for the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Common Units Incentive Units Total As of December 31, 2015 1,421,314 1,412,012 2,833,326 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (202,500 ) — (202,500 ) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (136,646 ) (136,646 ) Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors — (1,416 ) (1,416 ) Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 28,227 28,227 As of September 30, 2016 1,218,814 1,302,177 2,520,991 (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. (e) Dividends We have declared and paid the following dividends on our common and preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands, except per share data): Date dividend declared Dividend Series E Series F Series G Series H Series I Preferred Stock Common February 17, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 5,031 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 129,064 May 11, 2016 June 30, 2016 5,031 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 129,188 August 10, 2016 September 30, 2016 — (1 ) 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 129,285 $ 10,062 $ 9,069 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 387,537 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.750 $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.520 (1) Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 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 $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were deducted in the computation of 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 2016 global revolving credit facility to fund all or a portion of distributions. (f) 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 Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (90,342 ) $ (6,248 ) $ (96,590 ) Net current period change (36,789 ) (2,071 ) (38,860 ) Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — 3,511 3,511 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (127,131 ) $ (4,808 ) $ (131,939 )

Capital and Accumulated Other C

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a) Allocations of Net Income and Net Losses to Partners Except for special allocations to holders of profits interest units described below in Note 13 “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. (b) 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. The redemption value of the limited partners’ common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $231.2 million and $192.7 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock on September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (c) 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, 2016 (in thousands, except for per unit data): Date distribution declared Distribution Series E Series F Series G Series H Series I Common February 17, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 5,031 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 131,587 May 11, 2016 June 30, 2016 5,031 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 131,607 August 10, 2016 September 30, 2016 — (1) 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 131,657 $ 10,062 $ 9,069 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 394,851 Annual rate of distribution per unit $ 1.750 $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.520 (1) Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were deducted in the computation of net income available to common unitholders. (d) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow hedge Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (93,883 ) $ (7,081 ) $ (100,964 ) Net current period change (37,388 ) (2,113 ) (39,501 ) Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — 3,569 3,569 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (131,271 ) $ (5,625 ) $ (136,896 )

Incentive Plan

Incentive Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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. As of September 30, 2016 , 3,967,959 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, 2015 , included in our Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , as amended. Below is a summary of our long-term incentive unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Unvested Long-term Incentive Units Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 276,669 $ 62.92 Granted 28,227 86.82 Vested (158,844 ) 63.73 Cancelled or expired (4,517 ) 58.11 Unvested, end of period 141,535 $ 66.80 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, 2016 and 2015 related to long-term incentive units was approximately $1.1 million and $1.5 million , respectively, and approximately $3.8 million and $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $0.5 million and $0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and approximately $1.5 million and $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unearned compensation representing the unvested portion of the long-term incentive units totaled $6.7 million and $9.9 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. We expect to recognize this unearned compensation over the next 2.1 years on a weighted-average basis. (b) Market Performance-Based Awards During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , 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 the Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock (collectively, the “awards”), under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan, respectively, 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 2015 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 2015 awards that have satisfied the market condition, if any, will vest 50% on February 27, 2018 and 50% on February 27, 2019, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Following the completion of the Market Performance Period, the 2016 awards that have satisfied the market condition, if any, will vest 50% on February 27, 2019 and 50% on February 27, 2020, 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 2015 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 2015 valuation include expected stock price volatility of 24 percent and a risk-free interest rate of 1.00 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, 2016 , 1,683,182 Class D units and 459,569 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 $55.4 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $28.8 million and $17.8 million , respectively, net of cancellations. As of September 30, 2016 , none of the above awards had vested. We recognized compensation expense related to these awards of approximately $1.9 million and $2.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and approximately $5.9 million and $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees directly engaged in construction and leasing activities of approximately $0.5 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and approximately $1.4 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , 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, 2016 : Period Ended September 30, 2016 Shares Weighted average exercise price Options outstanding, beginning of period 51,622 $ 41.04 Exercised (33,948 ) 40.68 Options outstanding, end of period 17,674 $ 41.73 Exercisable, end of period 17,674 $ 41.73 The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2016 : Options outstanding and exercisable Exercise price Number outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years) Weighted-average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value $41.73 17,674 0.59 $ 41.73 $ 978,963 (d) Restricted Stock Below is a summary of our restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Unvested Restricted Stock Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 271,339 $ 61.37 Granted 150,480 82.88 Vested (114,834 ) 61.46 Cancelled or expired (31,997 ) 66.65 Unvested, end of period 274,988 $ 72.61 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, 2016 and 2015 related to grants of restricted stock was approximately $1.1 million and $0.7 million , respectively, and approximately $3.1 million and $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , 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 $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and approximately $2.2 million and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unearned compensation representing the unvested portion of the restricted stock totaled $15.6 million and $10.4 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. We expect to recognize this unearned compensation over the next 3.0 years on a weighted-average basis.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 , 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, 2016 or December 31, 2015 . As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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) $ 206,000 (1) Swap 0.932 Jun 18, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 $ (356 ) $ (416 ) 54,905 (1) 54,905 (1) Swap 0.670 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2017 (16 ) 69 — 75,000 (1) Swap 0.500 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2016 — (10 ) 75,000 (1) — Swap 1.016 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 6, 2021 (240 ) — 75,000 (1) — Swap 1.164 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 (707 ) — 300,000 (2) — Swap 1.435 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2023 (6,492 ) — 139,017 (3) 133,579 (3) Swap 0.925 Jul 17, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 (110 ) 1,500 219,843 (4) — Swap 0.792 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2019 (3,045 ) — 75,037 (5) — Swap 0.779 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 373 — $ 1,144,802 $ 469,484 $ (10,593 ) $ 1,143 (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 $0.73 to 1.00 SGD as of September 30, 2016 and $0.70 to 1.00 SGD as of December 31, 2015 . (4) Represents the British pound sterling tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $1.30 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2016 . (5) Represents the Canadian dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $0.76 to 1.00 CAD as of September 30, 2016 . As of September 30, 2016 , we estimate that an additional $5.8 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense during the twelve months ended September 30, 2017 , when the hedged forecasted transactions impact earnings. Non-designated Hedges Derivatives not designated as hedges are derivatives that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP or which we have elected to not designate as hedges. We do not use these derivatives for speculative purposes, but instead they are used to manage our exposure to foreign exchange rates. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded directly in interest and other income in our condensed consolidated income statements. The Company recorded a loss of $3.1 million on the non-designated hedges for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . The Company had no non-designated hedges in place during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, we had no non-designated hedges in place. 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 USD. These forward contracts were executed to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain transactions. On July 1, 2016, the forward contracts still in place met the criteria for net investment hedge accounting. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had the following outstanding derivatives that were designated as hedges under qualifying hedging relationships (notional and fair value amounts in thousands): Foreign Currency Derivative Number of Instruments Notional Amount Sold Notional Amount Purchased Maturity Date Fair Value Currency forward contracts 4 GBP 357,299 USD 518,469 12/15/2017 $ 50,090

Fair Value of Instruments

Fair Value of Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Instruments	Fair Value of 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 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 14 "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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the aggregate estimated fair value and carrying value of our global revolving credit facility, unsecured term loan, unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans were as follows (in thousands): Categorization under the fair value hierarchy As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Global revolving credit facility (1)(5) Level 2 $ 164,786 $ 164,786 $ 967,884 $ 967,884 Unsecured term loan (2)(6) Level 2 1,528,099 1,528,099 924,568 924,568 Unsecured senior notes (3)(4)(7) Level 2 4,662,031 4,265,482 3,868,979 3,738,606 Mortgage loans (3)(8) Level 2 113,769 111,799 313,717 303,183 $ 6,468,685 $ 6,070,166 $ 6,075,148 $ 5,934,241 (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 loan 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 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes, 4.750% 2025 Notes and 4.250% 2025 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, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 4.250% 2025 Notes are net of discount of $16,658 and $17,914 in the aggregate as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (5) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $11.6 million and $7.6 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (6) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $6.5 million and $1.3 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (7) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $27.0 million and $26.0 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (8) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $0.0 million and $0.3 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies (a) Contingent liabilities As part of the acquisition of 29A International Business Park, the seller could earn additional consideration based on future net operating income growth in excess of certain performance targets, as defined in the agreements for the acquisition. The earnout contingency expires in November 2020 . The maximum amount that could be earned by the seller is $50.0 million SGD (or approximately $36.7 million based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2016 ). As of December 31, 2014, $12.6 million had been accrued related to this earnout agreement, which was subsequently paid in 2015. During 2015 and 2016, the remaining performance targets were achieved and the Company accrued an additional $23.8 million . The remaining earnout payments were made in 2016 per the terms of the earnout agreement. The amounts accrued were discounted based on their expected payment date and capitalized to building and improvements as the original purchase was accounted for as an asset acquisition. One of the tenants at our Convergence Business Park property has an option to expand as part of their lease agreement, which expires in April 2017 . As part of this option, development activities were not permitted on specifically identified expansion space within the property until April 2014. From April 2014 through April 2017, the tenant has the right of first refusal on any third party’s bona fide offer to buy the adjacent land. If the tenant exercises their option, we may either construct and lease to the tenant an additional shell building on the expansion space at a stipulated rate of return on cost or sell the existing building and the expansion space to the tenant for a price of approximately $24.0 million and $225,000 per square acre, respectively, plus additional adjustments as provided in the lease. As part of the acquisition of the Sentrum Portfolio, the seller could earn additional consideration based on future net returns on vacant space to be developed, but not currently leased, as defined in the purchase agreement for the acquisition. The initial estimate of fair value of the contingent consideration liability was approximately £56.5 million (or approximately $87.6 million based on the exchange rate as of July 11, 2012, the acquisition date). We have adjusted the contingent consideration to fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognized in operating income. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we reduced the fair value by approximately £30.3 million (or approximately $45.9 million ). The adjustment was the result of an evaluation by management that no additional leases would be executed for vacant space by July 11, 2015, the contingency expiration date. The final payment on the earnout was made in August 2015. The change in fair value of contingent consideration for the Sentrum Portfolio was recorded as a reduction to operating expense of approximately $43.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . (b) Construction Commitments Our properties require periodic investments of capital for tenant-related capital expenditures and for general capital improvements. 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, 2016 , we had open commitments related to construction contracts of approximately $279.3 million . (c) Legal Proceedings Although the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, as of September 30, 2016 , 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.

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. 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, 2015 , as amended. 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. As a result, 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 Income, Net" and "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income". 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.
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 amortize the difference between the cost of our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets.
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 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.
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, 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).
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
Transactions Expense	Transactions Expense Transactions 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.
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 real estate 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 maker evaluates operating performance and makes 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.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", 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 can 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, certain of our revenue streams may be impacted by the new guidance. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that adoption of the new revenue standard will have on our financial position and results of operations. 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 standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2017 and will be applied either prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition approach depending on the area covered in this update. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact of the ASU on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 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 as the Company has certain operating and land lease arrangements for which it is the lessee. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, Leases (Topic 840). The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. ASU 2015-03 amended the then-current presentation guidance by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 was effective for the Company beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The adoption of this standard required restatement of our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. As a result, Deferred financing costs, net decreased by $35.2 million and Global unsecured revolving credit facility, Unsecured term loan, Unsecured senior notes and Mortgage loans decreased by $7.6 million , $1.3 million , $26.0 million and $0.3 million , respectively, versus amounts previously reported. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which provides guidance on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In accordance with the guidance, all legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 was effective for the Company beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and the adoption of the standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Investments in Real Estate (Tab

Investments in Real Estate (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	We acquired the following real estate properties during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Location Market Date Acquired Amount Sovereign House London July 5, 2016 (1) West Drayton London July 5, 2016 (1) Olivers Yard London July 5, 2016 (1) Bonnington House London July 5, 2016 (1) Meridian Gate London July 5, 2016 (1) Amsterdam Business Park Amsterdam July 5, 2016 (1) Amsterdam Science Park Amsterdam July 5, 2016 (1) Lyonerstrasse Frankfurt July 5, 2016 (1) Land parcels (2) Various Various $ 47.6 Total $ 866.5 (1) On July 5, 2016, the company completed the acquisition of a portfolio of eight high-quality, carrier-neutral data centers in Europe from Equinix, which we refer to as the Europe Portfolio Acquisition. The purchase price was $818.9 million in the aggregate (based on the exchange rate at the date of acquisition). (2) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. We completed four acquisitions of land parcels in the three months ended September 30, 2016 in Northern Virginia, Dallas and Chicago. Purchase price in U.S. dollars and excludes capitalized closing costs on land acquisitions.
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The table below summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation for the properties acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands): Location Investments in Real Estate Intangibles Above / Below-Market Lease (Lessee) Goodwill Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Deferred Taxes Europe Portfolio $ 308,692 $ 226,077 $ 8,089 $ 448,123 $ (118,647 ) $ (53,449 )
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	We sold the following real estate property during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Location Market Date Sold Gross Proceeds (in millions) Gain on Sale (in millions) 47700 Kato Road and 1055 Page Avenue Silicon Valley January 21, 2016 $ 37.5 $ 1.0 Data center portfolio (1) Various July 11, 2016 114.5 24.5 114 Rue Ambroise Croizat (2) Paris August 1, 2016 212.0 144.3 $ 364.0 $ 169.8 (1) On July 11, 2016, the Company closed on the sale of a four -property data center portfolio, including two in St. Louis and two in Northern Virginia totaling over 454,000 square feet for approximately $114.5 million . The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $24.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. The four properties were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016. (2) The Company granted Equinix an option to acquire the Company's facility in 114 rue Ambroise Croizat in Paris. Equinix elected to exercise its option to acquire the Paris property, and on July 2, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the property to Equinix for approximately €190 million (or approximately $212 million based on the exchange rate as of August 1, 2016). The Paris property sale closed on August 1, 2016. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $144.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. This property was classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016.

Investment in Unconsolidated 27

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Information for Joint Ventures	The following tables present summarized financial information for our material joint ventures as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited, in thousands): As of September 30, 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 $ 739,066 $ 921,545 $ 458,836 $ 556,355 $ 365,190 $ 100,649 $ (30,226 ) $ 70,423 $ 29,276 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 105,819 $ 12,362 As of December 31, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2015 Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Debt Total Liabilities Equity Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 758,582 $ 935,990 $ 460,023 $ 558,310 $ 377,679 $ 96,407 $ (26,431 ) $ 69,976 $ 28,303 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 106,107 $ 12,170

Acquired Intangible Assets an28

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, tenant relationship value and trade name along with acquired above-market lease value) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market lease value) as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Real Estate Intangibles: Acquired in-place lease value: Gross amount $ 904,027 $ 901,381 Accumulated amortization (506,390 ) (472,933 ) Net $ 397,637 $ 428,448 Tenant relationship value: Gross amount $ 943,341 $ 734,800 Accumulated amortization (64,296 ) (14,495 ) Net $ 879,045 $ 720,305 Trade name: Gross amount $ 7,300 $ 7,300 Accumulated amortization (7,300 ) (417 ) Net $ — $ 6,883 Acquired above-market leases: Gross amount $ 111,965 $ 122,311 Accumulated amortization (87,411 ) (89,613 ) Net $ 24,554 $ 32,698 Acquired below-market leases: Gross amount $ 286,649 $ 294,791 Accumulated amortization (199,761 ) (193,677 ) Net $ 86,888 $ 101,114
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, 2016 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2016 $ 2,164 2017 7,060 2018 5,499 2019 5,659 2020 7,473 Thereafter 34,479 Total $ 62,334
Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Acquired of Intangible Assets	Estimated annual amortization of acquired in-place lease value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2016 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2016 $ 15,000 2017 57,199 2018 50,611 2019 43,225 2020 39,199 Thereafter 192,403 Total $ 397,637 Estimated annual amortization of customer contracts for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing October 1, 2016 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Remainder of 2016 $ 19,122 2017 74,412 2018 74,412 2019 74,412 2020 74,412 Thereafter 562,275 Total $ 879,045

Debt of the Operating Partner29

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Tables) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows (in thousands): Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2016 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2016 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2015 Global revolving credit facility Various (1) Jan 15, 2020 $ 164,786 (2) $ 967,884 (2) Deferred financing costs, net (11,597 ) (7,613 ) Global revolving credit facility, net 153,189 960,271 Unsecured Term Loan Unsecured term loan — 5-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2021 1,228,099 (5) 924,568 (5) Unsecured term loan — 7-year Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2023 300,000 (5) — Deferred financing costs, net (6,486 ) (1,301 ) Unsecured term loan, net 1,521,613 923,267 Unsecured senior notes: Prudential Shelf Facility: Series C 9.680% Jan 6, 2016 — 25,000 Series E 5.730% Jan 20, 2017 50,000 50,000 Total Prudential Shelf Facility 50,000 75,000 Senior Notes: 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 4.750% notes due 2023 4.750% Oct 13, 2023 389,160 (6) 442,080 (6) 2.625% notes due 2024 2.625% Apr 15, 2024 674,100 (7) — 4.250% notes due 2025 4.250% Jan 17, 2025 518,880 (6) 589,440 (6) 4.750% notes due 2025 4.750% Oct 1, 2025 450,000 450,000 Unamortized discounts (16,658 ) (17,914 ) Total senior notes, net of discount 4,215,482 3,663,606 Deferred financing costs, net (27,047 ) (26,037 ) Total unsecured senior notes, net of discount and deferred financing costs 4,238,435 3,712,569 Indebtedness Interest Rate at September 30, 2016 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding September 30, 2016 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2015 Mortgage loans: 2045 & 2055 Lafayette Street (8) 5.93% Feb 6, 2017 (9) $ 60,561 $ 61,437 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard 1-4 5.95% Nov 11, 2016 — 50,477 1100 Space Park Drive 5.89% Dec 11, 2016 — 50,423 600 West Seventh Street 5.80% Mar 15, 2016 — 46,000 150 South First Street (8) 6.30% Feb 6, 2017 (9) 47,835 48,484 2334 Lundy Place 5.96% Nov 11, 2016 — 36,714 8025 North Interstate 35 4.09% Mar 6, 2016 — 5,789 731 East Trade Street 8.22% Jul 1, 2020 3,046 3,420 Unamortized net premiums 357 439 Total mortgage loans, including premiums 111,799 303,183 Deferred financing costs, net (49 ) (253 ) Total mortgage loans, including premiums and net of deferred financing costs 111,750 302,930 Total indebtedness $ 6,024,987 $ 5,899,037 _________________________________ (1) The interest rate for borrowings under the 2016 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2015 Weighted-average interest rate Floating Rate Borrowing (a) U.S. dollar ($) $ 50,000 1.53 % $ 274,000 1.46 % British pound sterling (£) 26,593 (b) 1.26 % 95,784 (c) 1.61 % Euro (€) — (b) — % 280,565 (c) 0.90 % Australian dollar (AUD) — — % 96,831 (c) 3.16 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 1,547 (b) 1.25 % 86,082 (c) 1.33 % Japanese yen (JPY) 47,268 (b) 0.93 % 14,304 (c) 1.15 % Singapore dollar (SGD) 22,008 (b) 1.27 % 49,132 (c) 1.92 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 9,370 (b) 1.88 % 71,186 (c) 1.95 % Total $ 156,786 1.28 % $ 967,884 1.53 % Base Rate Borrowing (b) U.S. dollar ($) $ 8,000 3.50 % $ — — % Total borrowings $ 164,786 1.39 % $ 967,884 1.53 % (a) The interest rates for floating rate borrowings under the 2016 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 $1.30 to £1.00, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, $0.73 to 1.00 SGD and $0.76 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of September 30, 2016 . (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.47 to £1.00, $1.09 to €1.00, $0.73 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, $0.70 to 1.00 SGD and $0.72 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . (3) Interest rates are based on our current senior unsecured debt ratings and are 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5 -Year Term Loan and the 7 -Year Term Loan, respectively. (4) We have entered into interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge for interest generated by the U.S. dollar, Singapore dollar, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar tranches of the unsecured term loan. See Note 14 "Derivative Instruments" for further information. (5) Balances as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Balance as of September 30, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2015 Weighted-average interest rate U.S. dollar ($) $ 710,911 1.82 % (b) $ 410,905 1.51 % (d) British pound sterling (£) 219,843 (a) 1.37 % (b) 178,195 (c) 1.78 % Singapore dollar (SGD) 236,733 (a) 1.64 % (b) 161,070 (c) 2.16 % (d) Australian dollar (AUD) 181,100 (a) 2.72 % 75,337 (c) 3.27 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 86,022 (a) 1.38 % — — % Canadian dollar (CAD) 75,037 (a) 1.98 % (b) — — % Euro (€) — (a) — % 99,061 (c) 1.00 % Japanese yen (JPY) 18,453 (a) 1.00 % — — % Total $ 1,528,099 1.81 % (b) $ 924,568 1.76 % (d) (a) Based on exchange rates of $1.30 to £1.00, $0.73 to 1.00 SGD, $0.77 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.76 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of September 30, 2016 . (b) As of September 30, 2016 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.39% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.74% (Singapore dollar), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.16% (Total). See Note 14 "Derivative Instruments" for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (c) Based on exchange rates of $0.70 to 1.00 SGD, $1.47 to £1.00, $1.09 to €1.00 and $0.73 to 1.00 AUD, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . (d) As of December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 1.90% (U.S. dollar), 2.19% (Singapore dollar) and 1.94% (Total). See Note 14 "Derivative Instruments" for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (6) Based on exchange rate of $1.30 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2016 and $1.47 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2015 . (7) Based on exchange rate of $1.12 to €1.00 as of September 30, 2016 . (8) The respective borrower’s assets and credit are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of affiliates or any other person. (9) On November 7, 2016, the Company paid these mortgage loans in full.
Schedule of Debt Maturities and Principal Maturities	The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of September 30, 2016 (in thousands): Global Revolving Credit Facility (1) Unsecured Prudential Shelf Facility Senior Notes Mortgage Loans Total Debt Remainder of 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 666 $ 666 2017 — — 50,000 — 108,405 158,405 2018 — — — — 593 593 2019 — — — — 644 644 2020 164,786 — — 1,000,000 1,134 1,165,920 Thereafter — 1,528,099 — 3,232,140 — 4,760,239 Subtotal $ 164,786 $ 1,528,099 $ 50,000 $ 4,232,140 $ 111,442 $ 6,086,467 Unamortized discount — — — (16,658 ) — (16,658 ) Unamortized premium — — — — 357 357 Total $ 164,786 $ 1,528,099 $ 50,000 $ 4,215,482 $ 111,799 $ 6,070,166 (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, as applicable.

Income per Share (Tables)

Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income available to common stockholders $ 187,330 $ 38,522 $ 254,406 $ 257,305 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 147,397,853 135,832,503 146,930,939 135,782,831 Potentially dilutive common shares: Stock options 10,424 19,983 9,721 20,629 Unvested incentive units 82,184 86,190 75,049 65,752 Forward equity offering 1,264,749 — 2,611 — Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 1,703,182 — 567,727 Market performance-based awards 629,661 618,078 636,864 483,538 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 149,384,871 138,259,936 147,655,184 136,920,477 Income per share: Basic $ 1.27 $ 0.28 $ 1.73 $ 1.89 Diluted $ 1.25 $ 0.28 $ 1.72 $ 1.88
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2,379,671 2,635,444 2,421,298 2,698,215 Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,488,354 4,567,661 2,880,254 4,440,429 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,925,208 2,896,800 1,942,351 2,816,110 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,632,407 3,960,900 2,655,847 3,850,569 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 3,857,518 5,804,286 3,891,866 5,642,608 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,635,488 — 2,658,955 — Shares subject to forward equity offering — 10,500,000 — 10,500,000 Total 15,918,646 30,365,091 16,450,571 29,947,931

Income per Unit (Tables)

Income per Unit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income available to common stockholders $ 187,330 $ 38,522 $ 254,406 $ 257,305 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 147,397,853 135,832,503 146,930,939 135,782,831 Potentially dilutive common shares: Stock options 10,424 19,983 9,721 20,629 Unvested incentive units 82,184 86,190 75,049 65,752 Forward equity offering 1,264,749 — 2,611 — Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 1,703,182 — 567,727 Market performance-based awards 629,661 618,078 636,864 483,538 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 149,384,871 138,259,936 147,655,184 136,920,477 Income per share: Basic $ 1.27 $ 0.28 $ 1.73 $ 1.89 Diluted $ 1.25 $ 0.28 $ 1.72 $ 1.88
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2,379,671 2,635,444 2,421,298 2,698,215 Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,488,354 4,567,661 2,880,254 4,440,429 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,925,208 2,896,800 1,942,351 2,816,110 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,632,407 3,960,900 2,655,847 3,850,569 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 3,857,518 5,804,286 3,891,866 5,642,608 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,635,488 — 2,658,955 — Shares subject to forward equity offering — 10,500,000 — 10,500,000 Total 15,918,646 30,365,091 16,450,571 29,947,931
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income available to common unitholders $ 190,354 $ 38,116 $ 258,550 $ 261,302 Weighted average units outstanding—basic 149,777,524 138,467,947 149,352,237 138,481,046 Potentially dilutive common units: Stock options 10,424 19,983 9,721 20,629 Unvested incentive units 82,184 86,190 75,049 65,752 Forward equity offering 1,264,749 — 2,611 — Market performance-based awards 629,661 618,078 636,864 483,538 Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 151,764,542 139,192,198 150,076,482 139,050,965 Income per unit: Basic $ 1.27 $ 0.28 $ 1.73 $ 1.89 Diluted $ 1.25 $ 0.27 $ 1.72 $ 1.88
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,488,354 4,567,661 2,880,254 4,440,429 Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,925,208 2,896,800 1,942,351 2,816,110 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,632,407 3,960,900 2,655,847 3,850,569 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 3,857,518 5,804,286 3,891,866 5,642,608 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,635,488 — 2,658,955 — Units subject to forward equity offering — 10,500,000 — 10,500,000 Total 13,538,975 27,729,647 14,029,273 27,249,716

Equity and Accumulated Other 32

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Ownership Interest In The Operating Partnership	The following table shows the ownership interests in the Operating Partnership as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Number of units Percentage of total Number of units Percentage of total Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 158,926,811 98.4 % 146,384,247 98.1 % Noncontrolling interests consist of: Common units held by third parties 1,218,814 0.8 1,421,314 1.0 Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 13) 1,302,177 0.8 1,412,012 0.9 161,447,802 100.0 % 149,217,573 100.0 %
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, 2016 : Common Units Incentive Units Total As of December 31, 2015 1,421,314 1,412,012 2,833,326 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (202,500 ) — (202,500 ) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (136,646 ) (136,646 ) Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors — (1,416 ) (1,416 ) Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 28,227 28,227 As of September 30, 2016 1,218,814 1,302,177 2,520,991 (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, 2016 (in thousands, except per share data): Date dividend declared Dividend Series E Series F Series G Series H Series I Preferred Stock Common February 17, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 5,031 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 129,064 May 11, 2016 June 30, 2016 5,031 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 129,188 August 10, 2016 September 30, 2016 — (1 ) 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 129,285 $ 10,062 $ 9,069 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 387,537 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.750 $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.520 (1) Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 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 $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were deducted in the computation of 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 Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (90,342 ) $ (6,248 ) $ (96,590 ) Net current period change (36,789 ) (2,071 ) (38,860 ) Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — 3,511 3,511 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (127,131 ) $ (4,808 ) $ (131,939 )

Capital and Accumulated Other33

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 (in thousands, except per share data): Date dividend declared Dividend Series E Series F Series G Series H Series I Preferred Stock Common February 17, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 5,031 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 129,064 May 11, 2016 June 30, 2016 5,031 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 129,188 August 10, 2016 September 30, 2016 — (1 ) 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 129,285 $ 10,062 $ 9,069 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 387,537 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.750 $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.520 (1) Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 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 $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were deducted in the computation of 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 Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (90,342 ) $ (6,248 ) $ (96,590 ) Net current period change (36,789 ) (2,071 ) (38,860 ) Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — 3,511 3,511 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (127,131 ) $ (4,808 ) $ (131,939 )
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, 2016 (in thousands, except for per unit data): Date distribution declared Distribution Series E Series F Series G Series H Series I Common February 17, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 5,031 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 131,587 May 11, 2016 June 30, 2016 5,031 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 131,607 August 10, 2016 September 30, 2016 — (1) 3,023 3,672 6,730 3,969 131,657 $ 10,062 $ 9,069 $ 11,016 $ 20,190 $ 11,907 $ 394,851 Annual rate of distribution per unit $ 1.750 $ 1.656 $ 1.469 $ 1.844 $ 1.588 $ 3.520 (1) Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were deducted in the computation of 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 Accumulated other Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (93,883 ) $ (7,081 ) $ (100,964 ) Net current period change (37,388 ) (2,113 ) (39,501 ) Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — 3,569 3,569 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (131,271 ) $ (5,625 ) $ (136,896 )

Incentive Plan (Tables)

Incentive Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2016 . Unvested Long-term Incentive Units Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 276,669 $ 62.92 Granted 28,227 86.82 Vested (158,844 ) 63.73 Cancelled or expired (4,517 ) 58.11 Unvested, end of period 141,535 $ 66.80
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, 2016 : Period Ended September 30, 2016 Shares Weighted average exercise price Options outstanding, beginning of period 51,622 $ 41.04 Exercised (33,948 ) 40.68 Options outstanding, end of period 17,674 $ 41.73 Exercisable, end of period 17,674 $ 41.73
Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2016 : Options outstanding and exercisable Exercise price Number outstanding Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years) Weighted-average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value $41.73 17,674 0.59 $ 41.73 $ 978,963
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	Below is a summary of our restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Unvested Restricted Stock Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 271,339 $ 61.37 Granted 150,480 82.88 Vested (114,834 ) 61.46 Cancelled or expired (31,997 ) 66.65 Unvested, end of period 274,988 $ 72.61

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments	As of September 30, 2016, the Company had the following outstanding derivatives that were designated as hedges under qualifying hedging relationships (notional and fair value amounts in thousands): Foreign Currency Derivative Number of Instruments Notional Amount Sold Notional Amount Purchased Maturity Date Fair Value Currency forward contracts 4 GBP 357,299 USD 518,469 12/15/2017 $ 50,090 As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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) $ 206,000 (1) Swap 0.932 Jun 18, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 $ (356 ) $ (416 ) 54,905 (1) 54,905 (1) Swap 0.670 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2017 (16 ) 69 — 75,000 (1) Swap 0.500 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2016 — (10 ) 75,000 (1) — Swap 1.016 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 6, 2021 (240 ) — 75,000 (1) — Swap 1.164 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 (707 ) — 300,000 (2) — Swap 1.435 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2023 (6,492 ) — 139,017 (3) 133,579 (3) Swap 0.925 Jul 17, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 (110 ) 1,500 219,843 (4) — Swap 0.792 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2019 (3,045 ) — 75,037 (5) — Swap 0.779 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 373 — $ 1,144,802 $ 469,484 $ (10,593 ) $ 1,143 (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 $0.73 to 1.00 SGD as of September 30, 2016 and $0.70 to 1.00 SGD as of December 31, 2015 . (4) Represents the British pound sterling tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $1.30 to £1.00 as of September 30, 2016 . (5) Represents the Canadian dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $0.76 to 1.00 CAD as of September 30, 2016 .

Fair Value of Instruments (Tabl

Fair Value of Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value And Carrying Amounts	As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the aggregate estimated fair value and carrying value of our global revolving credit facility, unsecured term loan, unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans were as follows (in thousands): Categorization under the fair value hierarchy As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Global revolving credit facility (1)(5) Level 2 $ 164,786 $ 164,786 $ 967,884 $ 967,884 Unsecured term loan (2)(6) Level 2 1,528,099 1,528,099 924,568 924,568 Unsecured senior notes (3)(4)(7) Level 2 4,662,031 4,265,482 3,868,979 3,738,606 Mortgage loans (3)(8) Level 2 113,769 111,799 313,717 303,183 $ 6,468,685 $ 6,070,166 $ 6,075,148 $ 5,934,241 (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 loan 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 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes, 4.750% 2025 Notes and 4.250% 2025 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, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 4.250% 2025 Notes are net of discount of $16,658 and $17,914 in the aggregate as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (5) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $11.6 million and $7.6 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (6) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $6.5 million and $1.3 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (7) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $27.0 million and $26.0 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (8) The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $0.0 million and $0.3 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively.

Organization and Description 37

Organization and Description of Business (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016property
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	144
Common Interest
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership	98.40%
Preferred Interest
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership	100.00%
North America
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	106
Europe
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	31
Australia
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	3
Asia
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	4
Unconsolidated Properties
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	14

Summary of Significant Accoun38

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period in which short-term investment become cash equivalents			90 days
Interest capitalized	$ 3,800,000	$ 2,400,000	$ 11,400,000	$ 9,900,000
Compensation costs, leasing and construction activities	18,700,000	17,200,000	52,700,000	43,000,000
Cash flows from capitalized leasing costs			31,400,000	37,800,000
Goodwill	780,099,000		$ 780,099,000		$ 330,664,000
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	546,293,000	435,989,000	$ 1,565,426,000	1,262,893,000
Rental property operating and maintenance	177,192,000	140,538,000	490,909,000	394,640,000
Global revolving credit facility
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	11,600,000		11,600,000		7,600,000
Unsecured term loan
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	$ 6,500,000		$ 6,500,000		1,300,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 | Deferred Financing Costs, Net
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs					(35,200,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 | Long-Term Line of Credit | Global revolving credit facility
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs					7,600,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 | Long-Term Line of Credit | Unsecured term loan
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs					1,300,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 | Unsecured Debt
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs					26,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 | Secured Debt
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs					$ 300,000
Restatement Adjustment
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Rental property operating and maintenance		$ (1,700,000)		$ (4,500,000)
Sales
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk	12.10%	12.70%	10.80%	12.70%
Long-Lived Assets
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk			17.60%		18.80%
United States
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 423,800,000	$ 334,500,000	$ 1,200,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Long-lived assets	6,200,000,000		6,200,000,000		$ 6,000,000,000
Outside The United States
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	122,500,000	101,400,000	321,800,000	291,300,000
Long-lived assets	2,800,000,000		2,800,000,000		2,600,000,000
United Kingdom
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	66,100,000	$ 55,200,000	169,400,000	$ 160,100,000
Long-lived assets	$ 1,600,000,000		$ 1,600,000,000		$ 1,600,000,000

Investments in Real Estate (Sch

Investments in Real Estate (Schedule of Real Estate Property Acquisitions) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Aug. 01, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2016EUR (€)	Jul. 05, 2016USD ($)property	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties				144
Land parcels
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price | $				$ 47.6
Number of properties				4
Equinix
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties			8
Consideration transferred	$ 212	€ 190	$ 818.9
Equinix and Land parcels
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price | $				$ 866.5

Investments in Real Estate Inve

Investments in Real Estate Investments in Real Estate (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 780,099	$ 330,664
Equinix
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investments in Real Estate	308,692
Intangibles	226,077
Above / Below-Market Lease (Lessee)	8,089
Goodwill	448,123
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	(118,647)
Customer Relationships [Member] | Equinix
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Deferred Taxes	$ (53,449)

Investments in Real Estate (Dis

Investments in Real Estate (Dispositions) (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands, € in Millions	Aug. 01, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2016EUR (€)	Jul. 05, 2016USD ($)property	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)property	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)property	Jul. 11, 2016USD ($)ft²property	Jun. 30, 2016property	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gross proceeds				$ 364,000	$ 364,000
Gain on sale					$ 169,800
Number of properties | property				144	144
Assets				$ 12,299,035	$ 12,299,035				$ 11,416,063
Liabilities				$ 7,102,387	$ 7,102,387				$ 6,879,561
Central, East and West Regions
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of investments in real estate						$ 126,500
Number of properties | property				5	5	5
Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of properties | property				3	3
Assets				$ 55,900	$ 55,900
Liabilities				$ 2,800	$ 2,800
Held-for-sale | Central, East and West Regions
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of properties | property				2	2
Held-for-sale | Data Center Portfolio, St Louis and Northern Virginia
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of properties | property								4
Disposed of by sale | Data Center Portfolio, St Louis and Northern Virginia
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale				$ 24,500
Number of properties | property							4
Sellable square feet comprised in portfolio (in sqft) | ft²							454
Value of property sale transaction							$ 114,500
47700 Kato Road and 1055 Page Avenue
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gross proceeds				37,500	$ 37,500
Gain on sale					1,000
Data center portfolio
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gross proceeds				114,500	114,500
Gain on sale					24,500
114 Rue Ambroise Croizat
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gross proceeds				212,000	212,000
Gain on sale					$ 144,300
St. Louis | Disposed of by sale | Data Center Portfolio, St Louis and Northern Virginia
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of properties | property							2
Northern Virginia | Disposed of by sale | Data Center Portfolio, St Louis and Northern Virginia
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of properties | property							2
Equinix
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale				$ 144,300
Number of properties | property			8
Consideration transferred	$ 212,000	€ 190	$ 818,900

Investment in Unconsolidated 42

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)propertyjoint_venture	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of properties | property	144
Amortization expense, present value of future insurance profits | $	$ 0	$ 0
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

Investment in Unconsolidated 43

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Net Investment in Properties			$ 739,066		$ 758,582
Total Assets	$ 921,545		921,545		935,990
Debt	458,836		458,836		460,023
Total Liabilities	556,355		556,355		558,310
Equity	365,190		365,190		377,679
Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	105,819		105,819		$ 106,107
Revenues			100,649	$ 96,407
Property Operating Expense			(30,226)	(26,431)
Net Operating Income			70,423	69,976
Net Income			29,276	28,303
Investment in and share of net income (loss)	$ 4,152	$ 4,169	$ 12,362	$ 12,170

Acquired Intangible Assets an44

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of below market leases	$ 1,400		$ 2,200	$ 5,700	$ 6,900
Expected average remaining lives of acquired below market leases (in years)				6 years 7 months
Amortization of intangible assets				$ 135,252	51,112
Acquired above-market leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected average remaining lives (in years)				4 years 3 months 2 days
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected average remaining lives (in years)				7 years 8 months 7 days
Amortization of intangible assets	13,000		$ 10,100	$ 40,000	$ 32,200
Weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions (in years)				7 years 1 month 1 day
Tenant relationship value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	18,100			$ 49,800
Weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions (in years)				12 years 5 months 15 days
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 0			$ 6,900
Write-down of intangible assets		$ 6,100

Acquired Intangible Assets an45

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Below-market lease, gross amount	$ 286,649	$ 294,791
Below-market lease, accumulated amortization	(199,761)	(193,677)
Total	86,888	101,114
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	904,027	901,381
Accumulated amortization	(506,390)	(472,933)
Net	397,637	428,448
Tenant relationship value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	943,341	734,800
Accumulated amortization	(64,296)	(14,495)
Net	879,045	720,305
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	7,300	7,300
Accumulated amortization	(7,300)	(417)
Net	0	6,883
Acquired above-market leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	111,965	122,311
Accumulated amortization	(87,411)	(89,613)
Net	$ 24,554	$ 32,698

Acquired Intangible Assets an46

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Below Market Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 86,888	$ 101,114
Below-Market Leases, Net of Above-Market Leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	2,164
2,017	7,060
2,018	5,499
2,019	5,659
2,020	7,473
Thereafter	34,479
Total	$ 62,334

Acquired Intangible Assets An47

Acquired Intangible Assets And Liabilities (Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	$ 15,000
2,017	57,199
2,018	50,611
2,019	43,225
2,020	39,199
Thereafter	192,403
Net	397,637	$ 428,448
Customer contracts and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	19,122
2,017	74,412
2,018	74,412
2,019	74,412
2,020	74,412
Thereafter	562,275
Net	$ 879,045

Debt of the Company (Narrative)

Debt of the Company (Narrative) (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2016
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%
4.750% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%

Debt of the Operating Partner49

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Summary of Outstanding Indebtedness) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)extension$ / SGD$ / €$ / ¥$ / £$ / CAD$ / AUD$ / HKD	Apr. 15, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / SGD$ / €$ / ¥$ / £$ / CAD$ / AUD$ / HKD
Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		$ (11,600)		$ (7,600)
Unsecured term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		(6,500)		(1,300)
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		$ (27,000)		(26,000)
Senior Notes | 5.875% notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.250% notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.25%
Senior Notes | 3.950% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.95%
Senior Notes | 3.625% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.625%
Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Senior Notes | 2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.625%
Senior Notes | 4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.25%
Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Mortgage Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs		$ 0		(300)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		6,086,467
Total indebtedness		6,024,987		5,899,037
Unamortized discounts		(16,658)
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		6,070,166
Unamortized net premiums		$ 357
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Interest rate basis spread		1.10%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 7-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	7 years
Interest rate basis spread		1.55%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 164,786		967,884
Deferred financing costs		(11,597)		(7,613)
Total indebtedness		153,189		$ 960,271
Unamortized discounts		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		164,786
Unamortized net premiums		$ 0
Interest rate basis spread		1.00%
Weighted-average interest rate		1.39%		1.53%
Commitment fee percentage		0.20%
Number of extension options | extension		2
Debt instrument, extension term		6 months
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 156,786		$ 967,884
Weighted-average interest rate		1.28%		1.53%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | U.S. dollar ($) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 50,000		$ 274,000
Weighted-average interest rate		1.53%		1.46%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | U.S. dollar ($) | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 8,000		$ 0
Weighted-average interest rate		3.50%		0.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | British pound sterling (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / £		1.30		1.47
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | British pound sterling (£) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 26,593		$ 95,784
Weighted-average interest rate		1.26%		1.61%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Euro (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / €				1.09
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Euro (€) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		$ 280,565
Weighted-average interest rate		0.00%		0.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Australian dollar (AUD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / AUD				0.73
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Australian dollar (AUD) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		$ 96,831
Weighted-average interest rate		0.00%		3.16%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / HKD				0.13
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Hong Kong dollar (HKD) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,547		$ 86,082
Weighted-average interest rate		1.25%		1.33%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Japanese yen (JPY)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / ¥				0.01
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Japanese yen (JPY) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 47,268		$ 14,304
Weighted-average interest rate		0.93%		1.15%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Singapore dollar (SGD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / SGD		0.73		0.70
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Singapore dollar (SGD) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 22,008		$ 49,132
Weighted-average interest rate		1.27%		1.92%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Canadian dollar (CAD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / CAD				0.72
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Global revolving credit facility | Canadian dollar (CAD) | Floating Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 9,370		$ 71,186
Weighted-average interest rate		1.88%		1.95%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,528,099		$ 924,568
Deferred financing costs		(6,486)		(1,301)
Total indebtedness		1,521,613		$ 923,267
Unamortized discounts		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		1,528,099
Unamortized net premiums		$ 0
Weighted-average interest rate		1.81%		1.76%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		2.16%		1.94%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | U.S. dollar ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 710,911		$ 410,905
Weighted-average interest rate		1.82%		1.51%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | U.S. dollar ($) | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		2.39%		1.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | British pound sterling (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 219,843		$ 178,195
Weighted-average interest rate		1.37%		1.78%
Exchange rate | $ / £		1.30		1.47
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | British pound sterling (£) | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		1.89%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Euro (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		$ 99,061
Weighted-average interest rate		0.00%		1.00%
Exchange rate | $ / €		1.12		1.09
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Australian dollar (AUD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 181,100		$ 75,337
Weighted-average interest rate		2.72%		3.27%
Exchange rate | $ / AUD		0.77		0.73
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 86,022		$ 0
Weighted-average interest rate		1.38%		0.00%
Exchange rate | $ / HKD		0.13
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Japanese yen (JPY)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 18,453		$ 0
Weighted-average interest rate		1.00%		0.00%
Exchange rate | $ / ¥		0.01
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Singapore dollar (SGD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 236,733		$ 161,070
Weighted-average interest rate		1.64%		2.16%
Exchange rate | $ / SGD		0.73		0.70
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Singapore dollar (SGD) | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		1.74%		2.19%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Canadian dollar (CAD)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 75,037		$ 0
Weighted-average interest rate		1.98%		0.00%
Exchange rate | $ / CAD		0.76
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Canadian dollar (CAD) | Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate		1.88%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,228,099		$ 924,568
Debt instrument, term		5 years
Interest rate basis spread		1.10%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Unsecured term loan — 7-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 300,000		0
Debt instrument, term		7 years
Interest rate basis spread		1.55%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Prudential Shelf Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 50,000		75,000
Unamortized discounts		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		50,000
Unamortized net premiums		0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Prudential Shelf Facility | Series C
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		25,000
Stated interest rate		9.68%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Prudential Shelf Facility | Series E
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 50,000		50,000
Stated interest rate		5.73%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 4,232,140
Deferred financing costs		(27,047)		(26,037)
Total indebtedness		4,238,435		3,712,569
Unamortized discounts		(16,658)		(17,914)
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		4,215,482		$ 3,663,606
Unamortized net premiums		$ 0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes | British pound sterling (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / £		1.30		1.47
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | Senior Notes | 4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 389,160		442,080
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes | 2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 674,100		0
Stated interest rate		2.625%	2.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Senior Notes | 4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 518,880		589,440
Stated interest rate		4.25%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | 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. | Mortgage Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 111,442
Deferred financing costs		(49)		(253)
Total indebtedness		111,750		302,930
Unamortized discounts		0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)		111,799		303,183
Unamortized net premiums		357		439
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 2045 & 2055 Lafayette Street
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 60,561		61,437
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		5.93%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard 1-4
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		50,477
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		5.95%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 1100 Space Park Drive
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		50,423
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		5.89%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 600 West Seventh Street
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		46,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		5.80%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 150 South First Street
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 47,835		48,484
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		6.30%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 2334 Lundy Place
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		36,714
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		5.96%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 8025 North Interstate 35
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0		5,789
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		4.09%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Mortgage Loans | 731 East Trade Street
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 3,046		$ 3,420
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		8.22%

Debt of the Operating Partner50

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Global Revolving Credit Facility) (Narrative) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)extension	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 6,086,467,000
Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 2,000,000,000
Number of extension options | extension	2
Revolving credit facility commitments extension	6 months
Interest rate basis spread	1.00%
Weighted-average interest rate	1.39%		1.53%
Commitment fee percentage	0.20%
Capitalized financing costs related to global revolving facilities	$ 15,000,000
Long-term debt, gross	164,786,000		$ 967,884,000
Letter of credit security amount	$ 20,300,000
Global revolving credit facility | Accordian Feature
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 2,500,000,000
Base Rate | U.S. dollar ($) | Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	3.50%		0.00%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 8,000,000		$ 0

Debt of the Operating Partner51

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Unsecured Term Loan) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 16, 2012
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 6,086,467,000
Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Unsecured term loan — 5-year | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
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 — 7-year | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
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 | Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
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
Capitalized financing costs		$ 7,400,000

Debt of the Operating Partner52

Debt of the Operating Partnership (2024 Notes) (Details) - Senior Notes - 2.625% notes due 2024 € in Millions, $ in Millions	Apr. 15, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 15, 2016EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			2.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		€ 600
Stated interest rate		2.625%	2.625%
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 670.3	€ 594

Debt of the Operating Partner53

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Schedule of Debt Maturities And Principal Maturities) (Details) - Digital Realty Trust, L.P. $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)extension	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	$ 666
2,017	158,405
2,018	593
2,019	644
2,020	1,165,920
Thereafter	4,760,239
Subtotal	6,086,467
Unamortized discounts	(16,658)
Unamortized premiums	357
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	6,070,166
Global revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	164,786
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	164,786	$ 967,884
Unamortized discounts	0
Unamortized premiums	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 164,786
Number of extension options | extension	2
Revolving credit facility commitments extension	6 months
Unsecured term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	$ 0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	1,528,099
Subtotal	1,528,099	924,568
Unamortized discounts	0
Unamortized premiums	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	1,528,099
Prudential Shelf Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	0
2,017	50,000
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	50,000	75,000
Unamortized discounts	0
Unamortized premiums	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	50,000
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	1,000,000
Thereafter	3,232,140
Subtotal	4,232,140
Unamortized discounts	(16,658)	(17,914)
Unamortized premiums	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	4,215,482	3,663,606
Mortgage Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2016	666
2,017	108,405
2,018	593
2,019	644
2,020	1,134
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	111,442
Unamortized discounts	0
Unamortized premiums	357	439
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 111,799	$ 303,183

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 187,330	$ 38,522	$ 254,406	$ 257,305
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	147,397,853	135,832,503	146,930,939	135,782,831
Potentially dilutive common shares:
Stock options (shares)	10,424	19,983	9,721	20,629
Unvested incentive units (shares)	82,184	86,190	75,049	65,752
Forward equity offering (shares)	1,264,749	0	2,611	0
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (shares)	0	1,703,182	0	567,727
Market performance-based awards (shares)	629,661	618,078	636,864	483,538
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	149,384,871	138,259,936	147,655,184	136,920,477
Income per share:
Basic ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.27	$ 0.28	$ 1.73	$ 1.89
Diluted ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.25	$ 0.28	$ 1.72	$ 1.88

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	15,918,646	30,365,091	16,450,571	29,947,931
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)	2,379,671	2,635,444	2,421,298	2,698,215
Series E Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	2,488,354	4,567,661	2,880,254	4,440,429
Series F Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,925,208	2,896,800	1,942,351	2,816,110
Series G Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	2,632,407	3,960,900	2,655,847	3,850,569
Series H Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	3,857,518	5,804,286	3,891,866	5,642,608
Series I Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	2,635,488	0	2,658,955	0
Forward equity sale
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	0	10,500,000	0	10,500,000

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income available to common unitholders	$ 187,330	$ 38,522	$ 254,406	$ 257,305
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	147,397,853	135,832,503	146,930,939	135,782,831
Potentially dilutive common units:
Stock options (units)	10,424	19,983	9,721	20,629
Unvested incentive units (units)	82,184	86,190	75,049	65,752
Forward equity offering (units)	1,264,749	0	2,611	0
Market performance-based awards (units)	629,661	618,078	636,864	483,538
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	149,384,871	138,259,936	147,655,184	136,920,477
Income per share:
Basic ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.27	$ 0.28	$ 1.73	$ 1.89
Diluted ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.25	$ 0.28	$ 1.72	$ 1.88
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income available to common unitholders	$ 190,354	$ 38,116	$ 258,550	$ 261,302
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-basic (shares/units)	149,777,524	138,467,947	149,352,237	138,481,046
Potentially dilutive common units:
Stock options (units)	10,424	19,983	9,721	20,629
Unvested incentive units (units)	82,184	86,190	75,049	65,752
Forward equity offering (units)	1,264,749	0	2,611	0
Market performance-based awards (units)	629,661	618,078	636,864	483,538
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)	151,764,542	139,192,198	150,076,482	139,050,965
Income per share:
Basic ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.27	$ 0.28	$ 1.73	$ 1.89
Diluted ($ per share/unit)	$ 1.25	$ 0.27	$ 1.72	$ 1.88

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	15,918,646	30,365,091	16,450,571	29,947,931
Series E Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,488,354	4,567,661	2,880,254	4,440,429
Series F Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,925,208	2,896,800	1,942,351	2,816,110
Series G Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,632,407	3,960,900	2,655,847	3,850,569
Series H Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	3,857,518	5,804,286	3,891,866	5,642,608
Series I Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,635,488	0	2,658,955	0
Forward equity sale
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	0	10,500,000	0	10,500,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	13,538,975	27,729,647	14,029,273	27,249,716
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series E Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,488,354	4,567,661	2,880,254	4,440,429
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series F Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,925,208	2,896,800	1,942,351	2,816,110
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series G Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,632,407	3,960,900	2,655,847	3,850,569
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series H Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	3,857,518	5,804,286	3,891,866	5,642,608
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series I Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,635,488	0	2,658,955	0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Forward equity sale
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	0	10,500,000	0	10,500,000

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of income distributed (at least)	100.00%
Net deferred tax liability	$ 168.8

Equity and Accumulated Other 59

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Equity Distribution Agreements) (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)
Equity [Abstract]
Aggregate offering price of the distribution agreement maximum			$ 400,000,000
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	$ 342,700,000
Issuance of common shares (shares) | shares	5.7
Equity distribution agreements at an average price ($ per share) | $ / shares	$ 60.35
Payment of commissions to sales agents	$ 3,500,000
Aggregate offering price remaining available for offer and sale	$ 53,800,000
Common stock conversion ratio		1
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock conversion ratio	1
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redemption value of OP units	$ 231,200,000	$ 192,700,000

Equity and Accumulated Other 60

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Forward Equity Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2016	Jun. 02, 2016	May 20, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Common stock shares issued (shares)				158,926,811		146,384,247
Gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock				$ 1,089,154	$ 0
Common Stock
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
New issues of stock during period (shares)				(12,000,000)
Forward equity sale
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Common stock subject to forward sale agreements (shares)				2,375,000
Forward equity sale | 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
Gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock	$ 1,100,000

Equity and Accumulated Other 61

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Redemption of Series E Preferred Stock) (Details) - Series E Preferred Units - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Sep. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, outstanding (shares)	11,500,000	0	11,500,000
Preferred Stock, dividend rate	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25.35972
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25	$ 25
Redemption premium	$ 10.3	$ 10.3

Equity and Accumulated Other 62

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Ownership Interest In The Operating Partnership) (Details) - shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Partners' capital account units (units)	158,926,811	146,384,247
Percentage of total	98.40%	98.10%
Common units held by third parties
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common units held by third parties (units)	1,218,814	1,421,314
Percentage of total	0.80%	1.00%
Incentive Units Held By Employees And Directors
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	1,302,177	1,412,012
Percentage of total	0.80%	0.90%
Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Partners' capital account units (units)	161,447,802	149,217,573
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%

Equity and Accumulated Other 63

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Summary of Activity For Noncontrolling Interests in The Operating Partnership) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016shares
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2015 (units)	2,833,326
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(202,500)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(136,646)
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(1,416)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	28,227
As of September, 2016 (units)	2,520,991
Common Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2015 (units)	1,421,314
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(202,500)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	0
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	0
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	0
As of September, 2016 (units)	1,218,814
Incentive Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
As of December 31, 2015 (units)	1,412,012
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)	(136,646)
Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(1,416)
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	28,227
As of September, 2016 (units)	1,302,177

Equity and Accumulated Other 64

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Schedule of Dividends/Distributions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		Feb. 17, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Mar. 31, 2016
May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		May 11, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Jun. 30, 2016
August 10, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		Aug. 10, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Sep. 30, 2016
Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		$ 10,062
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.75
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25.35972
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25	$ 25
Accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date	$ 4,100
Redemption premium	$ 10,300	$ 10,300
Series E Preferred Units | February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		5,031
Series E Preferred Units | May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		5,031
Series E Preferred Units | August 10, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		0
Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		$ 9,069
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.656
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Series F Preferred Units | February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		$ 3,023
Series F Preferred Units | May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		3,023
Series F Preferred Units | August 10, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		3,023
Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		$ 11,016
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.469
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Series G Preferred Units | February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		$ 3,672
Series G Preferred Units | May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		3,672
Series G Preferred Units | August 10, 2016
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 ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.844
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Series H Preferred Units | February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		$ 6,730
Series H Preferred Units | May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		6,730
Series H Preferred Units | August 10, 2016
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 ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.588
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	$ 25
Series I Preferred Units | February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		$ 3,969
Series I Preferred Units | May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		3,969
Series I Preferred Units | August 10, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred stock		3,969
Common Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units		$ 387,537
Common stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 3.52
Common Stock | February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units		$ 129,064
Common Stock | May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units		129,188
Common Stock | August 10, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common units		$ 129,285

Equity and Accumulated Other 65

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 4,536,502
Balance	5,196,648
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance	(90,342)
Net current period change	(36,789)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Balance	(127,131)
Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance	(6,248)
Net current period change	(2,071)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	3,511
Balance	(4,808)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance	(96,590)
Net current period change	(38,860)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	3,511
Balance	$ (131,939)

Capital and Accumulated Other66

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Partnership Units) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock conversion ratio		1
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock conversion ratio	1
Redemption value of common units	$ 231.2	$ 192.7

Capital and Accumulated Other67

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Dividends/Distributions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 10,062
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.75
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25.35972
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25	$ 25
Accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date	$ 4,100
Redemption premium	$ 10,300	$ 10,300
Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 9,069
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.656
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,016
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.469
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 20,190
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.844
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,907
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.588
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		Feb. 17, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Mar. 31, 2016
February 17, 2016 | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 5,031
February 17, 2016 | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,023
February 17, 2016 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
February 17, 2016 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
February 17, 2016 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,969
May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		May 11, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Jun. 30, 2016
May 11, 2016 | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 5,031
May 11, 2016 | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,023
May 11, 2016 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
May 11, 2016 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
May 11, 2016 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 3,969
August 10, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		Aug. 10, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Sep. 30, 2016
August 10, 2016 | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 0
August 10, 2016 | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,023
August 10, 2016 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
August 10, 2016 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
August 10, 2016 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 10,062
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25.35972
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)	$ 25	$ 25	25
Accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date	$ 4,100
Redemption premium	$ 10,300
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 9,069
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,016
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 20,190
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	25
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 11,907
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference ($ per share/unit)		$ 25	$ 25
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 394,851
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | February 17, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		Feb. 17, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Mar. 31, 2016
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | February 17, 2016 | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 5,031
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | February 17, 2016 | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,023
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | February 17, 2016 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | February 17, 2016 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | February 17, 2016 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | February 17, 2016 | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 131,587
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 11, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		May 11, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Jun. 30, 2016
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 11, 2016 | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 5,031
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 11, 2016 | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,023
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 11, 2016 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 11, 2016 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 11, 2016 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | May 11, 2016 | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 131,607
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 10, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Date dividend/distribution declared		Aug. 10, 2016
Dividend/Distribution payment date		Sep. 30, 2016
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 10, 2016 | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		$ 0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 10, 2016 | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,023
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 10, 2016 | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,672
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 10, 2016 | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		6,730
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 10, 2016 | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, preferred units		3,969
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | August 10, 2016 | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units		$ 131,657
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Annual rate | Series E Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 1.75
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Annual rate | Series F Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		1.656
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Annual rate | Series G Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		1.469
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Annual rate | Series H Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		1.844
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Annual rate | Series I Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		1.588
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Annual rate | Common Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common stock dividend per share amount ($ per share/unit)		$ 3.52

Capital and Accumulated Other68

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	$ (36,789)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	(2,071)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	3,511
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	(38,860)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	3,511
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	4,535,137
Balance as of September 30, 2016	5,196,648
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	(93,883)
Net current period change	(37,388)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0
Balance as of September 30, 2016	(131,271)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	(7,081)
Net current period change	(2,113)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	3,569
Balance as of September 30, 2016	(5,625)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	(100,964)
Net current period change	(39,501)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	3,569
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$ (136,896)

Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Det

Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	May 02, 2007USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016shares
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
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)		3,967,959
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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period			4 years
Long-Term Incentive Units
Units
Unvested beginning of period (shares)			276,669
Granted (shares)			28,227
Vested (shares)			(158,844)
Cancelled or expired (shares)			(4,517)
Unvested end of period (shares)	141,535		141,535
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period ($ per share)			$ 62.92
Granted ($ per share)			86.82
Vested ($ per share)			63.73
Cancelled or expired ($ per share)			58.11
Unvested, end of period ($ per share)	$ 66.80		$ 66.80
Award vesting period			4 years
Share/unit compensation expense	$ 1.1	$ 1.5	$ 3.8	$ 4.6
Capitalized expense related to construction and leasing activities	0.5	$ 0	1.5	$ 1.1
Unearned compensation	$ 6.7		$ 6.7		$ 9.9
Unearned compensation, period of recognition			2 years 1 month 20 days

Incentive Plan (Market Performa

Incentive Plan (Market Performance Based Awards) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)simulationshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
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			$ 55.4
Award requisite service period			4 years
Unearned compensation	$ 28.8		$ 28.8		$ 17.8
Recognized compensation expense	1.9	$ 2.1	5.9	$ 5.4
Capitalized expense related to construction and leasing activities	$ 0.5	$ 2.5	$ 1.4	$ 3.6
Class D Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (shares) | shares			1,683,182
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (shares) | shares			459,569
2015 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period			3 years
Expected volatility rate			24.00%
Risk-free interest rate			1.00%
2015 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Below Threshold Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold			(3.00%)
Market Performance Vesting Percentage			0.00%
2015 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Threshold Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold			(3.00%)
Market Performance Vesting Percentage			25.00%
2015 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Target Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold			1.00%
Market Performance Vesting Percentage			50.00%
2015 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | High Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold			5.00%
Market Performance Vesting Percentage			100.00%
2015 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Five
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Market Performance Vesting Percentage			50.00%
2015 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Six
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Market Performance Vesting Percentage			50.00%
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 | Below Threshold Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold				(3.00%)
Market Performance Vesting Percentage				0.00%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Threshold Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold				(3.00%)
Market Performance Vesting Percentage				25.00%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Target Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold				1.00%
Market Performance Vesting Percentage				50.00%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | High Level
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance threshold				5.00%
Market Performance Vesting Percentage				100.00%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Five
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Market Performance Vesting Percentage			50.00%
2016 Performance Grant | Market Performance-Based Awards | Tranche Six
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Market Performance 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%

Incentive Plan (Summary of Ince

Incentive Plan (Summary of Incentive Award Plan's Stock Option) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Shares
Options outstanding, end of period (shares) | shares	51,622
Exercised (shares) | shares	(33,948)
Options outstanding, end of period (shares) | shares	17,674
Exercisable, end of period (shares) | shares	17,674
Weighted average exercise price
Options outstanding, beginning of period ($ per share) | $ / shares	$ 41.04
Exercised ($ per share) | $ / shares	40.68
Options outstanding, end of period ($ per share) | $ / shares	41.73
Exercisable, end of period ($ per share) | $ / shares	$ 41.73

Incentive Plan (Summary of Stoc

Incentive Plan (Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower ($ per share)	$ 41.73
Exercise price range, upper ($ per share)	$ 41.73
Number outstanding (shares)	17,674	51,622
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	7 months 2 days
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding ($ per share)	$ 41.73
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 978,963

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period			4 years
Restricted Stock
Units
Unvested beginning of period (shares)			271,339
Granted (shares)			150,480
Vested (shares)			(114,834)
Cancelled or expired (shares)			(31,997)
Unvested end of period (shares)	274,988		274,988
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period ($ per share)			$ 61.37
Granted ($ per share)			82.88
Vested ($ per share)			61.46
Cancelled or expired ($ per share)			66.65
Unvested, end of period ($ per share)	$ 72.61		$ 72.61
Restricted stock expense	$ 1.1	$ 0.7	$ 3.1	$ 1.8
Capitalized expense related to construction and leasing activities	0.6	$ 0.6	2.2	$ 2.1
Unearned compensation	$ 15.6		$ 15.6		$ 10.4
Unearned compensation, period of recognition			2 years 11 months 20 days
Restricted Stock | Maximum
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period			4 years

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)instrument$ / SGD$ / £$ / CAD	Sep. 30, 2016GBP (£)instrument$ / SGD$ / £$ / CAD	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / SGD$ / £
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,144,802		$ 469,484
Gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months	$ (5,800)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 5-year
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan — 7-year
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	7 years
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Singapore dollar (SGD)
Derivative [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / SGD	0.73	0.73	0.70
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | British pound sterling (£)
Derivative [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / £	1.30	1.30	1.47
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Unsecured term loan | Canadian dollar (CAD)
Derivative [Line Items]
Exchange rate | $ / CAD	0.76	0.76
Interest Rate Swap, 0.932
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 206,000		$ 206,000
Strike Rate	0.932%	0.932%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.670
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 54,905		54,905
Strike Rate	0.67%	0.67%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.500
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 0		75,000
Strike Rate	0.50%	0.50%
Interest Rate Swap 1.016
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,000		0
Strike Rate	1.016%	1.016%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.164
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,000		0
Strike Rate	1.164%	1.164%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.435
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 300,000		0
Strike Rate	1.435%	1.435%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.925
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 139,017		133,579
Strike Rate	0.925%	0.925%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.792
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 219,843		0
Strike Rate	0.792%	0.792%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.779
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,037		0
Strike Rate	0.779%	0.779%
Currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss on derivatives not designated as hedging	$ 3,100
Level 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(10,593)		1,143
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 0.932
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(356)		(416)
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 0.670
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(16)		69
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 0.500
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	0		(10)
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap 1.016
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(240)		0
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 1.164
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(707)		0
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 1.435
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(6,492)		0
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 0.925
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(110)		1,500
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 0.792
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	(3,045)		0
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap, 0.779
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	$ 373		$ 0
Not designated as hedging instrument | Currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	4	4
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives	$ 50,090
Notional Amount Sold | Not designated as hedging instrument | Currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount | £		£ 357,299
Notional Amount Purchased | Not designated as hedging instrument | Currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 518,469

Fair Value of Instruments (Esti

Fair Value of Instruments (Estimated Fair Value And Carrying Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 6,468,685	$ 6,075,148
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	6,070,166	5,934,241
Global revolving credit facility
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	11,600	7,600
Unsecured term loan
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	6,500	1,300
Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	16,658	17,914
Deferred financing costs	27,000	26,000
Mortgage Loans
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	$ 0	300
5.875% notes due 2020 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
3.400% notes due 2020 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.40%
3.950% notes due 2022 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.95%
3.625% notes due 2022 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.625%
4.750% notes due 2025 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
4.250% notes due 2025 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%
Level 2 | Global revolving credit facility | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	$ 164,786	967,884
Level 2 | Global revolving credit facility | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	164,786	967,884
Level 2 | Unsecured term loan | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	1,528,099	924,568
Level 2 | Unsecured term loan | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	1,528,099	924,568
Level 2 | Senior Notes | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	4,662,031	3,868,979
Level 2 | Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	4,265,482	3,738,606
Level 2 | Mortgage Loans | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans	113,769	313,717
Level 2 | Mortgage Loans | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans	$ 111,799	$ 303,183

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016SGD	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 11, 2012USD ($)	Jul. 11, 2012GBP (£)
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	$ 0	$ (1,594)		$ 0		$ (44,276)
Commitments related to construction contracts	279,300			279,300
Convergence Business Park
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Sale price of building	$ 24,000			24,000
Real estate price, per square acre				225
29A International Business Park
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Additional performance based consideration earned (maximum)				$ 36,700	SGD 50,000,000
Contingent liability							$ 23,800	$ 12,600
Sentrum Portfolio
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liability									$ 87,600	£ 56.5
Reduction in fair value		$ (45,900)	£ (30.3)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration						$ (43,000)