Digital Realty Trust (DLR) 10-K1 Mar 212020 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 22, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-32336
Entity Registrant Name	DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MD
Entity Tax Identification Number	26-0081711
Entity Address, Address Line One	5707 Southwest Parkway, Building 1, Suite 275
Entity Address, City or Town	Austin
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	78735
City Area Code	737
Local Phone Number	281-0101
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 38
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		281,121,062
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001297996
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Entity File Number	000-54023
Entity Registrant Name	DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MD
Entity Tax Identification Number	20-2402955
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0001494877
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Common Stock
Entity Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	DLR
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock
Entity Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Series C Cumulative Redeemable PerpetualPreferred Stock
Trading Symbol	DLR Pr C
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Entity Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Series J Cumulative Redeemable PreferredStock
Trading Symbol	DLR Pr J
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Entity Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Series K Cumulative Redeemable PreferredStock
Trading Symbol	DLR Pr K
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Entity Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Series L Cumulative Redeemable PreferredStock
Trading Symbol	DLR Pr L
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments in real estate:
Investments in properties, net	$ 20,582,954	$ 14,230,575
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,148,158	1,287,109
Net investments in real estate	21,731,112	15,517,684
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	1,386,959	628,681
Cash and cash equivalents	108,501	89,817
Accounts and other receivables, net	603,111	305,501
Deferred rent	528,180	478,744
Goodwill	8,330,996	3,363,070
Customer relationship value, deferred leasing costs and other intangibles, net	3,122,904	2,195,324
Assets held for sale		229,934
Other assets	264,528	259,376
Total assets	36,076,291	23,068,131
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured senior notes, net of discount	11,997,010	8,973,190
Secured debt, including premiums	239,222	104,934
Operating lease liabilities	1,468,712	693,539
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,420,162	1,009,154
Deferred tax liabilities, net	698,308	147,381
Accrued dividends and distributions	324,386	234,620
Security deposits and prepaid rents	371,659	208,724
Obligations associated with assets held for sale		2,700
Total liabilities	17,587,944	12,418,566
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	42,011	41,465
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock/ units	950,940	1,434,420
Common Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 392,000,000 and 315,000,000 shares authorized and 280,289,726 and 208,900,758 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	2,788	2,073
Partners' capital:
Additional paid-in capital	20,626,897	11,577,320
Accumulated dividends in excess of earnings	(3,997,938)	(3,046,579)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	135,010	(87,922)
Total stockholders' equity	17,717,697	9,879,312
Noncontrolling Interests:
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership	608,980	708,163
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	119,659	20,625
Total noncontrolling interests	728,639	728,788
Total equity	18,446,336	10,608,100
Total liabilities and equity/capital	36,076,291	23,068,131
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Investments in real estate:
Investments in properties, net	20,582,954	14,230,575
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,148,158	1,287,109
Net investments in real estate	21,731,112	15,517,684
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	1,386,959	628,681
Cash and cash equivalents	108,501	89,817
Accounts and other receivables, net	603,111	305,501
Deferred rent	528,180	478,744
Goodwill	8,330,996	3,363,070
Customer relationship value, deferred leasing costs and other intangibles, net	3,122,904	2,195,324
Assets held for sale		229,934
Other assets	264,528	259,376
Total assets	36,076,291	23,068,131
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured senior notes, net of discount	11,997,010	8,973,190
Secured debt, including premiums	239,222	104,934
Operating lease liabilities	1,468,712	693,539
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,420,162	1,009,154
Deferred tax liabilities, net	698,308	147,381
Accrued dividends and distributions	324,386	234,620
Security deposits and prepaid rents	371,659	208,724
Obligations associated with assets held for sale		2,700
Total liabilities	17,587,944	12,418,566
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	42,011	41,465
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock/ units	950,940	1,434,420
Partners' capital:
Common units, 280,289,726 and 208,900,758 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	16,631,747	8,532,814
Limited Partners, 8,046,267 and 8,843,155 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	609,190	711,650
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	134,800	(91,409)
Total partners' capital	18,326,677	10,587,475
Noncontrolling Interests:
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	119,659	20,625
Total capital	18,446,336	10,608,100
Total liabilities and equity/capital	36,076,291	23,068,131
Global revolving credit facilities, net
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Global revolving credit facilities, net	531,905	234,105
Global revolving credit facilities, net \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Global revolving credit facilities, net	531,905	234,105
Unsecured term loans, net
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured term loans, net	536,580	810,219
Unsecured term loans, net \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured term loans, net	$ 536,580	$ 810,219

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (shares)	110,000,000	110,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	38,250,000	58,250,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (shares)	392,000,000	315,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued (shares)	280,289,726	208,900,758
Common stock, shares, outstanding (shares)	280,289,726	208,900,758
Preferred units, issued (units)	38,250,000	58,250,000
Preferred units, outstanding (units)	38,250,000	58,250,000
Liquidation preference	$ 956,250	$ 1,456,250
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25	$ 25
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Preferred units, issued (units)	38,250,000	58,250,000
Preferred units, outstanding (units)	38,250,000	58,250,000
Common units, issued (units)	280,289,726	208,900,758
Common units, outstanding (units)	280,289,726	208,900,758
Liquidation preference	$ 956,250	$ 1,456,250
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25	$ 25
Limited Partners' units, issued (units)	8,046,267	8,843,155
Limited Partners' units outstanding (units)	8,046,267	8,843,155

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 3,903,609	$ 3,209,241	$ 3,046,478
Operating Expenses:
Rental property operating and maintenance	1,331,493	1,020,578	957,065
Property taxes and insurance	182,623	172,183	140,918
Depreciation and amortization	1,366,379	1,163,774	1,186,896
General and administrative	351,369	211,097	163,667
Transactions and integration	106,662	27,925	45,327
Impairment of investments in real estate	6,482	5,351
Other	1,075	14,118	2,818
Total operating expenses	3,346,083	2,615,026	2,496,691
Operating income	557,526	594,215	549,787
Other Income (Expenses):
Equity in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(57,629)	8,067	32,979
Gain on disposition of properties, net	316,894	267,651	80,049
Gain on deconsolidation, net		67,497
Interest and other income, net	20,222	66,000	3,481
Interest expense	(333,021)	(353,057)	(321,529)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	(103,215)	(39,157)	(1,568)
Income tax expense	(38,047)	(11,995)	(2,084)
Net income	362,730	599,221	341,115
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,332)	(19,460)	(9,869)
Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	356,398	579,761	331,246
Preferred stock dividends, including undeclared dividends	(76,536)	(74,990)	(81,316)
Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock	(16,520)	(11,760)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 263,342	$ 493,011	$ 249,930
Net income per share available to common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 1.01	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 1	$ 2.35	$ 1.21
Weighted average common shares/ units outstanding:
Basic (shares/units)	260,098,978	208,325,823	206,035,408
Diluted (shares/units)	262,522,508	209,462,247	206,673,471
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 3,903,609	$ 3,209,241	$ 3,046,478
Operating Expenses:
Rental property operating and maintenance	1,331,493	1,020,578	957,065
Property taxes and insurance	182,623	172,183	140,918
Depreciation and amortization	1,366,379	1,163,774	1,186,896
General and administrative	351,369	211,097	163,667
Transactions and integration	106,662	27,925	45,327
Impairment of investments in real estate	6,482	5,351
Other	1,075	14,118	2,818
Total operating expenses	3,346,083	2,615,026	2,496,691
Operating income	557,526	594,215	549,787
Other Income (Expenses):
Equity in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(57,629)	8,067	32,979
Gain on disposition of properties, net	316,894	267,651	80,049
Gain on deconsolidation, net		67,497
Interest and other income, net	20,222	66,000	3,481
Interest expense	(333,021)	(353,057)	(321,529)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	(103,215)	(39,157)	(1,568)
Income tax expense	(38,047)	(11,995)	(2,084)
Net income	362,730	599,221	341,115
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,168	1,640	311
Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	365,898	600,861	341,426
Preferred stock dividends, including undeclared dividends	(76,536)	(74,990)	(81,316)
Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock	(16,520)	(11,760)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 272,842	$ 514,111	$ 260,110
Net income per share available to common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 1.02	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 1.01	$ 2.35	$ 1.21
Weighted average common shares/ units outstanding:
Basic (shares/units)	268,072,983	217,284,755	214,312,871
Diluted (shares/units)	270,496,513	218,421,179	214,950,934
Rental and other services
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 3,886,546	$ 3,196,356	$ 2,412,076
Rental and other services \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	3,886,546	3,196,356	2,412,076
Tenant reimbursements
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues			624,637
Tenant reimbursements \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues			624,637
Fee income and other
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	17,063	12,885	9,765
Fee income and other \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 17,063	$ 12,885	$ 9,765

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net income	$ 362,730	$ 599,221	$ 341,115
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	230,340	23,975	(11,736)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
(Decrease) increase in fair value of interest rate swaps	(12,425)	(9,232)	8,197
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,294	(7,446)	(3,969)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	226,209	28,984	(7,508)
Comprehensive income	588,939	628,205	333,607
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(9,610)	(20,719)	(9,576)
Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./ Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	579,329	607,486	324,031
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Net income	362,730	599,221	341,115
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	230,340	23,975	(11,736)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
(Decrease) increase in fair value of interest rate swaps	(12,425)	(9,232)	8,197
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,294	(7,446)	(3,969)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	226,209	28,984	(7,508)
Comprehensive income	588,939	628,205	333,607
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,168	1,640	311
Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc./ Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	$ 592,107	$ 629,845	$ 333,918

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, AdjustmentGeneral PartnerCommon UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, AdjustmentDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, AdjustmentAccumulated Dividends in Excess of Earnings	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, AdjustmentTotal Stockholders' Equity	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	General PartnerPreferred UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	General PartnerPreferred UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	General PartnerPreferred UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	General PartnerPreferred UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	General PartnerPreferred UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units	General PartnerPreferred UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	General PartnerCommon UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	General PartnerCommon UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	General PartnerCommon UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	General PartnerCommon UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Limited PartnersCommon UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Ascenty Acquisition	Limited PartnersCommon UnitsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Total Partners' CapitalDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Total Partners' CapitalDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Total Partners' CapitalDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Interest Rate Swap	Total Partners' CapitalDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Redeemable InterestsDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), netDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Interest Rate Swap	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), netDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint VenturesDigital Realty Trust, L.P.Ascenty Acquisition	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint VenturesDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests -- Operating PartnershipDigital Realty Trust, L.P.	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.Ascenty Acquisition	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.Interest Rate Swap	Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests -- Operating Partnership	Preferred StockSeries H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Dividends in Excess of EarningsSeries H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Accumulated Dividends in Excess of EarningsSeries G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Accumulated Dividends in Excess of EarningsSeries I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Accumulated Dividends in Excess of Earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), netInterest Rate Swap	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	Total Stockholders' EquitySeries H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Total Stockholders' EquitySeries G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Total Stockholders' EquitySeries I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Total Stockholders' EquitySeries K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Total Stockholders' EquitySeries L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units	Total Stockholders' EquityInterest Rate Swap	Total Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests in Operating PartnershipAscenty Acquisition	Noncontrolling Interests in Operating PartnershipInterest Rate Swap	Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint VenturesAscenty Acquisition	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures	Total Noncontrolling InterestsAscenty Acquisition	Total Noncontrolling InterestsInterest Rate Swap	Total Noncontrolling Interests	Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units	Ascenty Acquisition	Interest Rate Swap	Total
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard																																				$ 53,902						$ 1,249,560	$ 2,044	$ 11,261,461				$ (2,055,552)		$ (108,432)							$ 10,349,081			$ 698,126		$ 2,243			$ 700,369								$ 11,049,450
Number of units (units)											50,650,000				205,470,300		8,489,095
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017																																				53,902						1,249,560	$ 2,044	11,261,461				(2,055,552)		(108,432)							10,349,081			698,126		2,243			700,369								11,049,450
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2017																																											205,470,300
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of common units to common stock																																											$ 7	61,997													62,004			(62,004)					(62,004)								0
Conversion of common units to common stock (shares)																																											711,892
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (shares)																																											220,765
Common stock offering costs																																												(1,194)													(1,194)																$ (1,194)
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (shares)																																																																									2,338,874
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan											$ 5,874				$ 5,874																												$ 1	5,873													5,874																$ 5,874
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan (shares)															69,532																												69,532
Shares repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting															$ (5,055)																				$ (5,055)								$ (1)	(5,054)													(5,055)																(5,055)
Shares repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting (shares)															(46,833)																												(46,833)
Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards															$ 32,456																				32,456									32,456													32,456																32,456
Reclassification of vested share-based awards																																												(3,772)													(3,772)			3,772					3,772
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests															1,596		$ 35,678										$ (37,274)								37,274	(37,274)								1,596													1,596			35,678					35,678								37,274
Preferred stock dividends, including undeclared dividends																																			(81,316)													(81,316)									(81,316)																(81,316)
Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units																																				(1,271)												(833,364)									(833,364)			(32,311)					(32,311)								(865,675)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions																										$ 66,124									66,124																											66,124			66,124								66,124
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard	$ (5,915)	$ (5,915)	$ 5,915	$ 5,915	$ 5,915																															15,832						1,249,560	$ 2,051	11,355,751				(2,633,071)		(115,647)							9,858,644			906,510		93,056			999,566								10,858,210
Net income (loss)											81,316				$ 249,930		$ 9,705									(311)	475								340,640	475												331,246									331,246			9,705		(311)			9,394								340,640
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments																								$ (11,736)											(11,736)															(11,279)							(11,279)			(457)					(457)								(11,736)
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps																								8,197											8,197														$ 7,890							$ 7,890			$ 307					$ 307								$ 8,197	8,197
Common stock and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination																$ 253,837									$ 25,000								$ 278,837																									$ 253,837			$ 25,000		$ 278,837								$ 278,837
Common stock and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination (shares)																2,338,874
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps																								(3,969)											(3,969)															(3,826)							(3,826)			(143)					(143)								(3,969)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	(5,915)	(5,915)	5,915	5,915	5,915																															15,832						1,249,560	$ 2,051	11,355,751				(2,633,071)		(115,647)							9,858,644			906,510		93,056			999,566								10,858,210
Ending balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018																																											206,425,656
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)															711,892		711,892
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership converted to shares of common stock															$ 62,004		$ (62,004)																																																								149,547
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (units)															220,765
Reclassification of vested share-based awards															$ (3,772)		3,772
Partners' Capital Account, Distributions											$ (81,316)				$ (833,364)		$ (32,311)										(1,271)								(946,991)
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard	(5,915)	(5,915)	5,915	5,915	5,915																															15,832						1,249,560	$ 2,051	11,355,751				(2,633,071)		(115,647)							9,858,644			906,510		93,056			999,566								10,858,210
Number of units (units)											50,650,000				206,425,656		10,580,884
Conversion of common units to common stock																																											$ 22	190,492													190,514			(190,514)					(190,514)								0
Conversion of common units to common stock (shares)																																											2,154,460
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (shares)																																											256,868
Common stock offering costs																																												(2,530)													(2,530)																(2,530)
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (shares)									8,400,000	13,800,000
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan															$ 5,462																				5,462									5,462													5,462																5,462
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan (shares)															63,774																												63,774
Issuance of preferred stock, net of offering costs									$ 203,264	$ 334,886																					$ 203,264	$ 334,886								$ 203,264	$ 334,886													$ 203,264	$ 334,886														$ 203,264	$ 334,886
Redemption of preferred stock						$ (353,290)						$ (11,760)																$ (365,050)									$ (353,290)								$ (11,760)						$ (365,050)															$ (365,050)
Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards															$ 38,662																				38,662									38,662													38,662																38,662
Reclassification of vested share-based awards																																												(8,458)													(8,458)			8,458					8,458								0
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests															(2,059)											(23,878)	25,937								(25,937)	25,937								(2,059)													(2,059)					(23,878)			(23,878)								(25,937)
Preferred stock dividends, including undeclared dividends																																			(74,990)													(74,990)									(74,990)																(74,990)
Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units																																				(676)												(900,201)									(900,201)			(38,278)					(38,278)								(938,479)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions																										63,173									63,173																											63,173			63,173								63,173
Deconsolidation of consolidated joint venture																										(110,086)									(110,086)																											(110,086)			(110,086)								(110,086)
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)																															41,465						1,434,420	$ 2,073	11,577,320				(3,046,579)		(87,922)							9,879,312			708,163		20,625			728,788								10,858,210
Net income (loss)											$ 74,990				$ 504,771		$ 20,728									(1,640)	372								598,849	372												579,761									579,761			20,728		(1,640)			19,088								598,849
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments																								45,662											45,662															43,702							43,702			1,960					1,960								45,662
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps																								(9,232)											(9,232)														(8,839)							(8,839)			(393)					(393)								(9,232)	(9,232)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps																								(7,446)											(7,446)															(7,138)							(7,138)			(308)					(308)								(7,446)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)																															41,465						1,434,420	$ 2,073	11,577,320				(3,046,579)		(87,922)							9,879,312			708,163		20,625			728,788								10,608,100
Ending balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019																																											208,900,758
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)															2,154,460		2,154,460
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership converted to shares of common stock															$ 190,514		$ (190,514)																																																								190,514
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (units)															256,868		416,731
Reclassification of vested share-based awards															$ (8,458)		$ 8,458
Partners' Capital Account, Distributions											$ (74,990)				$ (900,201)		$ (38,278)										$ (676)								(1,013,469)
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)	(6,318)																															41,465						1,434,420	$ 2,073	11,577,320				(3,046,579)		(87,922)							9,879,312			$ 708,163		20,625			728,788								$ 10,608,100
Number of units (units)											58,250,000				208,900,758		8,843,155																																											217,743,913													208,900,758
Conversion of common units to common stock																																											$ 10	92,543													92,553			$ (92,553)					(92,553)
Conversion of common units to common stock (shares)																																											1,070,014
Common units and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination															$ 7,013,220						$ 7,013,220														7,013,220								$ 545	7,012,675													7,013,220																$ 7,013,220
Common units and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination (in shares)															54,487,997																												54,487,997
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs																																											$ 160	1,888,366													1,888,526																1,888,526
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (shares)																																											15,920,893
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan															$ 6,503						6,503														6,503									6,503													6,503																6,503
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan (shares)															58,136																												58,136
Shares repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting															$ (7,320)						(7,320)														(7,320)									(8,570)													(8,570)																(8,570)
Redemption of preferred stock							$ (241,468)	$ (242,012)					$ (8,532)	$ (7,988)				$ (250,000)	$ (250,000)										$ (250,000)	$ (250,000)								$ (241,468)	$ (242,012)							$ (8,532)	$ (7,988)					$ (250,000)	$ (250,000)														$ (250,000)	$ (250,000)
Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards															$ 77,507						77,507														77,507									78,757													78,757																78,757
Vesting of restricted stock, net (shares)															(148,072)																												(148,072)
Reclassification of vested share-based awards																																												(17,611)													(17,611)			17,611					17,611
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests																																				3,086								(3,086)													(3,086)																(3,086)
Preferred stock dividends, including undeclared dividends																																			(76,536)													(76,536)									(76,536)																(76,536)
Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units																																				(700)												(1,214,701)									(1,214,701)			(37,147)					(37,147)								(1,251,848)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions																						$ 2,089				97,914									97,914	2,089																										97,914			97,914								97,914
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard	$ (6,318)	$ (6,318)	$ (6,318)	$ (6,318)	$ (6,318)																															42,011						950,940	$ 2,788	20,626,897				(3,997,938)		135,010							17,717,697			608,980		119,659			728,639								10,608,100
Net income (loss)															$ (279,862)		$ (9,629)				(289,491)	4,417				$ (1,120)									(290,611)	(4,417)												356,398									356,398			9,629		1,120			10,749								367,147
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments																					(230,340)	(488)		(230,340)											(230,340)	488														226,849							226,849			3,491					3,491								230,340
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps																																			(12,425)																																						(12,425)
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps																				$ 12,425	(8,294)		$ 12,425	$ (8,294)										$ 12,425	(8,294)														$ (11,980)	8,063						$ (11,980)	8,063		$ (445)	231				$ (445)	231							$ (12,425)	8,294
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps																																			8,294																																						8,294
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020																																				42,011						950,940	$ 2,788	20,626,897				(3,997,938)		135,010							17,717,697			608,980		119,659			728,639								18,446,336
Ending balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2020																																											280,289,726
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)															1,070,014		(1,070,014)
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership converted to shares of common stock															$ 92,553		$ (92,553)																																																								92,553
Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures (units)																	273,126
Reclassification of vested share-based awards															17,611		$ (17,611)
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units															3,086						3,086	(3,086)													3,086
Partners' Capital Account, Distributions															$ (1,214,701)		$ (37,147)				$ (1,251,848)	$ (700)													$ (1,251,848)
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard																																				$ 42,011						$ 950,940	$ 2,788	$ 20,626,897				$ (3,997,938)		$ 135,010							$ 17,717,697			$ 608,980		$ 119,659			$ 728,639								$ 18,446,336
Number of units (units)											38,250,000				280,289,726		8,046,267																																											288,335,993													280,289,726

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (units)		208,900,758			208,900,758
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units					$ 92,553	$ 190,514	$ 149,547
Common units and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination					7,013,220
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan					6,503	5,462	5,874
Units repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting					(8,570)		$ (5,055)
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs (units)							2,338,874
Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards					78,757	38,662	$ 32,456
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests					(3,086)	(25,937)	37,274
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions					97,914	63,173	66,124
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard	$ 18,446,336		$ 10,608,100		18,446,336	10,608,100	10,858,210
Deconsolidation of consolidated joint venture						(110,086)
Net (loss) income	$ 59,508	$ 228,698	$ 349,326	$ 120,997	362,730	599,221	341,115
Net income (loss)					367,147	598,849	340,640
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments					230,340	45,662	(11,736)
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps					(12,425)	(9,232)	8,197
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					8,294
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps					$ 8,294	$ (7,446)	(3,969)
Ending balance (units)	280,289,726		208,900,758		280,289,726	208,900,758
Interest Rate Swap
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps						$ (9,232)	8,197
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					$ (12,425)
Ascenty Acquisition
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common units in connection with business combinations							278,837
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units						(365,050)
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					(250,000)
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					(250,000)
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs						203,264
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs						334,886
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests						(23,878)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions					97,914	63,173	66,124
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard	$ 119,659		$ 20,625		119,659	20,625	93,056
Deconsolidation of consolidated joint venture						(110,086)
Net income (loss)					1,120	(1,640)	(311)
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures \| Ascenty Acquisition
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common units in connection with business combinations							25,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		10,608,100		10,858,210	10,608,100	10,858,210	11,049,450
Common units and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination					7,013,220
Common unit offering costs						2,530	1,194
Issuance of common unit, net of offering costs					1,888,526
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan					6,503	5,462
Units repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting					(7,320)		(5,055)
Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards					77,507	38,662	32,456
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units					3,086
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests						(25,937)	37,274
Distributions					(1,251,848)	(1,013,469)	(946,991)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions					97,914	63,173	66,124
Deconsolidation of consolidated joint venture						(110,086)
Net (loss) income	59,508	228,698	349,326	120,997	362,730	599,221	341,115
Net income (loss)					(290,611)	598,849	340,640
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments					(230,340)	45,662	(11,736)
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps					(12,425)	(9,232)	8,197
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					(8,294)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps					8,294	(7,446)	(3,969)
Ending balance	18,446,336		10,608,100		18,446,336	10,608,100	10,858,210
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Interest Rate Swap
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					12,425
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Ascenty Acquisition
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common units in connection with business combinations							278,837
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units						(365,050)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					(250,000)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					(250,000)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs						203,264
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs						334,886
Redeemable Interests \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		41,465			41,465
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units					(3,086)
Distributions					(700)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions					2,089
Net income (loss)					4,417
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments					(488)
Ending balance	42,011		41,465		42,011	41,465
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(91,409)		(120,393)	(91,409)	(120,393)	(112,885)
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments					(230,340)	45,662	(11,736)
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps						(9,232)	8,197
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					(8,294)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps						(7,446)	(3,969)
Ending balance	134,800		(91,409)		134,800	(91,409)	(120,393)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Interest Rate Swap
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					12,425
Total Partners' Capital \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		10,587,475			10,587,475
Common units and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination					7,013,220
Issuance of common unit, net of offering costs					1,888,526
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan					6,503
Units repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting					(7,320)
Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards					77,507
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units					3,086
Distributions					(1,251,848)
Net income (loss)					(289,491)
Other comprehensive income (loss)-foreign currency translation adjustments					(230,340)
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					(8,294)
Ending balance	18,326,677		10,587,475		18,326,677	10,587,475
Total Partners' Capital \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Interest Rate Swap
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income-fair value of interest rate swaps					12,425
Total Partners' Capital \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					(250,000)
Total Partners' Capital \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					(250,000)
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		20,625		93,056	20,625	93,056	2,243
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests						(23,878)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of distributions					97,914	63,173	66,124
Deconsolidation of consolidated joint venture						(110,086)
Net income (loss)					(1,120)	(1,640)	(311)
Ending balance	119,659		20,625		119,659	20,625	93,056
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Ascenty Acquisition
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common units in connection with business combinations							25,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests -- Operating Partnership \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		41,465		15,832	41,465	15,832	53,902
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests						25,937	(37,274)
Distributions						(676)	(1,271)
Net income (loss)						372	475
Ending balance			41,465			41,465	15,832
General Partner \| Preferred Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 1,434,420		$ 1,249,560	$ 1,434,420	$ 1,249,560	$ 1,249,560
Beginning balance (units)		58,250,000		50,650,000	58,250,000	50,650,000	50,650,000
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan							$ 5,874
Distributions						$ (74,990)	(81,316)
Net income (loss)						74,990	81,316
Ending balance	$ 950,940		$ 1,434,420		$ 950,940	$ 1,434,420	$ 1,249,560
Ending balance (units)	38,250,000		58,250,000		38,250,000	58,250,000	50,650,000
General Partner \| Preferred Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units						$ (353,290)
Redemption of preferred units (in units)						(14,600,000)
General Partner \| Preferred Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					$ (241,468)
Redemption of preferred units (in units)					(10,000,000)
General Partner \| Preferred Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					$ (242,012)
Redemption of preferred units (in units)					(10,000,000)
General Partner \| Preferred Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs						$ 203,264
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs (units)						8,400,000
General Partner \| Preferred Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs						$ 334,886
Issuance of preferred units, net of offering costs (units)						13,800,000
General Partner \| Common Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 8,532,814		$ 8,724,731	$ 8,532,814	$ 8,724,731	$ 9,207,953
Beginning balance (units)		208,900,758		206,425,656	208,900,758	206,425,656	205,470,300
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units					$ 92,553	$ 190,514	$ 62,004
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)					1,070,014	2,154,460	711,892
Common units and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination					$ 7,013,220
Common units and share-based awards issued in connection with InterXion combination (in shares)					54,487,997
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (units)						256,868	220,765
Common unit offering costs						$ 2,530	$ 1,194
Issuance of common unit, net of offering costs					$ 1,888,526
Issuance of common units, net of offering costs (in units)					15,920,893
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan					$ 6,503	$ 5,462	$ 5,874
Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (units)					58,136	63,774	69,532
Units repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting					$ (7,320)		$ (5,055)
Shares repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting (shares)							(46,833)
Units repurchased and retired to satisfy tax withholding upon vesting (units)							(46,833)
Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)					(148,072)
Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards					$ 77,507	$ 38,662	$ 32,456
Reclassification of vested share-based awards					17,611	(8,458)	(3,772)
Adjustment to redeemable partnership units					3,086
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests						(2,059)	1,596
Distributions					(1,214,701)	(900,201)	(833,364)
Net income (loss)					(279,862)	504,771	249,930
Ending balance	$ 16,631,747		$ 8,532,814		$ 16,631,747	$ 8,532,814	$ 8,724,731
Ending balance (units)	280,289,726		208,900,758		280,289,726	208,900,758	206,425,656
General Partner \| Common Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units						$ (11,760)
General Partner \| Common Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					$ (8,532)
General Partner \| Common Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of preferred units					(7,988)
Limited Partners \| Common Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 711,650		$ 911,256	$ 711,650	$ 911,256	$ 702,579
Beginning balance (units)		8,843,155		10,580,884	8,843,155	10,580,884	8,489,095
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units					$ (92,553)	$ (190,514)	$ (62,004)
Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units (units)					(1,070,014)	2,154,460	711,892
Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures (units)						416,731
Issuance of common units, net of offering costs (in units)							464,807
Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures (units)					273,126
Reclassification of vested share-based awards					$ (17,611)	$ 8,458	$ 3,772
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests							35,678
Distributions					(37,147)	(38,278)	(32,311)
Net income (loss)					(9,629)	20,728	9,705
Ending balance	$ 609,190		$ 711,650		$ 609,190	$ 711,650	$ 911,256
Ending balance (units)	8,046,267		8,843,155		8,046,267	8,843,155	10,580,884
Limited Partners \| Common Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Ascenty Acquisition
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common units in connection with business combinations							$ 253,837
Issuance of common units in connection with business combinations (in units)							2,338,874
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard			$ (6,318)			$ (6,318)	$ 5,915
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard			(6,318)			(6,318)	(5,915)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment \| General Partner \| Common Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard			$ (6,318)			$ (6,318)	$ (5,915)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 59,508	$ 349,326	$ 362,730	$ 599,221	$ 341,115
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on disposition of properties / deconsolidation, net			(316,894)	(335,148)	(80,049)
Gain on sale of marketable equity security			(17,883)
Unrealized gain on marketable equity security			(577)	(46,492)	(1,631)
Impairment of investments in real estate			6,482	5,351
Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated joint ventures			57,629	(8,067)	(32,979)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures			39,878	44,293	21,905
Write-off due to early lease terminations			9	11,400	2,818
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases			1,010,538	809,472	770,275
Amortization of customer relationship value, acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs			355,841	354,302	416,621
Amortization of share-based compensation			74,577	34,905	27,159
Non-cash amortization of terminated swaps			1,046	1,047	1,120
Allowance for doubtful accounts			6,480	2,159	6,304
Amortization of deferred financing costs			15,286	13,362	11,537
Loss from early extinguishment of debt			103,215	39,157	1,568
Amortization of debt discount/premium			3,916	2,260	3,538
Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases, net			12,686	17,097	26,530
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables			2,432	(8,435)	(21,318)
Deferred rent			(30,430)	(47,858)	(39,905)
Deferred leasing costs			(60,966)	(31,270)	(72,104)
Other assets			(14,363)	(15,599)	(9,145)
Accounts payable, operating lease liabilities and other accrued liabilities			72,280	77,597	63,476
Deferred tax liability, net			10,545	(9,442)	(24,284)
Security deposits and prepaid rents			12,084	4,505	(27,227)
Net cash provided by operating activities			1,706,541	1,513,817	1,385,324
Cash flows from investing activities:
Improvements to investments in real estate			(2,064,066)	(1,436,902)	(1,325,162)
Cash paid for acquisitions			(1,029,652)	(75,704)	(2,090,542)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
Proceeds from joint venture transactions				1,494,881
Proceeds from sale of marketable equity security			70,019	0	0
Cash assumed in acquisitions			121,085		116,000
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of sales costs			564,615		286,204
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			(144,323)	(101,101)	(673)
Prepaid construction costs and other investments			(86,887)	(20,672)	(13,254)
Improvement advances to tenants			(114,614)	(66,078)	(48,502)
Collection of improvement advances to tenants			84,476	27,665	39,936
Net cash used in investing activities			(2,599,347)	(274,992)	(3,035,993)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on global revolving credit facilities			3,638,932	3,099,685	3,046,245
Repayments on global revolving credit facilities			(3,476,821)	(4,512,073)	(1,945,594)
Borrowings on unsecured term loans					467,922
Repayments on unsecured term loans			(300,000)	(375,000)	(674,332)
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes			3,573,120	2,869,240	1,169,006
Repayments on unsecured senior notes			(2,623,383)	(1,539,613)
Borrowings on secured debt					600,000
Principal payments on secured debt			(5,541)	(688)	(594)
Payment of loan fees and costs			(23,921)	(20,944)	(44,299)
Premium paid for early extinguishment of debt			(96,124)	(35,067)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net			102,285	63,173	66,124
Proceeds from common and preferred stock offerings, net			1,879,957	535,620	(3,861)
Redemption of preferred stock			(500,000)	(365,050)
Proceeds from equity plans			6,503	5,462	5,874
Proceeds from forward swap contract					1,560
Payment of dividends to preferred stockholders			(76,536)	(74,990)	(81,316)
Payment of dividends to common stockholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership			(1,162,782)	(921,776)	(849,466)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			935,689	(1,272,021)	1,757,269
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			42,883	(33,196)	106,600
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			(16,484)	(4,773)	15,441
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year			97,253	135,222	13,181
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year	123,652	97,253	123,652	97,253	135,222
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized			301,938	312,848	288,643
Cash paid for income taxes			20,055	14,607	11,224
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments			230,340	45,662	(11,736)
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps			(12,425)	(9,232)	8,197
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership converted to shares of common stock			92,553	190,514	149,547
Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities			358,694	197,665	189,508
Assumption of capital lease obligations upon acquisition					75,030
Non-cash derecognition of capital lease obligation					17,294
Decrease to goodwill and deferred tax liability				(9,436)
Allocation of purchase price of other business combinations and asset acquisitions:
Investment in real estate			945,144	74,903	410,712
Cash and cash equivalents			12,537
Account receivables			(8,509)	(76)
Operating lease right-of-use assets			1,332
Goodwill			188,654
Customer relationship value and other intangibles			68,406	725
Other assets			1,326
Secured debt			(139,569)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities			(20,717)
Operating lease liabilities			(1,384)
Security deposits and prepaid rents			(703)
Common stock issued			(28,168)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint venture			(5,715)
Cash paid for acquisition of real estate			1,029,652	75,704	410,712
Allocation of purchase price to business combinations:
Land	897,181		897,181
Operating lease right-of-use assets	1,386,959	628,681	1,386,959	628,681
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	(119,659)	(20,625)	(119,659)	(20,625)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Investment in real estate	(21,731,112)	(15,517,684)	(21,731,112)	(15,517,684)
Account receivables	(603,111)	(305,501)	(603,111)	(305,501)
Goodwill	(8,330,996)	(3,363,070)	(8,330,996)	(3,363,070)	(4,348,007)
Other assets	(264,528)	(259,376)	(264,528)	(259,376)
Secured debt	239,222	104,934	239,222	104,934
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,420,162	1,009,154	1,420,162	1,009,154
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture	1,148,158	1,287,109	1,148,158	1,287,109
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	135,010	(87,922)	135,010	(87,922)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
DFT Merger
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Goodwill	(2,592,146)	(2,592,146)	(2,592,146)	(2,592,146)	(2,592,146)
InterXion
Allocation of purchase price to business combinations:
Land	190,970		190,970
Building and improvements	3,166,988		3,166,988		425,000
Construction in progress and space held for development	397,825		397,825
Operating lease right-of-use assets	553,987		553,987
Goodwill	4,338,711		4,338,711		982,667
Customer relationship value and other intangibles	1,052,811		1,052,811		495,000
Debt assumed	(1,662,276)		(1,662,276)
Operating lease liabilities	(47,797)		(47,797)
Finance lease obligations	(553,987)		(553,987)
Deferred tax liability	(535,990)		(535,990)
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership					(253,837)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures					(25,000)
Other working capital liabilities, net	(24,738)		(24,738)		60,000
Total equity consideration (2020) or cash paid (2018)	6,876,504		6,876,504		1,563,830
Assumed cash and cash equivalents	108,548		108,548		116,000
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Goodwill	(4,718,867)	0	(4,718,867)	0
Preferred Stock \| InterXion
Allocation of purchase price to business combinations:
Total purchase consideration			6,985,052	0	1,679,830
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	59,508	349,326	362,730	599,221	341,115
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on disposition of properties / deconsolidation, net			(316,894)	(335,148)	(80,049)
Gain on sale of marketable equity security			(17,883)
Unrealized gain on marketable equity security			(577)	(46,492)	(1,631)
Impairment of investments in real estate			6,482	5,351
Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated joint ventures			57,629	(8,067)	(32,979)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures			39,878	44,293	21,905
Write-off due to early lease terminations			9	11,400	2,818
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases			1,010,538	809,472	770,275
Amortization of customer relationship value, acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs			355,841	354,302	416,621
Amortization of share-based compensation			74,577	34,905	27,159
Non-cash amortization of terminated swaps			1,046	1,047	1,120
Allowance for doubtful accounts			6,480	2,159	6,304
Amortization of deferred financing costs			15,286	13,362	11,537
Loss from early extinguishment of debt			103,215	39,157	1,568
Amortization of debt discount/premium			3,916	2,260	3,538
Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases, net			12,686	17,097	26,530
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables			2,432	(8,435)	(21,318)
Deferred rent			(30,430)	(47,858)	(39,905)
Deferred leasing costs			(60,966)	(31,270)	(72,104)
Other assets			(14,363)	(15,599)	(9,145)
Accounts payable, operating lease liabilities and other accrued liabilities			72,280	77,597	63,476
Deferred tax liability, net			10,545	(9,442)	(24,284)
Security deposits and prepaid rents			12,084	4,505	(27,227)
Net cash provided by operating activities			1,706,541	1,513,817	1,385,324
Cash flows from investing activities:
Improvements to investments in real estate			(2,064,066)	(1,436,902)	(1,325,162)
Cash paid for acquisitions			(1,029,652)	(75,704)	(2,090,542)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
Proceeds from joint venture transactions				1,494,881
Proceeds from sale of marketable equity security			70,019
Cash assumed in acquisitions			121,085		116,000
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of sales costs			564,615		286,204
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			(144,323)	(101,101)	(673)
Prepaid construction costs and other investments			(86,887)	(20,672)	(13,254)
Improvement advances to tenants			(114,614)	(66,078)	(48,502)
Collection of improvement advances to tenants			84,476	27,665	39,936
Net cash used in investing activities			(2,599,347)	(274,992)	(3,035,993)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on global revolving credit facilities			3,638,932	3,099,685	3,046,245
Repayments on global revolving credit facilities			(3,476,821)	(4,512,073)	(1,945,594)
Borrowings on unsecured term loans					467,922
Repayments on unsecured term loans			(300,000)	(375,000)	(674,332)
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes			3,573,120	2,869,240	1,169,006
Repayments on unsecured senior notes			(2,623,383)	(1,539,613)
Borrowings on secured debt					600,000
Principal payments on secured debt			(5,541)	(688)	(594)
Payment of loan fees and costs			(23,921)	(20,944)	(44,299)
Premium paid for early extinguishment of debt			(96,124)	(35,067)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net			102,285	63,173	66,124
General partner contributions			1,886,460	541,082	2,013
General partner distributions			(500,000)	(365,050)
Proceeds from forward swap contract					1,560
Payment of dividends to preferred stockholders			(76,536)	(74,990)	(81,316)
Payment of dividends to common stockholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership			(1,162,782)	(921,776)	(849,466)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			935,689	(1,272,021)	1,757,269
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			42,883	(33,196)	106,600
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			(16,484)	(4,773)	15,441
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year			97,253	135,222	13,181
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year	123,652	97,253	123,652	97,253	135,222
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized			301,938	312,848	288,643
Cash paid for income taxes			20,055	14,607	11,224
Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments			230,340	45,662	(11,736)
(Decrease) increase in other assets related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps			(12,425)	(9,232)	8,197
Limited Partner common units converted to General Partner common units			92,553	190,514	149,547
Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities			358,694	197,665	189,508
Assumption of capital lease obligations upon acquisition					75,030
Non-cash derecognition of capital lease obligation					17,294
Decrease to goodwill and deferred tax liability				(9,436)
Allocation of purchase price of other business combinations and asset acquisitions:
Investment in real estate			945,144	74,903	410,712
Cash and cash equivalents			12,537
Account receivables			8,509	76
Operating lease right-of-use assets			1,332
Goodwill			188,654
Customer relationship value and other intangibles			68,406	725
Other assets			1,326
Secured debt			(139,569)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities			(20,717)
Operating lease liabilities			(1,384)
Security deposits and prepaid rents			(703)
Common stock issued			(28,168)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint venture			(5,715)
Cash paid for acquisition of real estate			1,029,652	75,704	410,712
Allocation of purchase price to business combinations:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	1,386,959	628,681	1,386,959	628,681
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	(119,659)	(20,625)	(119,659)	(20,625)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Investment in real estate	(21,731,112)	(15,517,684)	(21,731,112)	(15,517,684)
Account receivables	(603,111)	(305,501)	(603,111)	(305,501)
Goodwill	(8,330,996)	(3,363,070)	(8,330,996)	(3,363,070)
Other assets	(264,528)	(259,376)	(264,528)	(259,376)
Secured debt	239,222	104,934	239,222	104,934
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,420,162	1,009,154	1,420,162	1,009,154
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint venture	1,148,158	1,287,109	1,148,158	1,287,109
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	134,800	(91,409)	134,800	(91,409)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| InterXion
Allocation of purchase price to business combinations:
Land	190,970		190,970
Building and improvements	3,166,988		3,166,988		425,000
Construction in progress and space held for development	397,825		397,825
Operating lease right-of-use assets	553,987		553,987
Goodwill	4,338,711		4,338,711		982,667
Customer relationship value and other intangibles	1,052,811		1,052,811		495,000
Debt assumed	(1,662,276)		(1,662,276)
Operating lease liabilities	(47,797)		(47,797)
Finance lease obligations	(553,987)		(553,987)
Other working capital liabilities, net	(24,738)		(24,738)		(60,000)
Deferred tax liability	(535,990)		(535,990)
Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership			0		(253,837)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	0		0		(25,000)
Total equity consideration (2020) or cash paid (2018)	6,876,504		6,876,504		1,563,830
Assumed cash and cash equivalents	108,548		108,548		116,000
Total purchase consideration			6,985,052		$ 1,679,830
Ascenty Acquisition
Cash flows from investing activities:
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
Allocation of purchase price to business combinations:
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$ (21,900)	(23,900)	$ (21,900)	(23,900)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Investment in real estate		(362,951)		(362,951)
Account receivables		(24,977)		(24,977)
Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles		(480,128)		(480,128)
Goodwill		(967,189)		(967,189)
Other assets		(31,099)		(31,099)
Secured debt		571,873		571,873
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		72,449		72,449
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(21,687)		(21,687)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
Net carrying value of Ascenty assets and liabilities deconsolidated				(1,340,790)
Recognition of retained investment in unconsolidated Ascenty joint venture		727,439		727,439
Ascenty Acquisition \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Cash flows from investing activities:
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Investment in real estate		(362,951)		(362,951)
Account receivables		(24,977)		(24,977)
Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles		(480,128)		(480,128)
Goodwill		(967,189)		(967,189)
Other assets		(31,099)		(31,099)
Secured debt		571,873		571,873
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		72,449		72,449
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		21,687		21,687
Deconsolidation of Ascenty cash				(97,081)
Net carrying value of Ascenty assets and liabilities deconsolidated				1,340,790
Recognition of retained investment in unconsolidated Ascenty joint venture		$ 727,439		$ 727,439

Organization and Description of

Organization and Description of Business	12 Months Ended
Organization and Description of Business	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization and Description of Business
Organization and Description of Business	1. 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 a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions for customers across a variety of industry verticals ranging from cloud and information technology services, communications and social networking to financial services, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and consumer products. The Operating Partnership, a Maryland limited partnership, is the entity through which Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, conducts its business of owning, acquiring, developing and operating data centers. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. operates as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. A summary of our data center portfolio as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: Data Centers As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 Unconsolidated Unconsolidated Region Operating Joint Total Operating Held for (2) Joint Total United States 123 16 139 119 11 17 147 Europe 107 (1) — 107 41 — — 41 Latin America — 22 22 — — 19 19 Asia 7 5 12 5 — 5 10 Australia 6 — 6 5 — — 5 Africa 3 (1) — 3 — — — — Canada 2 — 2 2 1 — 3 Total 248 43 291 172 12 41 225 (1) Includes 62 data centers in Europe and three data centers in Africa that were acquired as part of the Interxion Combination. (2) Includes 10 Powered Base Building® properties, which comprise 12 data centers, that were held for sale to a third party as of December 31, 2019 and subsequently sold in January 2020 (see Note 5). We are diversified in major metropolitan areas where data center and technology customers are concentrated, including the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley and Toronto metropolitan areas in North America, the Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Marseille, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna, Zagreb and Zurich metropolitan areas in Europe, the Fortaleza, Querétaro, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago and São Paulo metropolitan areas in Latin America, and the Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo metropolitan areas in the Asia Pacific region. The portfolio consists of data centers, Internet gateway facilities 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 December 31, 2020, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owns a 97.2% common interest and a 100.0% preferred interest in the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2019, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owned a 95.9% 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. As used in these Notes: “Ascenty Acquisition” refers to the acquisition of Ascenty by the Operating Partnership and Stellar Participações S.A. (formerly Stellar Participações Ltda.), a Brazilian subsidiary of the Operating Partnership; “Ascenty joint venture” refers to the joint venture, which owns and operates Ascenty, formed with Brookfield Infrastructure; “Brookfield” refers to Brookfield Infrastructure, an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management; “DFT” refers to DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc.; “DFT Merger” refers to the Company’s acquisition of DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc.; “DFT Operating Partnership” refers to DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P.; “European Portfolio Acquisition” refers to the Company’s acquisition of a portfolio of eight data centers in Europe; “Interxion” refers to InterXion Holding N.V.; “Interxion Combination” refers to the Company’s combination with InterXion Holding N.V.; and “Telx Acquisition” refers to the Company’s acquisition of Telx Holdings, Inc.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying 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 notes to the 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 few differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, which are reflected in these consolidated financial statements. We believe it is important to understand the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership in the context of how we operate as an interrelated consolidated company. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s only material asset is its ownership of partnership interests of the Operating Partnership. 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 primarily 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 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 consolidated financial statements and as noncontrolling interests in operating partnership within equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 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 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 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: ● consolidated face financial statements; and ● the following notes to the consolidated financial statements: ● "Debt of the Company" and "Debt of the Operating Partnership"; ● "Income per Share" and "Income per Unit"; ● "Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of the Company" and Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss of the Operating Partnership"; and ● "Quarterly Financial Information". 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, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash equivalents consist of investments in money market instruments. Restricted cash primarily consists of contractual capital expenditures plus other deposits. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,501 $ 89,817 $ 126,700 Restricted cash (included in other assets) 15,151 7,436 8,522 Total $ 123,652 $ 97,253 $ 135,222 (c) Investments in Real Estate Investments in real estate are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives as follows: Acquired ground leases Terms of the related lease Buildings and improvements 5-39 years Machinery and equipment 7-15 years Furniture and fixtures 3-5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases Tenant improvements Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency of the asset. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Assets that are classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to dispose. We classify an asset as held for sale once management has the authority to approve and commits to a plan to sell, the asset is available for immediate sale, an active program to locate a buyer has commenced and the sale of the asset is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to occur within one year. Upon the classification of assets as held for sale or sold, the depreciation and amortization of the assets will cease. (d) Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures The Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. We use the equity method when we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the venture but do not have control of the entity. Under the equity method, we initially recognize these investments in the balance sheet at our cost or proportionate share of fair value. We subsequently adjust the accounts to reflect our proportionate share of net earnings or losses recognized and other comprehensive income or loss, distributions received, contributions made and certain other adjustments, as appropriate. We do not record losses of the joint ventures in excess of our investment balances unless we are liable for the obligations of the joint venture or are otherwise committed to provide financial support to the joint venture. Likewise, and as long as we have no explicit or implicit obligations to the joint venture, we will suspend equity method accounting to the extent that cash distributions exceed our investment balances until those unrecorded earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. In this case, we will apply cost accounting concepts which result in income being equal to cash distributions received. Cost basis accounting concepts will apply until earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. We amortize the difference between the cost of our investment in the joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. In the event the underlying asset is goodwill, the difference is not amortized. The amortization of this difference was immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. (e) Impairment of Long-Lived and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets We review each of our properties for indicators that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Examples of such indicators may include a significant decrease in the market price of the property, a change in the expected holding period for the property, a significant adverse change in how the property is being used or expected to be used based on the underwriting at the time of acquisition, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of the property, or a history of operating or cash flow losses of the property. When such impairment indicators exist, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to result from the property’s or asset group’s use and eventual disposition and compare that estimate to the carrying value of the property or the asset group. We consider factors such as future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If our future undiscounted net cash flow evaluation indicates that we are unable to recover the carrying value of a property or asset group, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property or fair value of the properties within the asset group. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. If we determine that the asset fails the recoverability test, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value. We generally estimate the fair value of rental properties utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis that includes projections of future revenues, expenses and capital improvement costs that a market participant would use based on the highest and best use of the asset, which is similar to the income approach that is commonly utilized by appraisers. In certain cases, we may supplement this analysis by obtaining outside broker opinions of value. In considering whether to classify a property as held for sale or contribution, the Company considers whether: (i) management has committed to a plan to sell or contribute the property; (ii) the property is available for immediate sale or contribution in its present condition; (iii) the Company has initiated a program to locate a buyer or joint venture partner; (iv) the Company believes that the sale or contribution of the property is probable; (v) the Company is actively marketing the property for sale or contribution at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current value; and (vi) actions required for the Company to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that any significant changes will be made to the plan. If all the above criteria are met, the Company classifies the property as held for sale or contribution. Assets classified as held for sale are expected to be sold to a third party and assets classified as held for contribution are expected to be contributed to an unconsolidated joint venture or to a third party within twelve months. At such time, the respective assets and liabilities are presented separately in the consolidated balance sheets and depreciation is no longer recognized. Assets held for sale or contribution are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated fair value less the costs to sell or contribute. Only those assets held for sale or contribution that constitute a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations are classified as discontinued operations. To date we have had no property dispositions or assets classified as held for sale or contribution that would meet the definition of discontinued operations. If impairment indicators arise with respect to intangible assets with finite useful lives, we evaluate impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then we estimate the fair value of the asset and compare the estimated fair value to the intangible asset’s carrying value. We recognize any shortfall from carrying value as an impairment loss in the current period. (f) Acquisition Accounting Acquisition accounting is applied to the assets and liabilities acquired from third parties. The Company evaluates the nature of the purchase to determine whether the purchase is a business combination or an asset acquisition. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred while transaction costs associated with an asset acquisition are included in the total costs of the acquisition and are allocated on a pro-rata basis to the carrying value of the assets and liabilities recognized in connection with the acquisition. The following accounting policies related to valuing the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities are applicable to both business combinations and asset acquisitions. However, in the event the purchase is an asset acquisition, no goodwill or gain is permitted to be recognized. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the sum of the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and the total purchase price (including transactions costs) is allocated to the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities on a relative fair value basis. In accordance with current accounting guidance , The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property are determined based on comparable land sales for land and replacement costs adjusted for physical and market obsolescence for the improvements. The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property in an asset acquisition are also determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land, building and tenant improvements based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property based on assumptions that a market participant would use, which is similar to methods used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related costs. In allocating the fair value of the identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) estimated fair market lease rates from the perspective of a market participant for the corresponding in-place leases, measured, for above-market leases, over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease and, for below-market leases, over a period equal to the initial term plus any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. The leases we have acquired do not currently include any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. The capitalized below-market lease values, also referred to as acquired lease obligations, are amortized as an increase to rental income over the initial terms of the respective leases and any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. In addition to the intangible value for above-market leases and the intangible negative value for below-market leases, there is intangible value related to having tenants leasing space in the purchased property, which is referred to as in-place lease value. Such value results primarily from the buyer of a leased property avoiding the costs associated with leasing the property and also avoiding rent losses and unreimbursed operating expenses during the lease-up period. Factors to be considered by management in its analysis of in-place lease values include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, management considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses. The value of in-place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases. The Company uses the multi-period excess earnings method to value customer relationship value, if any. Such value exists in transactions that involve the acquisition of customers that are expected to generate recurring revenues beyond existing in-place lease terms. The primary factors to be considered by management in its analysis of customer relationship value include projected revenue growth from existing customers, historical customer lease renewals and attrition rates, rental renewal probabilities and related market terms, estimated operating costs, and discount rate. Customer relationship value is amortized to expense ratably over the anticipated life of substantially all of the customer relationships generating excess earnings, which is the primary period that generated this intangible asset. (g) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. We perform an annual impairment test for goodwill and between annual tests, we evaluate goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. In January 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on simplifying the test for goodwill impairment. Prior to 2020, the standard required an entity to perform a two-step test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In Step 1, an entity compared the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value, the entity performed Step 2 and compared the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill for that reporting unit. An impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill for the reporting unit exceeded the implied fair value of that goodwill is recorded, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The new guidance removes Step 2. Under the new guidance, an entity will apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The new guidance was effective for us in the first quarter of 2020 and was adopted on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance had no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. We have not recognized any goodwill impairments since our inception. Since some of the goodwill is denominated in foreign currencies, changes to the goodwill balance occur over time due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following is a summary of goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Balance as of Impact of Change Balance as of December 31, Merger / Goodwill in Foreign December 31, Merger / Portfolio Acquisition 2019 Acquisition Deconsolidation Adjustments Exchange Rates 2020 Telx Acquisition $ 330,845 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,845 European Portfolio Acquisition 440,079 — — — 23,075 463,154 DFT Merger 2,592,146 — — — — 2,592,146 Interxion Combination — 4,338,711 — — 380,156 4,718,867 Other combinations — 215,949 10,035 225,984 Total $ 3,363,070 $ 4,554,660 $ — $ — $ 413,266 $ 8,330,996 Balance as of Impact of Change Balance as of December 31, Merger / Goodwill in Foreign December 31, 2018 Acquisition Deconsolidation Adjustments (1) Exchange Rates 2019 Telx Acquisition $ 330,845 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,845 European Portfolio Acquisition 442,349 — — (9,436) 7,166 440,079 DFT Merger 2,592,146 — — — — 2,592,146 Ascenty Acquisition 982,667 — (967,189) — (15,478) — Total $ 4,348,007 $ — $ (967,189) $ (9,436) $ (8,312) $ 3,363,070 (1) As a result of a subsequent reduction to an acquired deferred tax liability that would not have impacted consideration paid, goodwill was adjusted. (h) 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. During the development period, all costs including the associated land are classified to construction in progress and space held for development. Upon completion of the development period for a project, accumulated construction in progress costs including the land related to a project are allocated to the specific components of a project that are benefited. Construction in progress and space held for development includes the cost of land, the cost of construction of buildings, improvements and fixed equipment, and costs for design and engineering. Other costs, such as interest, legal, property taxes and corporate project supervision, which can be directly associated with the project during construction, are also included in construction in progress and space held for development. Land held for development includes parcels of land owned by the Company, upon which the Company intends to develop and own data centers, but has yet to commence development. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized interest of approximately $47.3 million, $40.2 million and $34.7 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized amounts relating to compensation and other overhead expense of employees direct and incremental to construction activities of approximately $53.7 million, $46.5 million and $39.2 million, respectively. (i) Deferred Leasing Costs Leasing commissions and other direct and indirect costs associated with the acquisition of tenants are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized amounts relating to variable compensation of employees direct and incremental to successful leasing activities of approximately $40.8 million, $30.8 million and $27.2 million, respectively. Deferred leasing costs is included in customer relationship value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles on the consolidated balance sheet and amounted to approximately $272.3 million and $291.8 million, net of accumulated amortization of $401.4 million and $329.5 million, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense on leasing costs was approximately $76.0 million, $75.3 million, and $72.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. (j) Marketable Equity Securities The Company reports its marketable equity securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 1, as defined by the FASB standard for fair value measurements). Unrealized gains and losses in marketable equity securities are included in interest and other income (expense), net on the consolidated income statements. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, marketable equity securities consisted of common stock traded on a public stock exchange. In June 2020, net proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities totaled approximately $70.0 million, which resulted in a $17.9 million gain from the mark to market valuation as of March 31, 2020. There were no sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the portion of marketable equity security unrealized gains that were recognized in income totaled $0.6 million, $46.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and were included in interest and other income, net on the Company's consolidated income statements. (k) Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries outside the United States with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. Income and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. In the statement of cash flows, cash flows denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the cash flows or an average exchange rate for the period, depending on the nature of the cash flow item. (l) Deferred Financing Costs Loan fees and costs are recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt and amortized over the life of the related loans on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method. Such amortization is included as a component of interest expense. (m) Offering Costs Underwriting commissions and other offering costs are reflected as a reduction in additional paid-in capital, or in the case of preferred stock, as a reduction of the carrying value of preferred stock. (n) Share-Based Compensation The Company measures all share-based compensation awards at fair value on the date they are granted to employees and directors, and recognizes compensation cost, net of forfeitures, over the requisite service period for awards with only a service condition. The estimated fair value of the long-term incentive units and Class D units (discussed in Note 15) granted by us is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected service period. The fair value of share-based compensation awards that contain a market condition is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation method and is not adjusted based on actual achievement of the market condition. (o) Derivative Instruments Derivative financial instruments are employed to manage risks, including foreign currency and interest rate exposures and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. As part of the Company’s risk management program, a variety of financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts, may be used to mitigate interest rate exposure and foreign currency exposure. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized periodically either in earnings or in other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative financial instrument is undesignated or qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it represents a fair value, cash flow, or net investment hedge. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are included in the assessment of effectiveness, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to earnings to offset the impact of the hedged items when they occur. In the event it becomes probable the forecasted transaction to which a cash flow hedge relates will not occur, the derivative would be terminated and the amount in other comprehensive income (loss) would be recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as a hedge of the net investment in foreign operations, to the extent they are included in the assessment of effectiveness, are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and are deferred until disposal of the underlying assets. Gains and losses representing components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for cash flow and fair value hedges are recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis in the same caption as the hedged item over the term of the hedge. Gains and losses representing components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for net investment hedges are recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis over the term of the hedge. The net interest paid or received on interest rate swaps is recognized as interest expense. Gains and losses resulting from the early termination of interest rate swap agreements are deferred and amortized as adjustments to interest expense over the remaining period of the debt originally covered by the terminated swap. See Note 16 for further discussion on derivative instruments. (p) Income Taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) for federal in

Business Combinations and Decon

Business Combinations and Deconsolidation	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations and Deconsolidation	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations and Deconsolidation
Business Combinations and Deconsolidation	3. Business Combinations and Deconsolidation Interxion Combination We obtained control of Interxion on March 9, 2020 and completed the Interxion Combination on March 12, 2020 for total equity consideration of approximately $7.0 billion, including approximately $108.5 million of assumed cash and cash equivalents. The following table summarizes the acquired assets and liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands): Final Amounts Land $ 190,970 Build and improvements 3,166,988 Construction in progress and space held for development 397,825 Operating lease right-of-use assets 553,987 Goodwill 4,338,711 Customer relationship value and other intangibles (1) 1,052,811 Debt assumed (1,662,276) Finance lease obligations (47,797) Operating lease liabilities (553,987) Deferred tax liability, net (535,990) Working capital liabilities, net (24,738) Total purchase consideration 6,876,504 Assumed cash and cash equivalents 108,548 Total equity consideration $ 6,985,052 (1) The weighted average amortization life for customer relationship value is Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in the acquisition. As shown above, we recorded approximately $4.3 billion of goodwill related to the Interxion Combination. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes. The strategic benefits of the acquisition include the Company’s ability to continue its strategy to provide solutions on a global basis with a diversified product offering of data center solutions for both small and large footprint deployments as well as interconnection services. These factors contributed to the goodwill that was recorded upon consummation of the transaction. The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based on our historical consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, adjusted to give effect to the Interxion Combination as if it occurred on January 1, 2019. The pro forma adjustments primarily relate to merger expenses, depreciation expense on acquired buildings and improvements, amortization of acquired intangibles, and estimated interest expense related to financing transactions, the proceeds of which were used to fund the repayment of Interxion debt in connection with the Interxion Combination. Pro forma (unaudited, in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2020 2019 Total revenue $ 4,051,608 $ 3,758,054 Net income available to common stockholders (1) $ 323,889 $ 267,600 Pro forma (unaudited, in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2020 2019 Total revenue $ 4,051,608 $ 3,758,054 Net income available to common unitholders (1) $ 333,389 $ 288,700 (1) Pro forma net income available to common stockholders/unitholders was adjusted to exclude $65.7 million of merger-related costs incurred by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2020 and to include these charges for the year ended December 31, 2019. Revenues of approximately $691.4 million and net income of approximately $59.4 million associated with the Interxion Combination are included in the consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2020. In addition to Interxion, we acquired controlling interests in Icolo, Altus IT, and Lamda Hellix in 2020. These business combinations were immaterial to our consolidated financial statements – both individually and in the aggregate. Ascenty Deconsolidation On March 29, 2019, we formed a joint venture with Brookfield Infrastructure, an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management. Brookfield invested approximately into the Company's functional currency. The Company has no other subsidiaries or businesses with the Brazilian real as its functional currency and, therefore, the deconsolidation of Ascenty resulted in the reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into a component of income from continuing operations in the 2019 consolidated income statement. The Ascenty deconsolidation did not meet the criteria to be presented as a discontinued operation in accordance with ASC 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements Discontinued Operations,

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
Leases	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases
Leases	4. Leases Lessee accounting We lease space at certain of our data centers from third parties and certain equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. Leases for our data centers expire at various dates through 2069. As of December 31, 2020, certain of our data centers, primarily in Europe and Singapore, are subject to ground leases. As of December 31, 2020, the termination dates of these ground leases range from 2041 to 2981. In addition, our corporate headquarters along with several regional office locations are subject to leases with termination dates ranging from 2021 to 2028. The leases generally require us to make fixed rental payments that increase at defined intervals during the term of the lease plus pay our share of common area, real estate and utility expenses as incurred. The leases neither contain residual value guarantees nor impose material restrictions or covenants on us. Further, the leases have been classified and accounted for as either operating or finance leases. In July 2020, we acquired the freehold to the land under the Hanauer Landstraße campus in Frankfurt along with leasehold agreements to nine of our data centers within the campus (see Note 5) and, as a result, the leases were terminated and right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities of approximately $24.7 million were written off. Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows (in thousands): Balance Sheet Balance as of Classification December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating lease assets Operating lease right-of-use assets, net (1) $ 1,386,959 $ 628,681 Finance lease assets Buildings and improvements, net (2) 181,753 131,072 Total leased assets $ 1,568,712 $ 759,753 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liabilities $ 1,468,712 $ 693,539 Finance lease liabilities Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 233,350 178,086 Total lease liabilities $ 1,702,062 $ 871,625 _________________________ (1) Net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of (2) Net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of The components of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended Lease cost Income Statement Classification December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization $ 7,222 $ 5,074 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 7,060 6,044 Operating lease cost Rental property operating and maintenance / General and administrative 129,399 90,980 Total lease cost $ 143,681 $ 102,098 As of December 31, 2020, the weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases and finance leases was 13 years and 22 years, respectively. We do not include renewal options in the lease term for calculating the lease liability unless we are reasonably certain we will exercise the option or the lessor has the sole ability to exercise the option. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate was 2.8% for operating leases and 3.2% for finance leases at December 31, 2020. We assigned a collateralized interest rate to each lease based on the term of the lease and the currency in which the lease is denominated. Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands): Operating Finance lease liabilities lease liabilities 2021 $ 137,324 $ 12,578 2022 143,183 13,099 2023 143,606 33,288 2024 144,303 12,039 2025 145,162 12,094 Thereafter 1,046,233 244,675 Total undiscounted future cash flows 1,759,811 327,773 Less: Imputed interest (291,099) (94,423) Present value of undiscounted future cash flows $ 1,468,712 $ 233,350 Lessor accounting The following table summarizes the minimum lease payments due from our customers on leases with lease periods greater than one year for space in our operating properties, prestabilized development properties and leases of land subject to ground leases at December 31, 2020 (in thousands): Operating leases 2021 $ 2,874,204 2022 2,126,375 2023 1,760,337 2024 1,457,784 2025 1,155,144 Thereafter 3,907,635 Total $ 13,281,479 These amounts do not reflect future rental revenues from the renewal or replacement of existing leases unless we are reasonably certain we will exercise the option or the lessee has the sole ability to exercise the option. We exclude reimbursements of operating expenses and rental increases that are not fixed.

Investments in Properties

Investments in Properties	12 Months Ended
Investments in Properties	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments in Properties
Investments in Properties	5. Investments in Properties A summary of our investments in properties as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: As of December 31, Property Type 2020 2019 Land $ 1,106,392 $ 804,830 Acquired ground lease 10,308 10,725 Buildings and improvements 21,335,396 15,449,884 Tenant improvements 690,892 621,153 23,142,988 16,886,592 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (5,555,221) (4,536,169) Investments in operating properties, net 17,587,767 12,350,423 Construction in progress and space held for development 2,768,325 1,732,555 Land held for future development 226,862 147,597 Investments in properties, net $ 20,582,954 $ 14,230,575 Acquisitions For the year ended December 31, 2020, we acquired real estate for approximately $830.0 million in the aggregate (excluding business combinations discussed in Note 3). Acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2019 were immaterial to our financial statements – both individually and in the aggregate. The table below reflects the purchase price allocation for the real estate acquired in 2020 (in thousands): Description Amount Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life (in years) Investment in properties $ 897,181 Customer relationship value and in-place leases 68,850 15 Working capital, net 7,224 Below-market leases (2,540) 15 Secured debt (135,000) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures (5,715) Acquisition date fair value $ 830,000 Dispositions We sold the following real estate properties during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 Dispositions Gross Proceeds Gain on Sale Location / Portfolio Metro Area Date Sold (in millions) (in millions) Mapletree portfolio (1) Various Jan 14, 2020 $ 557.0 $ 306.5 Liverpoolweg 10 Amsterdam Jul 17, 2020 21.5 10.4 Naritaweg 52 Amsterdam Dec 30, 2020 6.1 — $ 584.6 $ 316.9 2019 Dispositions Fair Value Gain on contribution Location / Portfolio Metro Area Date Sold (in millions) (in millions) Mapletree portfolio (2) Northern Virginia Nov 1, 2019 $ 996.6 $ 266.0 2018 Dispositions Gross Proceeds Gain on Sale Location Metro Area Date Sold (in millions) (in millions) 200 Quannapowitt Parkway Boston Jan 25, 2018 $ 15.0 $ (0.4) 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard Silicon Valley Feb 9, 2018 73.3 25.3 3065 Gold Camp Drive Sacramento Mar 14, 2018 14.2 5.4 11085 Sun Center Drive Sacramento Mar 14, 2018 36.8 9.1 Austin Portfolio Austin Apr 19, 2018 47.6 12.0 2010 East Centennial Circle Phoenix May 22, 2018 5.5 (0.5) 1125 Energy Park Drive Minneapolis May 31, 2018 7.0 2.8 360 Spear Street San Francisco Sep 21, 2018 92.3 26.7 $ 291.7 $ 80.4 (3) On September 16, 2019, we announced the proposed sale of 10 Powered Base Building® properties, which comprise 12 data centers, in North America to Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd (“Mapletree Investments”) and Mapletree Industrial Trust (“MIT” and together with Mapletree Investments, “Mapletree”), at a purchase consideration of approximately $557.0 million. As of December 31, 2019, these 12 data centers had an aggregate carrying value of $229.9 million within total assets and $2.7 million within total liabilities and are shown as assets held for sale and obligations associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet. The 12 data centers were not representative of a significant component of our portfolio, nor did the sale represent a significant shift in our strategy. In January 2020, we closed on the sale of the 12 data centers for a gain of approximately $303.3 million. We provided transitional property management services for one year from the closing date at a customary market rate. (4) Consists of three data centers that were contributed to a joint venture with Mapletree.

Investments in Unconsolidated J

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	6. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting presented in our consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands): Year Joint # of Metropolitan Balance as of Balance as of Joint Venture Venture Formed Data Centers Area % Ownership December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Ascenty (1) 2019 22 Brazil / Chile / Mexico 51 % (2) $ 567,192 $ 787,026 Mapletree 2019 3 Northern Virginia 20 % 184,890 196,181 Mitsubishi 2017 4 Osaka / Tokyo 50 % 278,947 200,652 CenturyLink 2012 1 Hong Kong 50 % 86,600 88,647 Other Various 13 U.S. Various 30,529 14,603 Total 43 $ 1,148,158 $ 1,287,109 (1) Our maximum exposure to loss related to this unconsolidated variable interest entity (VIE) is limited to our equity investment in this VIE. (2) Includes an approximate 2% ownership interest held by a non-controlling interest in our entity that holds the investment in the Ascenty joint venture, which has a carrying value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 of approximately $21.9 million and $23.9 million, respectively, and is classified within redeemable noncontrolling interests in our consolidated balance sheet. The following tables present summarized financial information for our unconsolidated joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 (in thousands): Property Net Net % Net Investment Total Mortgage Total Operating Operating Income 2020 Ownership in Properties Assets Loans Liabilities Equity Revenues Expense Income (Loss) Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2020 Fifth Avenue 50.00 % $ 43,255 $ 52,435 $ 47,748 $ 48,119 $ 4,316 $ 10,107 $ (2,887) $ 7,220 $ 4,393 CenturyLink 50.00 % 142,596 181,464 — 8,264 173,200 25,006 (10,241) 14,765 5,581 Mitsubishi 50.00 % 734,362 968,957 243,911 358,749 610,208 154,114 (71,001) 83,113 43,746 Ascenty 51.00 % 594,322 1,862,402 720,623 833,801 1,028,601 165,680 (60,640) 105,040 (191,161) Mapletree 20.00 % 723,678 985,900 — 38,140 947,760 106,966 (40,904) 66,062 (11,473) PREI ® 20.00 % 359,706 409,836 211,205 278,645 131,191 41,459 (9,182) 32,277 9,446 GCEAR 20.00 % 106,316 117,573 89,300 90,709 26,864 21,401 (6,787) 14,614 4,642 Other Various 19,261 24,371 3,563 3,876 20,495 10,508 (6,945) 3,563 (271) Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 2,723,496 $ 4,602,938 $ 1,316,350 $ 1,660,303 $ 2,942,635 $ 535,241 $ (208,587) $ 326,654 $ (135,097) Our investment in and share of equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 1,148,158 $ (57,629) Property Net Net % Net Investment Total Mortgage Total Equity / Operating Operating Income 2019 Ownership in Properties Assets Loans Liabilities (Deficit) Revenues Expense Income (Loss) Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2001 Sixth Avenue 50.00 % $ 30,748 $ 47,485 $ 134,583 $ 140,354 $ (92,869) $ 56,266 $ (19,254) $ 37,012 $ 27,422 2020 Fifth Avenue 50.00 % 43,918 54,325 48,000 48,703 5,622 9,868 (2,544) 7,324 4,649 CenturyLink 50.00 % 148,941 187,241 — 9,947 177,294 24,680 (9,251) 15,429 6,712 Mitsubishi 50.00 % 554,828 753,743 231,046 303,130 450,613 84,344 (39,300) 45,044 18,751 Ascenty 51.00 % 548,114 2,178,663 629,500 764,603 1,414,060 112,052 (40,250) 71,802 (54,606) Mapletree 20.00 % 765,443 1,042,661 — 23,796 1,018,865 17,852 (6,774) 11,078 (1,872) PREI ® 20.00 % 365,993 421,635 210,915 281,344 140,291 42,157 (9,918) 32,239 9,968 GCEAR 20.00 % 109,803 127,444 101,902 104,363 23,081 21,120 (9,073) 12,047 (2,636) Other 7%-17 % 59,901 64,553 4,438 4,706 59,847 11,261 (6,779) 4,482 (31) Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 2,627,689 $ 4,877,750 $ 1,360,384 $ 1,680,946 $ 3,196,804 $ 379,600 $ (143,143) $ 236,457 $ 8,357 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 1,287,109 $ 8,067 Property Net Net % Net Investment Total Mortgage Total Equity / Operating Operating Income 2018 Ownership in Properties Assets Loans Liabilities (Deficit) Revenues Expense Income (Loss) Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2001 Sixth Avenue 50.00 % $ 32,786 $ 49,278 $ 134,527 $ 139,569 $ (90,291) $ 52,806 $ (17,264) $ 35,542 $ 25,612 2020 Fifth Avenue 50.00 % 44,644 54,855 48,000 48,333 6,522 9,417 (2,156) 7,261 4,689 CenturyLink 50.00 % 151,256 201,527 — 9,337 192,190 21,394 (7,164) 14,230 6,958 Mitsubishi 50.00 % 332,373 469,159 228,075 285,424 183,735 59,300 (26,360) 32,940 15,884 PREI ® 20.00 % 375,016 433,024 210,626 283,899 149,125 42,058 (8,457) 33,601 (4,159) GCEAR 20.00 % 111,909 139,268 101,885 104,268 35,000 20,457 (8,546) 11,911 (2,177) Other 17.00 % 22,677 24,320 5,225 5,327 18,993 9,383 (5,879) 3,504 415 Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 1,070,661 $ 1,371,431 $ 728,338 $ 876,157 $ 495,274 $ 214,815 $ (75,826) $ 138,989 $ 47,222 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 175,108 $ 32,979 The amounts reflected in the tables above, except for our investment in and share of equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures, are based on the historical financial information of the individual joint ventures. The debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures generally is non-recourse to us, except for customary exceptions pertaining to such matters as intentional misuse of funds, environmental conditions, and material misrepresentations.

Acquired Intangible Assets and

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities	Dec. 31, 2020
Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities
Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities	7. Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities The following summarizes our acquired intangible assets and intangible liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Intangible Assets: Customer relationship value: Gross amount $ 2,993,093 $ 1,845,949 Accumulated amortization (570,886) (400,570) Net $ 2,422,207 $ 1,445,379 Acquired in-place lease value: Gross amount $ 1,382,563 $ 1,357,190 Accumulated amortization (1,004,421) (899,071) Net $ 378,142 $ 458,119 Other (1) : Gross amount $ 57,370 $ — Accumulated amortization (7,107) — Net $ 50,263 $ — Acquired above-market leases (2) : Gross amount $ 280,216 $ 279,048 Accumulated amortization (236,922) (204,233) Net $ 43,294 $ 74,815 Acquired below-market leases (3) : Gross amount $ 401,539 $ 396,509 Accumulated amortization (270,649) (247,735) Net $ 130,890 $ 148,774 (1) Included in customer relationship value, deferred leasing costs and other intangibles on the consolidated balance sheet. (2) Included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. (3) Included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Amortization of acquired below-market lease value, net of acquired above-market lease value, resulted in a decrease in rental and other services revenue of $(10.5) million, $(17.1) million and $(27.3) million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The expected average remaining lives for acquired below-market leases and acquired above-market leases was 7.2 amortization of acquired below-market lease value, net of acquired above-market lease value, for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing January 1, 2021 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2021 $ (2,865) 2022 4,977 2023 9,741 2024 10,393 2025 9,631 Thereafter 55,721 Total $ 87,598 Amortization of acquired in-place lease value (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was $99.7 million, $143.0 million and $211.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The expected average amortization period for acquired in-place lease value was 5.7 years as of December 31, 2020. The weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions was 5.5 years as of December 31, 2020. Estimated annual amortization of acquired in-place lease value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing January 1, 2021 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2021 $ 79,868 2022 60,129 2023 48,911 2024 41,604 2025 35,765 Thereafter 111,865 Total $ 378,142 Amortization of customer relationship value (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was approximately $166.5 million, $128.4 million and $123.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the weighted average remaining contractual life for customer relationship value was 14.7 years. Estimated annual amortization of customer relationship value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing January 1, 2021 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2021 $ 177,383 2022 176,611 2023 175,943 2024 175,363 2025 174,861 Thereafter 1,542,046 Total $ 2,422,207

Debt of the Company

Debt of the Company	12 Months Ended
Debt of the Company	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt of the Company
Debt of the Company	8. Debt of the Company In this Note 8, the “Company” refers only to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries. The Company itself does not have any indebtedness. All debt is held directly or indirectly by the Operating Partnership. Unsecured Senior Notes Defined Name Initial Issuer (1) Floating Rate Notes due 2022 2022 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 0.125% Notes due 2022 0.125% 2022 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 2.750% Notes due 2023 2.750% 2023 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2.625% Notes due 2024 2.625% 2024 Notes Digital Euro Finco, LLC (2) 2.750% Notes due 2024 2.750% 2024 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 4.250% Notes due 2025 4.250% 2025 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 0.625% Notes due 2025 0.625% 2025 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 4.750% Notes due 2025 4.750% 2025 Notes Digital Delta Holdings, LLC (4) 2.500% Notes due 2026 2.500% 2026 Notes Digital Euro Finco, LLC (2) 3.700% Notes due 2027 3.700% 2027 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 1.125% Notes due 2028 1.125% 2028 Notes Digital Euro Finco, LLC (2) 4.450% Notes due 2028 4.450% 2028 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.600% Notes due 2029 3.600% 2029 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.300% Notes due 2029 3.300% 2029 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 1.500% Notes due 2030 1.500% 2030 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 3.750% Notes due 2030 3.750% 2030 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 1.250% Notes due 2031 1.250% 2031 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 1.000% Notes due 2032 1.000% Notes 2032 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) (1) Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantees the senior notes issued by Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Both Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantee the senior notes issued by Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Euro Finco, LLC and Digital Dutch Finco, B.V. (2) An indirect wholly owned finance subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (3) A wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (4) Initially a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., pursuant to the terms of the indenture, following the consummation of the Telx Acquisition, on October 13, 2015, Digital Delta Holdings, LLC merged with and into Digital Realty Trust, L.P., with Digital Realty Trust, L.P. surviving the merger and assuming Digital Delta Holdings, LLC’s obligations under the 4.750% 2025 Notes, the related indenture and registration rights agreement by operation of law. Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2)

Debt of the Operating Partnersh

Debt of the Operating Partnership	12 Months Ended
Debt of the Operating Partnership	Dec. 31, 2020
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Debt of the Operating Partnership	9. Debt of the Operating Partnership A summary of outstanding indebtedness of the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows (in thousands): Interest Rate at Principal Principal December 31, Outstanding at Outstanding at Indebtedness 2020 Maturity Date December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Global revolving credit facilities Various (1) Jan 24, 2023 (1) $ 540,184 (2) $ 245,766 (2) Deferred financing costs, net (8,279) (11,661) Global revolving credit facilities, net 531,905 234,105 Unsecured Term Loans 2023 Term Loan Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2023 — (5)(9) 300,000 (5) 2024 Term Loan Various (3)(4) Jan 24, 2023 537,470 (5)(12) 513,205 (5) Deferred financing costs, net (890) (2,986) Unsecured term loans, net 536,580 810,219 Unsecured senior notes: Senior Notes: 3.950% notes due 2022 3.950 % Jul 1, 2022 — (10) 500,000 Floating rate notes due 2022 EURIBOR + 0.500 % Sep 23, 2022 366,480 (6) — 3.625% notes due 2022 3.625 % Oct 1, 2022 — (10) 300,000 0.125% notes due 2022 0.125 % Oct 15, 2022 366,480 (6) — 2.750% notes due 2023 2.750 % Feb 1, 2023 350,000 (13) 350,000 4.750% notes due 2023 4.750 % Oct 13, 2023 — (11) 397,710 (7) 2.625% notes due 2024 2.625 % Apr 15, 2024 732,960 (6) 672,780 (6) 2.750% notes due 2024 2.750 % Jul 19, 2024 341,750 (7) 331,425 (7) 4.250% notes due 2025 4.250 % Jan 17, 2025 546,800 (7) 530,280 (7) 0.625% notes due 2025 0.625 % Jul 15, 2025 794,040 (6) — 4.750% notes due 2025 4.750 % Oct 1, 2025 450,000 450,000 2.500% notes due 2026 2.500 % Jan 16, 2026 1,313,219 (6) 1,205,398 (6) 3.700% notes due 2027 3.700 % Aug 15, 2027 1,000,000 1,000,000 1.125% notes due 2028 1.125 % Apr 9, 2028 610,800 (6) 560,650 (6) 4.450% notes due 2028 4.450 % Jul 15, 2028 650,000 650,000 3.600% notes due 2029 3.600 % Jul 1, 2029 900,000 900,000 3.300% notes due 2029 3.300 % Jul 19, 2029 478,450 (7) 463,995 (7) 1.500% notes due 2030 1.500 % Mar 15, 2030 916,200 (6) — 3.750% notes due 2030 3.750 % Oct 17, 2030 751,850 (7) 729,135 (7) 1.250% notes due 2031 1.250 % Feb 1, 2031 610,800 (6) — 1.000% notes due 2032 1.000 % Jan 15, 2032 916,200 (6) — Unamortized discounts, net of premiums (34,988) (16,145) Total senior notes, net of discount 12,061,041 9,025,228 Deferred financing costs, net (64,031) (52,038) Total unsecured senior notes, net of discount and deferred financing costs 11,997,010 8,973,190 Secured Debt: 731 East Trade Street 8.22 % Jul 1, 2020 $ — (8) $ 1,089 Secured note due March 2023 LIBOR + 1.000 % (4) Mar 1, 2023 104,000 104,000 Westin 3.290 % Jul 11, 2027 135,000 — Other secured debt 330 — Unamortized net (discounts) / premiums (4) 54 Total secured debt, including premiums 239,326 105,143 Deferred financing costs, net (104) (209) Total secured debt, including premiums and net of deferred financing costs 239,222 104,934 Total indebtedness $ 13,304,717 $ 10,122,448 (1) The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin of 90 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. The interest rate for borrowings under the Yen revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin of 50 basis points, which is based on the current credit ratings of our long-term debt. (2) Balances as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Balance as of Weighted- Balance as of Weighted- December 31, average December average Denomination of Draw 2020 interest rate 31, 2019 interest rate Global Revolving Credit Facility Floating Rate Borrowing (a) (d) U.S. dollar ($) $ 40,000 1.05 % $ — — % British pound sterling (£) 47,845 (b) 0.93 % — — % Euro (€) 284,633 (b) 0.90 % 44,852 (c) 0.90 % Australian dollar (AUD) — — % 1,264 (c) 1.74 % Singapore dollar (SGD) 111,340 (b) 1.02 % 53,199 (c) 2.46 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 9,423 (b) 1.36 % — — % Total $ 493,241 0.95 % $ 99,315 1.75 % Yen Revolving Credit Facility (a) $ 46,943 (e) 0.50 % $ 146,451 (e) 0.50 % Total borrowings $ 540,184 0.91 % $ 245,766 1.00 % (a) The interest rates for floating rate borrowings under the global revolving credit facility currently equal the applicable index, subject to a zero floor, plus a margin of 90 basis points, which is based on the current credit rating of our long-term debt. The interest rate for borrowings under the Yen revolving credit facility equals the applicable index, subject to a zero floor, plus a margin of 50 basis points, which is based on the current credit rating of our long-term debt. (b) Based on exchange rates of $1.37 to £1.00, $1.22 to €1.00, $0.76 to 1.00 SGD and $0.79 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.12 to €1.00, $0.70 to 1.00 AUD and $0.74 to 1.00 SGD, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. (d) As of December 31, 2020, approximately $60.8 million of letters of credit were issued. (e) Based on exchange rates of $0.01 to 1.00 JPY for December 31, 2020 and 2019. (3) Interest rates are based on our current senior unsecured debt ratings and is currently 100 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 2023 Term Loan and the 2024 Term Loan. (4) We have entered into interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge for interest generated by a portion of U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar borrowings under the 2023 Term Loan and 2024 Term Loan, and the secured note due March 2023. See Note 16. "Derivative Instruments" for further information. (5) Balances as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Balance as of Weighted- Balance as of Weighted- December 31, average December 31, average Denomination of Draw 2020 interest rate 2019 interest rate U.S. dollar ($) $ — — % $ 300,000 2.74 % (d) Singapore dollar (SGD) 150,699 (a) 1.14 % 147,931 (c) 2.68 % Australian dollar (AUD) 223,357 (a) 1.02 % 203,820 (c) 1.85 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 86,062 (a) 1.27 % 85,629 (c) 3.60 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 77,352 (a) 1.47 % (b) 75,825 (c) 3.00 % (d) Total $ 537,470 1.16 % (b) $ 813,205 2.62 % (d) (a) Based on exchange rates of $0.76 to 1.00 SGD, $0.77 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD and $0.79 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. (b) As of December 31, 2020, the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 1.78% (Canadian dollar) and 1.20% (Total). See Note 16 for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (c) Based on exchange rates of $0.74 to 1.00 SGD, $0.70 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD and $0.77 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. (d) As of December 31, 2019, the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.44% (U.S. dollar), 1.78% (Canadian dollar) and 2.39% (Total). See Note 16 for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (6) Based on exchange rates of $1.22 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2020 and $1.12 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2019. (7) Based on exchange rates of $1.37 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2020 and $1.33 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2019. (8) Debt was repaid in full on April 13, 2020. (9) Debt was repaid in full on September 24, 2020. The payment resulted in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $0.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020. (10) The 3.950% 2022 Notes and 3.625% 2022 Notes were redeemed in full on August 3, 2020. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $52.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020. (11) The 4.750% 2023 Notes were redeemed in full on October 14, 2020. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $49.8 million during the three months ended December 31, 2020. (12) Debt was repaid in full on January 15, 2021. (13) The 2.750% 2023 Notes were redeemed in full on February 4, 2021. The redemption will result in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $17.5 million during the three months ending March 31, 2021. Global Revolving Credit Facilities On October 24, 2018, we refinanced our global revolving credit facility and entered into a global senior credit agreement for a $2.35 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which we refer to as the 2018 global revolving credit facility, that replaced the $2.0 billion revolving credit facility executed on January 15, 2016. In addition, we have the ability from time to time to increase the size of the global revolving credit facility and the unsecured term loans (discussed below), in any combination, by up to $1.25 billion, subject to the receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. The 2018 global revolving credit facility matures on January 24, 2023, with two six-month extension options available. The interest rate for borrowings under the 2018 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 90 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. The 2018 global revolving credit facility provides for borrowings in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars, as well as Euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen and includes the ability to add additional currencies in the future. As of December 31, 2020, interest rates are based on 1-month EURIBOR, 1-month HIBOR, 1-month SOR and 1-month CDOR, plus a margin of 0.90%. We have used and intend to use available borrowings under the 2018 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. The 2018 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 2018 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 December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all of such covenants. On October 24, 2018, we entered into a credit agreement for a ¥33.3 billion (approximately $296.5 million based on the exchange rate on October 24, 2018) senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which we refer to as the Yen revolving credit facility. The Yen revolving credit facility provides for borrowings in Japanese yen. In addition, we have the ability from time to time to increase the size of the Yen revolving credit facility to up to ¥93.3 billion (approximately $831.1 million based on the exchange rate on October 24, 2018), subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. The Yen revolving credit facility matures on January 24, 2024. The interest rate for borrowings under the Yen 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 50 basis points. A quarterly unused commitment fee, which is calculated using the average daily unused revolving credit commitment, is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt, and is currently 10 basis points. The Yen 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 Yen 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 December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all of such covenants. Unsecured Term Loans On October 24, 2018, we refinanced our senior unsecured multi-currency term loan facility and entered into an amended and restated term loan agreement, which we refer to as the 2018 term loan agreement, which governs (i) a $300.0 million 5-year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 2023 Term Loan, and (ii) an approximately $512 million 5-year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 2024 Term Loan. The 2018 term loan agreement replaced the $1.55 billion term loan agreement executed on January 15, 2016. The 2023 Term Loan matures on January 15, 2023 and the 2024 Term Loan matures on January 24, 2023 with two six-month extension options. In addition, we have the ability from time to time to increase the aggregate size of lending under the 2018 term loan agreement and the 2018 global revolving credit facility (discussed above), in any combination, by up to $1.25 billion, subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. Interest rates are based on our senior unsecured debt ratings and are currently 100 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 2023 Term Loan and the 2024 Term Loan. Funds may be drawn in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars. On September 24, 2020, the 2023 Term Loan was repaid in full. Based on exchange rates in effect at December 31, 2020, the balance outstanding is approximately $537.5 million, excluding deferred financing costs. We have used borrowings under the term loans for acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness, development, working capital and general corporate purposes. The covenants under 2024 Term Loan are consistent with our 2018 global revolving credit facility and, as of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all of such covenants. Unsecured Senior Notes Amount Issued (in Unsecured Senior Notes and Annual Maturity millions, local Net Proceeds Interest Payment Interest Rate Date Issued Date currency) (in millions) (1) Dates Initial Issuer (2) Floating Rate Notes due 2022 Sep 23, 2020 Sep 23, 2022 € 300.0 348.7 Quarterly, commencing December 23, 2020 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 0.125% Notes due 2022 Jan 17, 2020 Oct 15, 2022 € 300.0 330.8 Annually, commencing October 15, 2020 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 2.750% Notes due 2023 Aug 7, 2017 Feb 1, 2023 $ 350.0 346.9 Semi-annually, commencing February 1, 2018 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2.625% Notes due 2024 Apr 15, 2016 Apr 15, 2024 € 600.0 670.3 Annually, commencing April 15, 2017 Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) 2.750% Notes due 2024 Jul 21, 2017 Jul 19, 2024 £ 250.0 321.3 Annually, commencing July 19, 2018 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 4.250% Notes due 2025 Jan 18, 2013 Jan 17, 2025 £ 400.0 624.2 Semi-annually, commencing July 17, 2013 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 0.625% Notes due 2025 Jan 17, 2020 Jul 15, 2025 € 650.0 712.0 Annually, commencing July 15, 2020 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 4.750% Notes due 2025 Oct 1, 2015 Oct 1, 2025 $ 450.0 445.8 Semi-annually, commencing April 1, 2016 Digital Delta Holdings, LLC (5) 2.500% Notes due 2026 Jan 16, 2019 Jan 16, 2026 € 1,075.0 1,218.6 Annually, commencing January 16, 2020 Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) 3.700% Notes due 2027 Aug 7, 2017 Aug 15, 2027 $ 1,000.0 991.0 Semi-annually, commencing February 15, 2018 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 1.125% Notes due 2028 Oct 9, 2019 Apr 9, 2028 € 500.0 539.7 Annually, commencing April 9, 2020 Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) 4.450% Notes due 2028 Jun 21, 2018 Jul 15, 2028 $ 650.0 643.3 Semi-annually, commencing January 15, 2019 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.600% Notes due 2029 Jun 14, 2019 Jul 1, 2029 $ 900.0 890.6 Semi-annually, commencing January 1, 2020 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.300% Notes due 2029 Jul 21, 2017 Jul 19, 2029 £ 350.0 448.6 Annually, commencing July 19, 2018 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 1.500% Notes due 2030 Jan 17, 2020 Mar 15, 2030 € 750.0 819.1 Annually, commencing March 15, 2021 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 3.750% Notes due 2030 Oct 17, 2018 and Mar 9, 2019 Oct 17, 2030 £ 550.0 716.8 Annually, commencing October 17, 2019 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 1.250% Notes due 2031 Jun 26, 2020 Feb 1, 2031 € 500.0 553.2 Annually, commencing February 1, 2021 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 1.000% Notes due 2032 Sep 23, 2020 Jan 15, 2032 € 750.0 860.0 Annually, commencing January 15, 2021 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) (1) Amounts are in U.S. dollars, based on the exchange rate on the date of issuance. Net proceeds are equal to principal amount less initial purchaser discount and other debt issuance costs. (2) Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantees the senior notes issued by Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Both Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantee the senior notes issued by Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Euro Finco, LLC and Digital Dutch Finco, B.V. (3) An indirect wholly owned finance subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (4) A wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (5) Initially a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., pursuant to the terms of the indenture, following the consummation of the Telx Acquisition, on October 13, 2015, Digital Delta Holdings, LLC merged with and into Digital Realty Trust, L.P., with Digital Realty Trust, L.P. surviving the merger and assuming Digital Delta Holdings, LLC’s obligations under the 4.750 % 2025 Notes, the related indenture and registration rights agreement by operation of law. The indentures governing each of the senior notes contain certain covenants, including (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60%, (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 40% and (3) an interest coverage ratio of greater than 1.50, and also requires us to maintain total unencumbered assets of not less than 150% of the aggregate principal amount of unsecured debt. At December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with each of these financial covenants. The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands): Global Revolving Unsecured Credit Facilities (1) Term Loans (1) Senior Notes Secured Debt Total Debt 2021 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — 2022 — — 732,960 330 733,290 2023 493,241 537,470 350,000 104,000 1,484,711 2024 46,943 — 1,074,710 — 1,121,653 2025 — — 1,790,840 — 1,790,840 Thereafter — — 8,147,519 135,000 8,282,519 Subtotal $ 540,184 $ 537,470 $ 12,096,029 $ 239,330 $ 13,413,013 Unamortized discount — — (40,915) (4) (40,919) Unamortized premium — — 5,927 — 5,927 Total $ 540,184 $ 537,470 $ 12,061,041 $ 239,326 $ 13,378,021 (1) The global revolving credit facility and the 2024 unsecured term loan are 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 or the 2024 unsecured term loan, as applicable.

Income per Share

Income per Share	12 Months Ended
Income per Share	Dec. 31, 2020
Income per Share
Income per Share	10. Income per Share The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Net income available to common stockholders $ 263,342 $ 493,011 $ 249,930 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 260,098,978 208,325,823 206,035,408 Potentially dilutive common shares: Unvested incentive units 120,775 165,185 141,260 Unvested restricted stock 177,244 — — Forward equity offering 1,596,476 813,073 33,315 Market performance-based awards 529,035 158,166 463,488 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 262,522,508 209,462,247 206,673,471 Income per share: Basic $ 1.01 $ 2.37 $ 1.21 Diluted $ 1.00 $ 2.35 $ 1.21 We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 7,974,005 8,958,932 8,227,463 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock 1,489,983 1,695,765 1,876,584 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,452,809 2,102,655 2,326,861 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 789,846 3,409,772 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,269,035 2,105,116 2,329,584 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,475,721 1,679,534 1,858,622 Potentially dilutive Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,551,801 1,334,691 — Potentially dilutive Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,543,639 670,823 — Total 17,756,993 19,337,362 20,028,886

Income per Unit

Income per Unit	12 Months Ended
Income per Unit	Dec. 31, 2020
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Income per Unit	11. Income per Unit The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per unit (in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Net income available to common unitholders $ 272,842 $ 514,111 $ 260,110 Weighted average units outstanding—basic 268,072,983 217,284,755 214,312,871 Potentially dilutive common units: Unvested incentive units 120,775 165,185 141,260 Unvested restricted units 177,244 — — Forward equity offering 1,596,476 813,073 33,315 Market performance-based awards 529,035 158,166 463,488 Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 270,496,513 218,421,179 214,950,934 Income per unit: Basic $ 1.02 $ 2.37 $ 1.21 Diluted $ 1.01 $ 2.35 $ 1.21 We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units 1,489,983 1,695,765 1,876,584 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,452,809 2,102,655 2,326,861 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units — 789,846 3,409,772 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,269,035 2,105,116 2,329,584 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,475,721 1,679,534 1,858,622 Potentially dilutive Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,551,801 1,334,691 — Potentially dilutive Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,543,639 670,823 — Total 9,782,988 10,378,430 11,801,423

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	12. Income Taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has elected to be treated and believes that it has been organized and has operated in a manner that has enabled it to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is generally not subject to corporate level federal income taxes on taxable income distributed currently to its stockholders. Since inception, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has distributed at least 100% of its taxable income annually. As such, no provision for federal income taxes has been included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. 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 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 years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. For our TRS entities and foreign subsidiaries that are subject to U.S. federal, state, local 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 years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had deferred tax liabilities net of deferred tax assets of approximately $737.3 million and $143.4 million, respectively, 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 foreign tax basis and book basis of the assets acquired in the Interxion Combination in March 2020, the European Portfolio Acquisition in July 2016 and the Sentrum portfolio acquisition during 2012. The valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019 relate primarily to net operating loss carryforwards that we do not expect to utilize attributable to certain foreign jurisdictions. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands): 2020 2019 Gross deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 164,294 $ 63,280 Basis difference - real estate property 748,411 9,955 Basis difference - intangibles 2,368 1,071 Straight-line rent 1,121 1,404 Other - temporary differences 60,840 17,624 Total gross deferred tax assets 977,034 93,334 Valuation allowance (108,060) (40,795) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 868,974 52,539 Gross deferred tax liabilities: Basis difference - real estate property 1,338,612 162,095 Basis difference - equity investments 4,000 4,000 Basis difference - intangibles 246,950 1,547 Straight-line rent 6,884 8,044 Other - temporary differences 9,805 20,218 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,606,251 195,904 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 737,277 $ 143,365

Equity and Accumulated Other Co

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net	13. Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net (a) Equity Distribution Agreements On May 11, 2020, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. entered into an amendment, which we refer to as the 2020 Amendment, to our ATM equity offering sales agreement dated January 4, 2019, which, as amended, we refer to as the Sales Agreement, with BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., BTIG, LLC, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Jefferies LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, or the Agents, to increase the number of shares of common stock Digital Realty Trust, Inc. could issue and sell from time to time through, at its discretion, any of the Agents as its sales agents or as principals. Sales may also be made on a forward basis pursuant to separate forward sale agreements. In accordance with the Sales Agreement, following the date of the 2020 Amendment, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may offer and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1.0 billion. Prior to the 2020 Amendment, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. had offered and sold shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of approximately $652.2 million. The sales of common stock made under the Sales Agreement will be made in “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generated net proceeds of approximately $893.8 million from the issuance of approximately 6.1 million common shares under the Sales Agreement at an average price of $146.90 per share after payment of approximately $9.0 million of commissions to the Agents, and approximately $749.4 million remains available for future sales under the program. For the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no sales made under the program. (b) Forward Equity Sale On September 27, 2018, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. completed an underwritten public offering of 9,775,000 shares of its common stock (including 1,275,000 shares from the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares), all of which were offered in connection with forward sale agreements it entered into with certain financial institutions acting as forward purchasers. The forward purchasers borrowed and sold an aggregate of 9,775,000 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 its common stock by the forward purchasers in the public offering. On September 17, 2019, the Company amended the forward sale agreements to extend the maturity date of such forward sales agreements from September 27, 2019 to September 25, 2020. On September 24, 2020, we physically settled the forward sale agreements in full by issuing an aggregate of 9,775,000 shares of our common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $1.0 billion. (c) Redeemable Preferred Stock Total Liquidation Annual Shares Outstanding as of Balance (in thousands, net of Date(s) Initial Date to Value (in Dividend December 31, issuance costs) as of December 31, Preferred Stock (1) Issued Redeem (2) Share Cap (3) thousands) (4) Rate (5) 2020 2019 2020 2019 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock Sep 14, 2017 May 15, 2021 0.6389035 $ 201,250 $ 1.65625 8,050,000 8,050,000 $ 219,250 $ 219,250 5.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Apr 9, 2013 Apr 9, 2018 0.7532000 — 1.46875 — 10,000,000 — 241,468 6.350% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Aug 24, 2015 Aug 24, 2020 0.7623100 — 1.58750 — 10,000,000 — 242,012 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Aug 7, 2017 Aug 7, 2022 0.4252100 200,000 1.31250 8,000,000 8,000,000 193,540 193,540 5.850% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Mar 13, 2019 Mar 13, 2024 0.4361100 210,000 1.46250 8,400,000 8,400,000 203,264 203,264 5.200% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Oct 10, 2019 Oct 10, 2024 0.3851800 345,000 1.30000 13,800,000 13,800,000 334,886 334,886 $ 956,250 38,250,000 58,250,000 $ 950,940 $ 1,434,420 (1) All series of preferred stock do not have a stated maturity date and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each series of preferred stock will rank senior to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and on parity with the other series of preferred stock. Holders of each series of preferred stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances. (2) Except in limited circumstances, reflects earliest date that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may exercise its option to redeem the preferred stock, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of redemption. (3) Upon the occurrence of specified changes of control, as a result of which neither Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock nor the common securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT, LLC or the NASDAQ Stock Market or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, each holder of preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the change of control conversion date specified in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the preferred stock) to convert some or all of the preferred stock held by it into a number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock per share of preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the change of control conversion date (unless the change of control conversion date is after a record date for a preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (b) the common stock price specified in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock; and (ii) the Share Cap, subject to certain adjustments; subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock. Except in connection with specified change of control transactions, the preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (4) Liquidation preference is $25.00 per share. (5) Dividends on preferred shares are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears. (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 interest in the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2020 and 2018: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Number of Percentage of Number of Percentage of units total units total Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 280,289,726 97.2 % 208,900,758 95.9 % Noncontrolling interests consist of: Common units held by third parties 6,212,369 2.2 % 6,820,201 3.2 % Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 15) 1,833,898 0.6 % 2,022,954 0.9 % 288,335,993 100.0 % 217,743,913 100.0 % 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 units and incentive units of the Operating Partnership met the criteria to be classified within equity, except for certain common units issued to certain former DFT Operating Partnership unitholders in the DFT Merger, which are subject to certain restrictions and, accordingly, are not presented as permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the initial public offering of DFT in 2007, DFT, the DFT Operating Partnership and certain DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a tax protection agreement to assist such unitholders in deferring certain U.S. federal income tax liabilities that may have otherwise resulted from the contribution transactions undertaken in connection with the initial public offering and the ownership of interests in the DFT Operating Partnership and to set forth certain agreements with respect to other tax matters. In connection with the DFT Merger, certain DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a new tax protection agreement with Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership that replaced and superseded the DFT tax protection agreement, effective as of the closing of the merger. Pursuant to the new tax protection agreement, such DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a guarantee of certain debt of a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership must offer such DFT Operating Partnership unitholders a new guarantee opportunity in the event any guaranteed debt is repaid prior to March 1, 2023. If the Operating Partnership fails to offer the guarantee opportunity or to allocate guaranteed debt to any such DFT Operating Partnership unitholder as required under the new tax protection agreement, the Operating Partnership generally would be required to indemnify each such DFT Operating Partnership unitholder for the tax liability resulting from such failure, as determined under the new tax protection agreement. The redemption value of the noncontrolling Operating Partnership common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $1,078.9 million and $997.6 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following table shows activity for the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Common Units Incentive Units Total As of December 31, 2017 6,899,094 1,590,001 8,489,095 Common units issued in connection with the Ascenty Acquisition 2,338,874 — 2,338,874 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (601,822) — (601,822) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (110,070) (110,070) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 357,956 357,956 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 128,986 128,986 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — (22,135) (22,135) As of December 31, 2018 8,636,146 1,944,738 10,580,884 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (1,815,945) — (1,815,945) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (338,515) (338,515) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 319,279 319,279 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 120,368 120,368 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — (22,916) (22,916) As of December 31, 2019 6,820,201 2,022,954 8,843,155 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (607,832) — (607,832) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (461,912) (461,912) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 147,570 147,570 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 128,049 128,049 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — (2,763) (2,763) As of December 31, 2020 6,212,369 1,833,898 8,046,267 (1) These redemptions and conversions 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 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 years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Series C Series G Series H Series I Series J Series K Series L Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Common Date dividend declared Dividend payment date Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock March 1, 2018 March 30, 2018 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 208,015 (1) May 8, 2018 June 29, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,071 (1) August 14, 2018 September 28, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,166 (1) November 12, 2018 December 31, 2018 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2019 for Common Stock 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,415 (1) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ — $ — $ 832,667 February 21, 2019 March 29, 2019 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 224,802 (4) May 13, 2019 June 28, 2019 3,333 3,672 — (2) 3,969 2,625 3,686 (3) — 224,895 (4) August 13, 2019 September 30, 2019 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 — 225,188 (4) November 19, 2019 December 31, 2019 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2020 for Common Stock 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,036 (5) 225,488 (4) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 6,730 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ 9,828 $ 4,036 $ 900,373 February 26, 2020 March 31, 2020 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ — $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ 3,071 $ 4,485 $ 295,630 (8) May 12, 2020 June 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,485 301,005 (8) August 11, 2020 September 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — — (7) 2,625 3,071 4,485 303,006 (8) November 10, 2020 December 31, 2020 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2021 for Common Stock 3,333 — (6) — — 2,625 3,071 4,485 314,280 (8) $ 13,332 $ 11,016 $ — $ 7,938 $ 10,500 $ 12,284 $ 17,940 $ 1,213,921 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58750 $ 1.31250 $ 1.46250 $ 1.30000 (1) $4.040 annual rate of dividend per share. (2) Redeemed on April 1, 2019 for $25.00 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $11.8 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (3) Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including June 30, 2019. (4) $4.320 annual rate of dividend per share. (5) Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2019. (6) Redeemed on October 15, 2020 for $25.057118 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.2 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (7) Redeemed on September 8, 2020 for $25.29545 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.0 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (8) $4.480 annual rate of dividend per share. Distributions out of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s current or accumulated earnings and profits are generally classified as dividends whereas distributions in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, to the extent of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock, are generally classified as a return of capital. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock are generally characterized as capital gain. Cash provided by operating activities has generally been sufficient to fund all distributions, however, in the future we may also need to utilize borrowings under the global revolving credit facility to fund all or a portion of distributions. (f) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income (loss), net are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow Foreign currency net Accumulated other translation hedge investment hedge comprehensive adjustments adjustments adjustments income (loss), net Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (158,649) $ 17,264 $ 25,738 $ (115,647) Net current period change 22,015 (8,839) — 13,176 Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty 21,687 — — 21,687 Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — (7,138) — (7,138) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ (114,947) $ 1,287 $ 25,738 $ (87,922) Net current period change 213,707 (11,980) 13,142 214,869 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 8,063 — 8,063 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 98,760 $ (2,630) $ 38,880 $ 135,010

Capital and Accumulated Other C

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Dec. 31, 2020
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	14. Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) Allocations of Net Income and Net Losses to Partners Except for special allocations to holders of profits interest units described below in Note 15(a) under the heading “Incentive Plan-Long-Term Incentive Units,” the Operating Partnership’s net income will generally be allocated to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (the General Partner) 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) Equity Distribution Agreement On May 11, 2020, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. entered into the 2020 Amendment to increase the number of shares of common stock Digital Realty Trust, Inc. could issue and sell from time to time through, at its discretion, any of the Agents as its sales agents or as principals. Sales may also be made on a forward basis pursuant to separate forward sale agreements. In accordance with the Sales Agreement, following the date of the 2020 Amendment, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may offer and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1.0 billion. Prior to the 2020 Amendment, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. had offered and sold shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of approximately $652.2 million. The sales of common stock made under the Sales Agreement will be made in “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generated net proceeds of approximately $893.8 million from the issuance of approximately 6.1 million common shares under the Sales Agreement at an average price of $146.90 per share after payment of approximately $9.0 million of commissions to the Agents and approximately $749.4 million remains available for future sales under the program. The proceeds from the issuances for the year ended December 31, 2020 were contributed to our Operating Partnership in exchange for the issuance of approximately 6.1 million common units to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (c) Forward Equity Sale On September 27, 2018, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. completed an underwritten public offering of 9,775,000 shares of its common stock (including 1,275,000 shares from the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares), all of which were offered in connection with forward sale agreements it entered into with certain financial institutions acting as forward purchasers. The forward purchasers borrowed and sold an aggregate of 9,775,000 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 17, 2019, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. amended the forward sale agreements to extend the maturity date of such forward sales agreements from September 27, 2019 to September 25, 2020. On September 24, 2020, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. physically settled the forward sale agreements in full by issuing an aggregate of 9,775,000 shares of its common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $1.0 billion. Upon physical settlement of the forward sale agreements, the Operating Partnership issued 9,775,000 partnership units to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in exchange for contribution of the net proceeds. (d) Redeemable Preferred Units Total Liquidation Annual Units Outstanding as Balance (in thousands, net of Date(s) Initial Date to Value (in Distribution of December 31, issuance costs) as of December 31, Preferred Units (1) Issued Redeem (2) thousands) (3) Rate (4) 2020 2019 2020 2019 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units Sep 14, 2017 May 15, 2021 $ 201,250 $ 1.65625 8,050,000 8,050,000 $ 219,250 $ 219,250 5.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Apr 9, 2013 Apr 9, 2018 — 1.46875 — 10,000,000 — 241,468 6.350% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Aug 24, 2015 Aug 24, 2020 — 1.58750 — 10,000,000 — 242,012 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Aug 7, 2017 Aug 7, 2022 200,000 1.31250 8,000,000 8,000,000 193,540 193,540 5.850% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Mar 13, 2019 Mar 13, 2024 210,000 1.46250 8,400,000 8,400,000 203,264 203,264 5.200% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Oct 10, 2019 Oct 10, 2024 345,000 1.30000 13,800,000 13,800,000 334,886 334,886 $ 956,250 38,250,000 58,250,000 $ 950,940 $ 1,434,420 (1) All series of preferred units do not have a stated maturity date and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each series of preferred units will rank senior to common units and on parity with the other series of preferred units. (2) Except in limited circumstances, reflects earliest date that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may exercise its option to redeem the corresponding series of preferred stock, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of redemption. The Operating Partnership is required to redeem the corresponding series of preferred units in the event that the General Partner redeems a series of preferred stock. (3) Liquidation preference is $25.00 per unit. (4) Distributions on preferred units are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears. (e) 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 units and incentive units of the Operating Partnership met the criteria to be classified within capital, except for certain common units issued to certain former DFT Operating Partnership unitholders in the DFT Merger which are subject to certain restrictions and are not presented as permanent capital in the consolidated balance sheet. The redemption value of the limited partners’ common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $1,078.9 million and $997.6 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock on December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (f) Distributions All distributions on our units are at the discretion of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Board of Directors. We have declared and paid the following distributions on our common and preferred units for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Series C Series G Series H Series I Series J Series K Series L Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Common Date distribution declared Distribution payment date Units Units Units Units Units Units Units Units Mar 1, 2018 March 30, 2018 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 216,953 (1) May 8, 2018 June 29, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 216,789 (1) Aug 14, 2018 September 28, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 216,825 (1) Nov 12, 2018 December 31, 2018 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2019 for Common Units 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 216,838 (1) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ — $ — $ 867,405 February 21, 2019 March 29, 2019 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 235,256 (4) May 13, 2019 June 28, 2019 3,333 3,672 — (2) 3,969 2,625 3,686 (3) — 235,142 (4) August 13, 2019 September 30, 2019 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 — 235,164 (4) November 19, 2019 December 31, 2019 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2020 for Common Units 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,036 (5) 235,154 (4) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 6,730 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ 9,828 $ 4,036 $ 940,716 February 26, 2020 March 31, 2020 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ — $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ 3,071 $ 4,485 $ 305,267 (8) May 12, 2020 June 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,485 310,421 (8) August 11, 2020 September 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — — (7) 2,625 3,071 4,485 312,262 (8) November 10, 2020 December 31, 2020 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2021 for Common Units 3,333 — (6) — — 2,625 3,071 4,485 323,453 (8) $ 13,332 $ 11,016 $ — $ 7,938 $ 10,500 $ 12,284 $ 17,940 $ 1,251,403 Annual rate of distribution per unit $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58750 $ 1.31250 $ 1.46250 $ 1.30000 (1) $4.040 annual rate of distribution per unit. (2) Redeemed on April 1, 2019 for $25.00 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $11.8 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. (3) Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including June 30, 2019. (4) $4.320 annual rate of distribution per unit. (5) Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2019. (6) Redeemed on October 15, 2020 for $25.057118 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.2 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. (7) Redeemed on September 8, 2020 for $25.29545 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.0 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders (8) $4.480 annual rate of distribution per unit. (g) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Foreign currency net Accumulated other translation Cash flow hedge investment hedge comprehensive adjustments adjustments adjustments income (loss) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (163,531) $ 16,986 $ 26,152 $ (120,393) Net current period change 23,975 (9,232) — 14,743 Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty 21,687 — — 21,687 Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — (7,446) — (7,446) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ (117,869) $ 308 $ 26,152 $ (91,409) Net current period change 216,815 (12,425) 13,525 217,915 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 8,294 — 8,294 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 98,946 $ (3,823) $ 39,677 $ 134,800

Incentive Plan

Incentive Plan	12 Months Ended
Incentive Plan	Dec. 31, 2020
Incentive Plan
Incentive Plan	15. Incentive Plan On April 28, 2014, our 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). The 2014 Incentive Award Plan became effective and replaced the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan, as amended, 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 On March 9, 2020, in connection with the Interxion Combination, certain outstanding awards granted under the InterXion Holding N.V. 2013 Amended International Equity Based Incentive Plan and the InterXion Holding N.V. 2017 Executive Director Long Term Incentive Plan (together, the “InterXion Equity Plans”) were assumed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and converted into adjusted equity-based awards of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement for the Interxion Combination. All such awards will continue to be governed by the terms of the applicable Interxion Equity Plan and underlying award agreement evidencing such award . On March 9, 2020, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock As of December 31, 2020, approximately 6.0 million shares of common stock, including awards convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, remained available for future issuance under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan. Each long-term incentive unit and each Class D unit issued under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan counts as one share of common stock for purposes of calculating the limit on shares that may be issued under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan and the individual award limits set forth therein. Below is a summary of our compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and our unearned compensation as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in millions): Expected period to Deferred Compensation Unearned Compensation recognize Expensed Capitalized As of As of unearned Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, compensation Type of incentive award 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 (in years) Long-term incentive units $ 12.8 $ 8.7 $ 6.8 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 15.1 $ 15.4 2.1 Performance-based awards (1) 24.8 13.0 12.7 0.6 0.8 0.8 34.4 28.4 2.4 Restricted stock 15.1 11.5 6.1 3.2 2.8 4.2 41.5 29.1 2.3 Interxion awards 19.7 — — — — — 27.2 — 2.2 (1) In addition to the market performance-based awards and long-term incentive awards described in Notes 15(a) and 15(b), this also includes one-time grants of 58,561 performance-based Class D units and 6,148 performance-based restricted stock units, subject to attainment of performance metrics related to successful integration of the Interxion Combination, and one-time grants of 22,426 time-based profits interest units and 3,209 time-based restricted stock units subject to the closing of the Interxion Combination and continued service to certain of the Company’s executive officers and other employees. 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 between two and three years , the current vesting period of these awards. The following table sets forth the weighted-average fair value of for each type of incentive award at the date of grant for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Weighted-Average Fair Value at Date of Grant Type of incentive award 2020 2019 2018 Long-term incentive units $ 134.55 $ 116.22 $ 101.86 Performance-based awards 159.34 114.97 119.29 Restricted stock 138.82 115.25 100.33 Interxion awards 120.67 — — (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. In order to achieve full parity with common units, long-term incentive units must be fully vested and the holder’s capital account balance in respect of such long-term incentive units must be equal to the capital account balance of a holder of an equivalent number of common units. The capital account balance attributable to each common unit is generally expected to be the same, in part because of the amount credited to a partner’s capital account upon the partner’s contribution of property to the Operating Partnership, and in part because the partnership agreement provides, in most cases, that allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction (which will adjust the partner’s capital accounts) are to be made to the common units on a proportionate basis. As a result, with respect to a number of long-term incentive units, it is possible to determine the capital account balance of an equivalent number of common units by multiplying the number of long-term incentive units by the capital account balance with respect to a common unit. A partner’s initial capital account balance is equal to the amount the partner paid (or contributed to the Operating Partnership) for the partner’s units and is subject to subsequent adjustments, including with respect to the partner’s share of income, gain or loss of the Operating Partnership. Because a holder of long-term incentive units generally will not pay for the long-term incentive units, the initial capital account balance attributable to such long-term incentive units will be zero. However, the Operating Partnership is required to allocate income, gain, loss and deduction to the partner’s capital accounts in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, subject to applicable Treasury Regulations. The partnership agreement provides that holders of long-term incentive units will receive special allocations of gain in the event of a sale or “hypothetical sale” of assets of the Operating Partnership prior to the allocation of gain to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. or other limited partners with respect to their common units. The amount of any such allocation will, to the extent of any such gain, be equal to the difference between the capital account balance of a holder of long-term incentive units attributable to such units and the capital account balance attributable to an equivalent number of common units. If and when such gain allocation is fully made, a holder of long-term incentive units will have achieved full parity with holders of common units. To the extent that, upon an actual sale or a “hypothetical sale” of the Operating Partnership’s assets as described above, there is not sufficient gain to allocate to a holder’s capital account with respect to long-term incentive units, or if such sale or “hypothetical sale” does not occur, such units will not achieve parity with common units. The term “hypothetical sale” refers to circumstances that are not actual sales of the Operating Partnership’s assets but that require certain adjustments to the value of the Operating Partnership’s assets and the partners’ capital account balances. Specifically, the partnership agreement provides that, from time to time, in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations, the Operating Partnership will adjust the value of its assets to equal their respective fair market values, and adjust the partners’ capital accounts, in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, as if the Operating Partnership sold its assets for an amount equal to their value. Such adjustments will generally be made upon the liquidation of the Operating Partnership, the acquisition of an additional interest in the Operating Partnership by a new or existing partner in exchange for more than a de minimis capital contribution, the distribution by the Operating Partnership to a partner of more than a de minimis amount of partnership property as consideration for an interest in the Operating Partnership, the grant of an interest in the Operating Partnership (other than a de minimis interest) as consideration for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Operating Partnership (including the grant of a long-term incentive unit), and at such other times as may be desirable or required to comply with the Treasury Regulations. Below is a summary of our long-term incentive unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2020. Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Grant Date Fair Remaining Contractual Intrinsic Value (1) Unvested Long-term Incentive Units Units Value Life (Years) (in thousands) Unvested, beginning of period 208,287 $ 110.00 Granted 128,049 134.55 Vested (98,038) 98.22 Cancelled or expired (2,763) 112.82 Unvested, end of period 235,535 $ 122.22 2.09 $ 32,859 (1) The intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of our common stock as of December 31, 2020. 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 between two The aggregate intrinsic value of long-term incentive units that vested in 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $11.6 million, $5.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 0.9 million long-term incentive units that were outstanding and exercisable with an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $122.0 million (based on the market price of our common stock as of December 31, 2020). (b) Market Performance-Based Awards During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. approved the grant of market performance-based Class D units of the Operating Partnership and market performance-based restricted stock units, or RSUs, covering shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock (collectively, the “awards”), under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan to officers and employees of the Company. The awards, which were determined to contain a market condition, utilize total shareholder return, or TSR, over a three-year measurement period as the market performance metric. Awards will vest based on the Company’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 2018, January 2019 or January 2020, as applicable (or, if earlier, ending on the date on which a change in control of the Company occurs), subject to the applicable employee’s continued service. 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 applicable 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: Market 2018 / 2019 2020 Performance RMS Relative RMS Relative Vesting Level Market Performance Market Performance Percentage Below Threshold Level ≤ -300 basis points ≤ -500 basis points 0 % Threshold Level -300 basis points -500 basis points 25 % Target Level 100 basis points 0 basis points 50 % High Level ≥ 500 basis points ≥ 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. In January 2021, following the completion of the applicable Market Performance Period, the Compensation Committee determined that the high level had been achieved for the 2018 awards and, accordingly, 240,377 Class D units (including 20,725 distribution equivalent units that immediately vested on December 31, 2020) and 63,498 RSUs performance vested, subject to service-based vesting. On February 27, 2021, 50% of the 2018 awards vested and the remaining 50% will vest on February 27, 2022, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date. In January 2020, following the completion of the applicable Market Performance Period, the Compensation Committee determined that the RMS Relative Market Performance fell between the target and high level for the 2017 awards and, accordingly, 137,816 Class D units (including 10,971 distribution equivalent units that immediately vested on December 31, 2019) and 29,141 RSUs performance vested, subject to service-based vesting. On February 27, 2020, 50% of the 2017 awards vested and the remaining 50% vested on February 27, 2021. In January 2019, following the completion of the applicable Market Performance Period, the Compensation Committee determined that the high level had been achieved for the 2016 awards and, accordingly, 339,317 Class D units (including 31,009 distribution equivalent units that immediately vested on December 31, 2018) and 56,778 RSUs performance vested, subject to service-based vesting. On February 27, 2019, 50% of the 2016 awards vested and the remaining 50% vested on February 27, 2020. Following the completion of the applicable Market Performance Period, the 2018 awards that have satisfied the market condition, vested 50% on February 27, 2021 and will vest 50% on February 27, 2022, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Following the completion of the applicable Market Performance Period, the 2019 awards that satisfy the market condition, if any, will vest 50% on February 27, 2022 and 50% on February 27, 2023, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Following the completion of the applicable Market Performance Period, the 2020 awards that satisfy the market condition, if any, will vest 50% on February 27, 2023 and 50% on February 27, 2024, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Service-based vesting will be accelerated, in full or on a pro rata basis, as applicable, 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 applicable Market Performance Period. However, vesting with respect to the market condition will continue to be measured based on RMS Relative Market Performance during the applicable three-year Market Performance Period (or, in the case of a change in control, shortened Market Performance Period). The fair values of the awards were measured using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the probability of the market vesting condition being satisfied. The Company’s achievement of the market vesting condition is contingent on its TSR over a three-year market performance period, relative to the TSR 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 valuations are summarized as follows: Expected Stock Price Risk-Free Interest Award Date Volatility rate January 1, 2018 22 % 1.98 % March 1, 2018 22 % 2.34 % March 9, 2018 22 % 2.42 % January 1, 2019 23 % 2.44 % February 21, 2019 23 % 2.48 % February 19, 2020 22 % 1.39 % February 20, 2020 22 % 1.35 % The expected stock price volatility assumption is calculated based on our historical volatility, which is calculated over a period of time commensurate with the expected term of the awards being valued. The expected dividend yield assumption used in the Monte Carlo simulation represents the percent of return to a stock that is available to the holder of an award. Because the holders of the awards receive dividend equivalents, an expected dividend yield assumption of 0.00% was used in the valuation. These valuations were performed in a risk-neutral framework, and no assumption was made with respect to an equity risk premium. The grant date fair value of the Class D unit and RSU awards was approximately $17.2. million, $22.3 million and $21.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We will recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the expected service period of approximately four years. The aggregate intrinsic value of the Class D unit and RSU awards that vested in 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $24.3 million, $32.7 million and $29.3 million, respectively. (c) Restricted Stock Below is a summary of our restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2020. Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Grant Date Fair Remaining Contractual Intrinsic Value (2) Unvested Restricted Stock Shares Value Life (Years) (in thousands) Unvested, beginning of period 372,792 $ 108.47 Granted (1) 831,606 126.43 Vested (385,905) 116.19 Cancelled or expired (35,274) 120.31 Unvested, end of period 783,219 $ 123.04 2.28 $ 108,797 (1) Includes 567,810 shares issued pursuant to the converted and adjusted Interxion equity awards as part of the Interxion Combination. (2) The intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of our common stock as of December 31, 2020. 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 aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock that vested in 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $53.4 million, $14.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively. (d) Defined Contribution Plans We have a 401(k) plan whereby our U.S. employees may contribute a portion of their compensation to their respective retirement accounts, in an amount not to exceed the maximum allowed under the Code. The 401(k) plan complies with Internal Revenue Service requirements as a 401(k) safe harbor plan whereby matching contributions made by us are 100% vested. The aggregate cost of our contributions to the 401(k) plan was approximately $5.5 million, $5.2 million, and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Interxion has a defined contribution pension plan for most of its employees. Contributions are made in accordance with the defined contribution pension plan and are expensed as incurred.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments	16. 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 December 31, 2020, 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 December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. The Company presents its interest rate derivatives in its consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as interest rate swap assets (recorded in other assets) and interest rate swap liabilities (recorded in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities). As of December 31, 2020, there was no impact from netting arrangements as the Company did not have any derivatives in liability positions. Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements related to certain floating rate debt obligations. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. We record all our interest rate swaps on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. In determining the fair value of our interest rate swaps, we consider the credit risk of our counterparties. These counterparties are generally larger financial institutions engaged in providing a variety of financial services. These institutions generally face similar risks regarding adverse changes in market and economic conditions, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, equity and commodity prices and credit spreads. The recent and pervasive disruptions in the financial markets have heightened the risks to these institutions. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (in thousands): Fair Value at Significant Other Notional Amount Observable Inputs (Level 2) As of As of As of As of December 31, December 31, Type of Strike Effective Expiration December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative Rate Date Date 2020 (3) 2019 (3) Currently-paying contracts $ — $ 29,000 (1) Swap 1.016 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 6, 2021 $ — $ 175 — 75,000 (1) Swap 1.164 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 — 345 104,000 (1) 300,000 (1) Swap 1.435 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2023 (2,773) 945 77,352 (2) 75,825 (2) Swap 0.779 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 (9) 931 $ 181,352 $ 479,825 $ (2,782) $ 2,396 (1) Represents debt which bears interest based on one-month U.S. LIBOR. (2) Represents debt which bears interest based on one-month CDOR. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $0.79 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2020 and $0.77 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2019. (3) Balance recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets if positive and recorded in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets if negative. On September 24, 2020, in connection with the paydown of our 2023 Term Loan, we terminated interest rate swap agreements with notional amounts in the aggregate of $300.0 million. As a result of the termination, the accumulated fair value of the interest rate swaps was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated income statements, which resulted in a realized loss of approximately $6.4 million. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to interest rate swaps will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our debt. As of December 31, 2020, we estimate that an additional $1.5 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense during the year ending December 31, 2021, when the hedged forecasted transactions impact earnings. Foreign Currency Net Investment Hedges During the three months ended June 30, 2016, we entered into a series of forward contracts pursuant to which we agreed to sell an amount of foreign currency for an agreed upon amount of U.S. dollars. These forward contracts were executed to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain transactions. As of June 30, 2016, the forward contracts did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP and had a fair value of approximately $37.8 million. On July 1, 2016, the four forward contracts still in place met the criteria for net investment hedge accounting. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we terminated the four forward contracts with a notional amount of GBP 357.3 million. In connection with the settlement, we received approximately $64.0 million in proceeds and the related amount of approximately $26.2 million of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) will remain in AOCI until the Company sells or liquidates its GBP-denominated investments, which has not occurred as of December 31, 2020. Credit-risk-related Contingent Features We have agreements with each of our derivative counterparties that contain a provision where we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to our default on the indebtedness. As of December 31, 2020, we did not have any derivatives in a net asset position, and have not posted any collateral related to these agreements.

Fair Value of Instruments

Fair Value of Instruments	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Instruments	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value of Instruments
Fair Value of Instruments	17. Fair Value of Instruments We disclose fair value information about all financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the 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 December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 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 16. "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 loans 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 facilities approximates fair value, due to the variability of interest rates. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the aggregate estimated fair value and carrying value of our global revolving credit facilities, unsecured term loans, unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans were as follows (in thousands): Categorization As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 under the fair value Estimated Fair Estimated Fair hierarchy Value Carrying Value Value Carrying Value Global revolving credit facilities (1)(4) Level 2 $ 540,184 $ 540,184 $ 245,766 $ 245,766 Unsecured term loans (2)(4) Level 2 537,470 537,470 813,205 813,205 Unsecured senior notes (3)(4) Level 2 13,359,960 12,096,029 9,697,166 9,025,229 Secured debt (3)(4) Level 2 242,051 239,326 105,245 105,143 $ 14,679,665 $ 13,413,009 $ 10,861,382 $ 10,189,343 (1) The carrying value of our global revolving credit facilities approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (2) The carrying value of our unsecured term loans approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (3) Valuations for our unsecured senior notes and secured debt are determined based on the expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates and quoted market prices. (4) The carrying value excludes unamortized premiums (discounts) and deferred financing costs (see Note 9) .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies.
Commitments and Contingencies	18. Commitments and Contingencies (a) Construction Commitments Our properties require periodic investments of capital for tenant-related capital expenditures and for general capital improvements and 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 December 31, 2020, we had open commitments, including amounts reimbursable of approximately $37.6 million, related to construction contracts of approximately $1.1 billion. (b) Legal Proceedings Although the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, as of December 31, 2020, 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.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) (unaudited)	19. Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) (unaudited) The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per share amounts). Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2020 2020 June 30, 2020 March 31, 2020 Total operating revenues $ 1,062,609 $ 1,024,668 $ 992,995 $ 823,337 Net income (loss) 59,508 (1,454) 75,978 228,698 Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 57,691 (138) 74,831 224,014 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (13,514) (37,232) (21,155) (21,155) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 44,177 $ (37,370) $ 53,676 $ 202,859 Basic net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.91 Diluted net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.90 Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Total operating revenues $ 787,463 $ 806,466 $ 800,797 $ 814,515 Net income 349,326 67,574 61,324 120,997 Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 336,284 66,497 60,168 116,812 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (20,707) (16,670) (28,430) (20,943) Net income available to common stockholders $ 315,577 $ 49,827 $ 31,738 $ 95,869 Basic net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.51 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46 Diluted net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.50 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46

Quarterly Financial Informati_2

Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) (unaudited)	19. Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) (unaudited) The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per share amounts). Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2020 2020 June 30, 2020 March 31, 2020 Total operating revenues $ 1,062,609 $ 1,024,668 $ 992,995 $ 823,337 Net income (loss) 59,508 (1,454) 75,978 228,698 Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 57,691 (138) 74,831 224,014 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (13,514) (37,232) (21,155) (21,155) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 44,177 $ (37,370) $ 53,676 $ 202,859 Basic net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.91 Diluted net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.90 Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Total operating revenues $ 787,463 $ 806,466 $ 800,797 $ 814,515 Net income 349,326 67,574 61,324 120,997 Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 336,284 66,497 60,168 116,812 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (20,707) (16,670) (28,430) (20,943) Net income available to common stockholders $ 315,577 $ 49,827 $ 31,738 $ 95,869 Basic net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.51 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46 Diluted net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.50 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) (unaudited)	20. Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) (unaudited) The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per unit amounts). Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2020 2020 June 30, 2020 March 31, 2020 Total operating revenues $ 1,062,609 $ 1,024,668 $ 992,995 $ 823,337 Net income (loss) 59,508 (1,454) 75,978 228,698 Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 58,991 (1,138) 76,231 231,814 Preferred unit distributions and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units (13,514) (37,232) (21,155) (21,155) Net income (loss) available to common unitholders $ 45,477 $ (38,370) $ 55,076 $ 210,659 Basic net income (loss) per unit available to common unitholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.91 Diluted net income (loss) per unit available to common unitholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.90 Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Total operating revenues $ 787,463 $ 806,466 $ 800,797 $ 814,515 Net income 349,326 67,574 61,324 120,997 Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 349,384 68,797 61,568 121,112 Preferred unit distributions and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units (20,707) (16,670) (28,430) (20,943) Net income available to common unitholders $ 328,677 $ 52,127 $ 33,138 $ 100,169 Basic net income per unit available to common unitholders $ 1.51 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46 Diluted net income per unit available to common unitholders $ 1.50 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events	21. Subsequent Events On February 4, 2021 (the “Redemption Date”), the Operating Partnership redeemed the $350.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 2.750% Notes due 2023 (the “2.750% Notes”). The redemption price for the 2.750% Notes was equal to the sum of (a) $1,047.09 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2.750% Notes, or 104.709% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2.750% Notes, plus (b) accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date equal to $0.23 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2.750% Notes. The redemption will result in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $17.5 million during the three months ending March 31, 2021. On January 12, 2021, Digital Intrepid Holding B.V., an indirect wholly owned holding and finance subsidiary of the Operating Partnership through which the Interxion business is held, issued and sold €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 0.625% Guaranteed Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”). The 2031 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Digital Intrepid Holding B.V. and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately €988.3 million (approximately $1,206.4 million based on the exchange rate on January 12, 2021) after deducting managers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses.

Schedule III Properties And Acc

Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation	12 Months Ended
Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation
Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation	Costs capitalized Initial costs subsequent to acquisition Total costs Accumulated Date of Acquired Acquired depreciation acquisition Data Center ground Buildings and Carrying ground Buildings and and or Buildings Encumbrances Land lease improvements Improvements costs Land lease improvements Total amortization construction North American Markets Northern Virginia 24 104,000 198,989 — 1,712,144 2,187,605 — 216,041 — 3,882,697 4,098,738 (887,079) 2005 - 2019 Chicago 10 — 95,444 — 1,320,334 977,634 — 105,830 — 2,287,582 2,393,412 (601,875) 2005 - 2017 Silicon Valley 20 — 153,145 — 919,499 537,828 — 150,910 — 1,459,562 1,610,472 (546,797) 2002 - 2018 Dallas 21 — 66,489 — 338,284 1,010,243 — 58,900 — 1,356,116 1,415,016 (535,422) 2002 - 2015 New York 13 — 17,301 — 474,561 756,411 — 17,042 — 1,231,231 1,248,273 (573,828) 2002 - 2015 Phoenix 3 — 17,239 — 416,097 332,714 — 11,859 — 754,191 766,050 (333,416) 2006 - 2015 San Francisco 4 — 41,165 — 358,066 244,015 — 41,478 — 601,768 643,246 (220,149) 2004 - 2015 Seattle 1 135,000 43,110 — 329,283 5,058 — 43,110 — 334,341 377,451 (24,299) 2020 Boston 4 — 19,255 — 259,939 93,660 — 18,029 — 354,825 372,854 (140,488) 2006 - 2011 Toronto 2 — 33,994 — 117,540 216,551 — 21,018 — 347,067 368,085 (30,540) 2013 - 2017 Atlanta 4 — 6,537 — 264,948 65,363 — 6,552 — 330,296 336,848 (79,678) 2011 - 2017 Los Angeles 4 — 40,627 — 126,769 111,501 — 39,933 — 238,964 278,897 (122,487) 2004 - 2015 Portland 2 — 1,689 — 3,131 235,685 — 4,264 — 236,241 240,505 (33,945) 2011 - 2015 Houston 6 — 6,965 — 23,492 148,818 — 6,594 — 172,681 179,275 (91,316) 2006 Austin 1 — 1,177 — 4,877 71,521 — 1,177 — 76,398 77,575 (19,703) 2005 Miami 2 — 2,964 — 29,793 35,202 — 2,964 — 64,995 67,959 (27,534) 2002 - 2015 Minneapolis-St. Paul 1 — 10,190 — 20,054 3,191 — 10,190 — 23,245 33,435 (6,206) 2013 Charlotte 3 — 4,117 — 13,068 13,282 — 4,118 — 26,349 30,467 (15,048) 2005 - 2015 Other — — — — - 85,339 — - — 85,339 85,339 (12,003) - Total North America 125 239,000 760,397 — 6,731,879 7,131,621 — 760,009 — 13,863,888 14,623,897 (4,301,813) EMEA Markets London 19 — 138,063 7,355 1,527,932 661,636 — 82,673 6,695 2,245,618 2,334,986 (574,308) 2007 - 2020 Amsterdam 17 — 40,709 3,518 1,001,157 335,317 — 64,074 3,512 1,313,115 1,380,701 (156,730) 2005 - 2020 Frankfurt 21 — 34,621 — 1,032,780 496,372 — 38,085 — 1,525,688 1,563,773 (58,427) 2015 - 2020 Dublin 8 — 11,722 1,444 136,827 181,109 — 8,538 101 322,463 331,102 (108,544) 2006 - 2020 Paris 12 — 69,350 — 277,141 163,419 — 70,354 — 439,556 509,910 (27,337) 2012 - 2020 Marseille 4 — 1,105 — 314,106 26,035 — 1,196 — 340,050 341,246 (10,549) 2020 Vienna 2 — 14,159 — 363,062 12,698 — 14,502 — 375,417 389,919 (13,888) 2020 Zurich 3 — 20,605 — 34,934 127,385 — 22,307 — 160,617 182,924 (3,427) 2020 Stockholm 6 — — — 101,470 8,378 — — — 109,848 109,848 (7,021) 2020 Madrid 3 — 8,456 — 132,011 9,691 — 8,662 — 141,496 150,158 (4,769) 2020 Copenhagen 3 — 11,665 — 110,925 4,991 — 11,956 — 115,625 127,581 (4,039) 2020 Brussels 2 — 3,874 — 119,077 6,217 — 3,968 — 125,200 129,168 (3,808) 2020 Dusseldorf 2 — — — 36,303 2,998 — — — 39,301 39,301 (1,710) 2020 Geneva 1 — — — 20,071 716 — — — 20,787 20,787 (9,869) 2005 Manchester 1 — — — 23,918 (7,029) — — — 16,889 16,889 (6,063) 2008 Other metros 6 — 3,144 — 43,046 17,695 — 3,925 — 59,960 63,885 (3,140) 2020 Total EMEA 110 — 357,473 12,317 5,274,760 2,047,628 — 330,240 10,308 7,351,630 7,692,178 (993,629) APAC Markets Singapore 3 — — — 137,545 418,856 — — — 556,401 556,401 (190,246) 2010 - 2015 Sydney 4 — 18,285 — 3,868 125,154 — 12,771 — 134,536 147,307 (29,680) 2011 - 2012 Melbourne 2 — 4,467 — — 113,896 — 3,372 — 114,991 118,363 (39,651) 2011 Other 4 — — — — 4,842 — - — 4,842 4,842 (202) Total APAC 13 — 22,752 — 141,413 662,748 — 16,143 — 810,770 826,913 (259,779) Total Portfolio 248 239,000 1,140,622 12,317 12,148,052 9,841,997 — 1,106,392 10,308 22,026,288 23,142,988 (5,555,221) (1) Tax Cost The aggregate gross cost of the Company’s properties for federal income tax purposes approximated $32.7 billion (unaudited) as of December 31, 2020. (2) Historical Cost and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Company’s properties for financial reporting purposes for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020. Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 16,886,592 $ 17,055,016 $ 16,915,936 Additions during period (acquisitions and improvements) 6,514,218 833,836 223,163 Deductions during period (dispositions, impairments and assets held for sale) (257,822) (1,002,260) (84,083) Balance, end of year $ 23,142,988 $ 16,886,592 $ 17,055,016 The following table reconciles accumulated depreciation and amortization of the Company’s properties for financial reporting purposes for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020. Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 4,536,169 $ 3,935,267 $ 3,238,227 Additions during period (depreciation and amortization expense) 1,029,863 805,916 714,336 Deductions during period (dispositions and assets held for sale) (10,811) (205,014) (17,296) Balance, end of year $ 5,555,221 $ 4,536,169 $ 3,935,267 Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are not applicable or the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	(a) Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying 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 notes to the 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 few differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, which are reflected in these consolidated financial statements. We believe it is important to understand the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership in the context of how we operate as an interrelated consolidated company. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s only material asset is its ownership of partnership interests of the Operating Partnership. 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 primarily 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 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 consolidated financial statements and as noncontrolling interests in operating partnership within equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 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 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 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: ● consolidated face financial statements; and ● the following notes to the consolidated financial statements: ● "Debt of the Company" and "Debt of the Operating Partnership"; ● "Income per Share" and "Income per Unit"; ● "Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of the Company" and Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss of the Operating Partnership"; and ● "Quarterly Financial Information". 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, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(b) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash equivalents consist of investments in money market instruments. Restricted cash primarily consists of contractual capital expenditures plus other deposits. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,501 $ 89,817 $ 126,700 Restricted cash (included in other assets) 15,151 7,436 8,522 Total $ 123,652 $ 97,253 $ 135,222
Investments in Real Estate	(c) Investments in Real Estate Investments in real estate are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives as follows: Acquired ground leases Terms of the related lease Buildings and improvements 5-39 years Machinery and equipment 7-15 years Furniture and fixtures 3-5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases Tenant improvements Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency of the asset. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Assets that are classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to dispose. We classify an asset as held for sale once management has the authority to approve and commits to a plan to sell, the asset is available for immediate sale, an active program to locate a buyer has commenced and the sale of the asset is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to occur within one year. Upon the classification of assets as held for sale or sold, the depreciation and amortization of the assets will cease.
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	(d) Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures The Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. We use the equity method when we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the venture but do not have control of the entity. Under the equity method, we initially recognize these investments in the balance sheet at our cost or proportionate share of fair value. We subsequently adjust the accounts to reflect our proportionate share of net earnings or losses recognized and other comprehensive income or loss, distributions received, contributions made and certain other adjustments, as appropriate. We do not record losses of the joint ventures in excess of our investment balances unless we are liable for the obligations of the joint venture or are otherwise committed to provide financial support to the joint venture. Likewise, and as long as we have no explicit or implicit obligations to the joint venture, we will suspend equity method accounting to the extent that cash distributions exceed our investment balances until those unrecorded earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. In this case, we will apply cost accounting concepts which result in income being equal to cash distributions received. Cost basis accounting concepts will apply until earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. We amortize the difference between the cost of our investment in the joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. In the event the underlying asset is goodwill, the difference is not amortized. The amortization of this difference was immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Impairment of Long-Lived and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	(e) Impairment of Long-Lived and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets We review each of our properties for indicators that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Examples of such indicators may include a significant decrease in the market price of the property, a change in the expected holding period for the property, a significant adverse change in how the property is being used or expected to be used based on the underwriting at the time of acquisition, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of the property, or a history of operating or cash flow losses of the property. When such impairment indicators exist, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to result from the property’s or asset group’s use and eventual disposition and compare that estimate to the carrying value of the property or the asset group. We consider factors such as future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If our future undiscounted net cash flow evaluation indicates that we are unable to recover the carrying value of a property or asset group, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property or fair value of the properties within the asset group. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. If we determine that the asset fails the recoverability test, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value. We generally estimate the fair value of rental properties utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis that includes projections of future revenues, expenses and capital improvement costs that a market participant would use based on the highest and best use of the asset, which is similar to the income approach that is commonly utilized by appraisers. In certain cases, we may supplement this analysis by obtaining outside broker opinions of value. In considering whether to classify a property as held for sale or contribution, the Company considers whether: (i) management has committed to a plan to sell or contribute the property; (ii) the property is available for immediate sale or contribution in its present condition; (iii) the Company has initiated a program to locate a buyer or joint venture partner; (iv) the Company believes that the sale or contribution of the property is probable; (v) the Company is actively marketing the property for sale or contribution at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current value; and (vi) actions required for the Company to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that any significant changes will be made to the plan. If all the above criteria are met, the Company classifies the property as held for sale or contribution. Assets classified as held for sale are expected to be sold to a third party and assets classified as held for contribution are expected to be contributed to an unconsolidated joint venture or to a third party within twelve months. At such time, the respective assets and liabilities are presented separately in the consolidated balance sheets and depreciation is no longer recognized. Assets held for sale or contribution are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated fair value less the costs to sell or contribute. Only those assets held for sale or contribution that constitute a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations are classified as discontinued operations. To date we have had no property dispositions or assets classified as held for sale or contribution that would meet the definition of discontinued operations. If impairment indicators arise with respect to intangible assets with finite useful lives, we evaluate impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then we estimate the fair value of the asset and compare the estimated fair value to the intangible asset’s carrying value. We recognize any shortfall from carrying value as an impairment loss in the current period.
Acquisition Accounting	(f) Acquisition Accounting Acquisition accounting is applied to the assets and liabilities acquired from third parties. The Company evaluates the nature of the purchase to determine whether the purchase is a business combination or an asset acquisition. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred while transaction costs associated with an asset acquisition are included in the total costs of the acquisition and are allocated on a pro-rata basis to the carrying value of the assets and liabilities recognized in connection with the acquisition. The following accounting policies related to valuing the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities are applicable to both business combinations and asset acquisitions. However, in the event the purchase is an asset acquisition, no goodwill or gain is permitted to be recognized. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the sum of the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and the total purchase price (including transactions costs) is allocated to the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities on a relative fair value basis. In accordance with current accounting guidance , The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property are determined based on comparable land sales for land and replacement costs adjusted for physical and market obsolescence for the improvements. The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property in an asset acquisition are also determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land, building and tenant improvements based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property based on assumptions that a market participant would use, which is similar to methods used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related costs. In allocating the fair value of the identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) estimated fair market lease rates from the perspective of a market participant for the corresponding in-place leases, measured, for above-market leases, over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease and, for below-market leases, over a period equal to the initial term plus any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. The leases we have acquired do not currently include any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. The capitalized below-market lease values, also referred to as acquired lease obligations, are amortized as an increase to rental income over the initial terms of the respective leases and any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. In addition to the intangible value for above-market leases and the intangible negative value for below-market leases, there is intangible value related to having tenants leasing space in the purchased property, which is referred to as in-place lease value. Such value results primarily from the buyer of a leased property avoiding the costs associated with leasing the property and also avoiding rent losses and unreimbursed operating expenses during the lease-up period. Factors to be considered by management in its analysis of in-place lease values include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, management considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses. The value of in-place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases. The Company uses the multi-period excess earnings method to value customer relationship value, if any. Such value exists in transactions that involve the acquisition of customers that are expected to generate recurring revenues beyond existing in-place lease terms. The primary factors to be considered by management in its analysis of customer relationship value include projected revenue growth from existing customers, historical customer lease renewals and attrition rates, rental renewal probabilities and related market terms, estimated operating costs, and discount rate. Customer relationship value is amortized to expense ratably over the anticipated life of substantially all of the customer relationships generating excess earnings, which is the primary period that generated this intangible asset.
Goodwill	(g) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. We perform an annual impairment test for goodwill and between annual tests, we evaluate goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. In January 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on simplifying the test for goodwill impairment. Prior to 2020, the standard required an entity to perform a two-step test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In Step 1, an entity compared the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value, the entity performed Step 2 and compared the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill for that reporting unit. An impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill for the reporting unit exceeded the implied fair value of that goodwill is recorded, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The new guidance removes Step 2. Under the new guidance, an entity will apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The new guidance was effective for us in the first quarter of 2020 and was adopted on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance had no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. We have not recognized any goodwill impairments since our inception. Since some of the goodwill is denominated in foreign currencies, changes to the goodwill balance occur over time due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following is a summary of goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Balance as of Impact of Change Balance as of December 31, Merger / Goodwill in Foreign December 31, Merger / Portfolio Acquisition 2019 Acquisition Deconsolidation Adjustments Exchange Rates 2020 Telx Acquisition $ 330,845 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,845 European Portfolio Acquisition 440,079 — — — 23,075 463,154 DFT Merger 2,592,146 — — — — 2,592,146 Interxion Combination — 4,338,711 — — 380,156 4,718,867 Other combinations — 215,949 10,035 225,984 Total $ 3,363,070 $ 4,554,660 $ — $ — $ 413,266 $ 8,330,996 Balance as of Impact of Change Balance as of December 31, Merger / Goodwill in Foreign December 31, 2018 Acquisition Deconsolidation Adjustments (1) Exchange Rates 2019 Telx Acquisition $ 330,845 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,845 European Portfolio Acquisition 442,349 — — (9,436) 7,166 440,079 DFT Merger 2,592,146 — — — — 2,592,146 Ascenty Acquisition 982,667 — (967,189) — (15,478) — Total $ 4,348,007 $ — $ (967,189) $ (9,436) $ (8,312) $ 3,363,070 (1) As a result of a subsequent reduction to an acquired deferred tax liability that would not have impacted consideration paid, goodwill was adjusted.
Capitalization of Costs	(h) 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. During the development period, all costs including the associated land are classified to construction in progress and space held for development. Upon completion of the development period for a project, accumulated construction in progress costs including the land related to a project are allocated to the specific components of a project that are benefited. Construction in progress and space held for development includes the cost of land, the cost of construction of buildings, improvements and fixed equipment, and costs for design and engineering. Other costs, such as interest, legal, property taxes and corporate project supervision, which can be directly associated with the project during construction, are also included in construction in progress and space held for development. Land held for development includes parcels of land owned by the Company, upon which the Company intends to develop and own data centers, but has yet to commence development. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized interest of approximately $47.3 million, $40.2 million and $34.7 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized amounts relating to compensation and other overhead expense of employees direct and incremental to construction activities of approximately $53.7 million, $46.5 million and $39.2 million, respectively.
Deferred Leasing Costs	(i) Deferred Leasing Costs Leasing commissions and other direct and indirect costs associated with the acquisition of tenants are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized amounts relating to variable compensation of employees direct and incremental to successful leasing activities of approximately $40.8 million, $30.8 million and $27.2 million, respectively. Deferred leasing costs is included in customer relationship value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles on the consolidated balance sheet and amounted to approximately $272.3 million and $291.8 million, net of accumulated amortization of $401.4 million and $329.5 million, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense on leasing costs was approximately $76.0 million, $75.3 million, and $72.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Marketable Equity Securities	(j) Marketable Equity Securities The Company reports its marketable equity securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 1, as defined by the FASB standard for fair value measurements). Unrealized gains and losses in marketable equity securities are included in interest and other income (expense), net on the consolidated income statements. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, marketable equity securities consisted of common stock traded on a public stock exchange. In June 2020, net proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities totaled approximately $70.0 million, which resulted in a $17.9 million gain from the mark to market valuation as of March 31, 2020. There were no sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the portion of marketable equity security unrealized gains that were recognized in income totaled $0.6 million, $46.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and were included in interest and other income, net on the Company's consolidated income statements.
Foreign Currency Translation	(k) Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries outside the United States with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. Income and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. In the statement of cash flows, cash flows denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the cash flows or an average exchange rate for the period, depending on the nature of the cash flow item.
Deferred Financing Costs	(l) Deferred Financing Costs Loan fees and costs are recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt and amortized over the life of the related loans on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method. Such amortization is included as a component of interest expense.
Offering Costs	(m) Offering Costs Underwriting commissions and other offering costs are reflected as a reduction in additional paid-in capital, or in the case of preferred stock, as a reduction of the carrying value of preferred stock.
Share-Based Compensation	(n) Share-Based Compensation The Company measures all share-based compensation awards at fair value on the date they are granted to employees and directors, and recognizes compensation cost, net of forfeitures, over the requisite service period for awards with only a service condition. The estimated fair value of the long-term incentive units and Class D units (discussed in Note 15) granted by us is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected service period. The fair value of share-based compensation awards that contain a market condition is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation method and is not adjusted based on actual achievement of the market condition.
Derivative Instruments	(o) Derivative Instruments Derivative financial instruments are employed to manage risks, including foreign currency and interest rate exposures and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. As part of the Company’s risk management program, a variety of financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts, may be used to mitigate interest rate exposure and foreign currency exposure. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized periodically either in earnings or in other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative financial instrument is undesignated or qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it represents a fair value, cash flow, or net investment hedge. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are included in the assessment of effectiveness, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to earnings to offset the impact of the hedged items when they occur. In the event it becomes probable the forecasted transaction to which a cash flow hedge relates will not occur, the derivative would be terminated and the amount in other comprehensive income (loss) would be recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as a hedge of the net investment in foreign operations, to the extent they are included in the assessment of effectiveness, are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and are deferred until disposal of the underlying assets. Gains and losses representing components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for cash flow and fair value hedges are recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis in the same caption as the hedged item over the term of the hedge. Gains and losses representing components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for net investment hedges are recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis over the term of the hedge. The net interest paid or received on interest rate swaps is recognized as interest expense. Gains and losses resulting from the early termination of interest rate swap agreements are deferred and amortized as adjustments to interest expense over the remaining period of the debt originally covered by the terminated swap. See Note 16 for further discussion on derivative instruments.
Income Taxes	(p) 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 U.S. 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 U.S. federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax for taxable years prior to 2018) on its taxable income. The Company is subject to foreign, state and local income taxes in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business. The Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes to the extent there is taxable income. Accordingly, the Company recognizes current and deferred income taxes for the Company and its taxable REIT subsidiaries, including for U.S. federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions, as applicable. 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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 consolidated income statements. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we had no such interest or penalties. The tax year 2017 and thereafter remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions with which the Company files tax returns. See Note 12 for further discussion on income taxes.
Presentation of Transactional-Based Taxes	(q) 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.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	(r) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests include amounts related to partnership units issued by consolidated subsidiaries of the Company in which redemption for equity is outside the control of the Company. Partnership units which are determined to be contingently redeemable for cash under the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity" guidance are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests and presented in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholder’s equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the Company and to the noncontrolling interests are presented on the Company’s consolidated income statements.
Lease Accounting	(s) Lease Accounting Transition On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases” and the several additional ASU’s intended to clarify certain aspects of ASU 2016-02 and to provide certain practical expedients entities can elect upon adoption (collectively “Topic 842”). Topic 842 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both parties to a lease agreement (i.e. lessees and lessors). Upon adoption of the new lease accounting standard, we elected the following practical expedients and accounting policies provided by this lease standard: ● Package (“all or nothing” expedients) - requires us not to reevaluate our existing or expired leases as of January 1, 2019, under Topic 842 ; ● Optional transition method - requires us to apply Topic 842 prospectively from the effective date of adoption (i.e., January 1, 2019); ● Land easements - requires us to account for land easements existing as of January 1, 2019, under the accounting standards applied to them prior to January 1, 2019 ; ● Lease and non-lease components (lessee) - requires us to account for lease and non-lease components associated with that lease under Topic 842 as a single lease component, for all classes of underlying assets; ● Lease and non-lease components (lessor) - requires us to account for lease and non-lease components associated with that lease under Topic 842 as a single lease component, if certain criteria are met, for all classes of underlying assets; and ● Short-term leases practical expedient (lessee) - for leases with a term of 12 months or less in which we are the lessee, this expedient requires us not to record on our balance sheets the related lease liabilities and right-of-use assets. Our election of the package of practical expedients and the optional transition method allowed us not to reassess: ● Whether any expired or existing contracts as of January 1, 2019 are or contain leases as defined in Topic 842; ● The lease classification for any expired or existing leases as of January 1, 2019; and ● Treatment of initial direct costs relating to any existing leases as of January 1, 2019. We applied the package of practical expedients consistently to all leases (i.e., in which we are the lessee or the lessor) that commenced before January 1, 2019. The election of this package permits us to “run off” our leases that commenced before January 1, 2019, for the remainder of their lease terms and to apply the new lease accounting standard to leases commencing or modified after January 1, 2019. For our leases that commenced prior to January 1, 2019, under the package of practical expedients and optional transition method, we are not required to reassess whether initial direct leasing costs capitalized prior to the adoption of the new lease accounting standard in connection with such leases qualify for capitalization under the new lease accounting standard. Therefore, we continue to amortize these initial direct leasing costs over their respective lease terms. In addition, we applied the modified retrospective transition method to build-to-suit leases for which assets and liabilities have been recognized solely as a result of the transactions’ build-to-suit designation in accordance with Topic 840. Therefore, we derecognized those assets and liabilities at the effective date of adoption for build-to-suit leases where construction had completed, with the difference of approximately $6.3 million recorded as an increase to accumulated dividends in excess of earnings at the adoption date. We accounted for the leases therefrom, following lessee transition guidance. The remainder of our capital leases were classified as finance leases and there was no change in their carrying value or classification at the adoption date. Under the package of practical expedients that we elected upon adoption of the new lease accounting standard, all of our operating leases existing as of January 1, 2019, in which we are the lessee, continue to be classified as operating leases subsequent to the adoption of the new lease accounting standard. In accordance with the new lease accounting standard, we were required to record an operating lease liability in our consolidated balance sheet equal to the present value of remaining future rental payments in which we are the lessee existing as of January 1, 2019 and the related operating lease right-of-use asset. Consequently, on January 1, 2019, we recorded an operating lease liability aggregating $757.2 million, which included approximately $73.3 million reclassified out of the deferred rent liabilities balance in accordance with the new lease standard. We have also recorded a corresponding operating lease right-of-use asset of $683.9 million. The present value of the remaining lease payments was calculated for each operating lease existing as of January 1, 2019, in which we were the lessee by using each respective remaining lease term and a corresponding estimated incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the interest rate that we estimated we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term for an amount equal to the lease payments. Subsequent application of the new lease accounting guidance Definition of a lease Effective January 1, 2019, when we enter into a contract or amend an existing contract, we evaluate whether the contract meets the definition of a lease. To meet the definition of a lease, the contract must meet all three criteria: i. One party (lessor) must hold an identified asset; ii. The counterparty (lessee) must have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset throughout the period of the contract; and iii. The counterparty (lessee) must have the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of the contract. Lease classification The new lease accounting standard also sets new criteria for determining the classification of finance leases for lessees and sales-type leases for lessors. The criteria to determine whether a lease should be accounted for as a finance/sales-type lease include any of the following: i. Ownership is transferred from lessor to lessee by the end of the lease term; ii. An option to purchase is reasonably certain to be exercised; iii. The lease term is for the major part of the underlying asset’s remaining economic life; iv. The present value of lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset; or v. The underlying asset is specialized and is expected to have no alternative use at the end of the lease term. If any of these criteria is met, a lease is classified as a finance lease by the lessee and as a sales-type lease by the lessor. If none of the criteria are met, a lease is classified as an operating lease by the lessee but may still qualify as a direct financing lease or an operating lease for the lessor. The existence of a residual value guarantee from an unrelated third party other than the lessee may qualify the lease as a direct financing lease by the lessor. Otherwise, the lease is classified as an operating lease by the lessor. Therefore, under the new lease accounting standard, lessees apply a dual approach by classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, which corresponds to a similar evaluation performed by lessors. Lessor accounting Costs to execute leases The new lease accounting standard requires that lessors (and, if applicable, lessees) capitalize, as initial direct costs, only incremental costs of a lease that would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained. Costs that we incur to negotiate or arrange a lease, regardless of its outcome, such as for fixed employee compensation, tax, or legal advice to negotiate lease terms, and other costs, are expensed as incurred. Operating leases We account for the revenue from our lease contracts by utilizing the single component accounting policy. This policy requires us to account for, by class of underlying asset, the lease component and non-lease component(s) associated with each lease as a single component if two criteria are met: i. The timing and pattern of transfer of the lease component and the non-lease component(s) are the same; and ii. The lease component would be classified as an operating lease if it were accounted for separately. Lease components consist primarily of fixed rental payments, which represent scheduled rental amounts due under our leases, and contingent rental payments. Non-lease components consist primarily of customer recoveries representing reimbursements of rental operating expenses under our triple net lease structure, including recoveries for utilities, repairs and maintenance, and common area expenses. If a lessee makes payments for taxes and insurance directly to a third party on behalf of a lessor, lessors are required to exclude them from variable payments and from recognition in the lessors’ income statements. Otherwise, customer recoveries for taxes and insurance are classified as additional lease revenue recognized by the lessor on a gross basis in their income statements. On January 1, 2019, we adopted the practical expedient that allowed us to not separate expenses reimbursed by our customers (“rental recoveries”) from the associated rental revenue if certain criteria were met. We assessed these criteria and concluded that the timing and pattern of transfer for rental revenue and the associated rental recoveries are the same and as our leases qualify as operating leases, we accounted for and presented rental revenue and rental recoveries as a single component under rental and other services in our consolidated income statements. Tenant recoveries are recognized as revenue in the period during which the applicable expenses are incurred and the tenant’s obligation to reimburse us arises. If the lease component is the predominant component, we account for all revenues under such lease as a single component in accordance with the new lease accounting standard. Conversely, if the non-lease component is the predominant component, all revenues under such lease are accounted for in accordance with the revenue recognition accounting standard. Our operating leases qualify for the single component accounting, and the lease component in each of our leases is predominant. Therefore, we account for all revenues from our operating leases under the new lease accounting standard and classify these revenues as rental and other services in our consolidated income statements. We commence recognition of income from rentals related to the operating leases at the date the property is ready for its intended use by the tenant and the tenant takes possession, or controls the physical use, of the leased asset. Our leases are classified as operating leases and minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, which may span multiple years. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases is included in deferred rent in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and contractually due but unpaid rents are included in accounts and other receivables. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the balance of rent receivable, net of allowance, was $358.0 million and $186.8 million, respectively. Amounts received currently but recognized as revenue in future periods are classified in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $18.8 million and $13.8 million, respectively. Lease termination fees are recognized over the remaining term of the lease, effective as of the date the lease modification is finalized, assuming collection is not considered doubtful. We recognize amortization of the value of acquired above or below-market tenant leases as a reduction of rental revenue in the case of above-market leases or an increase to rental revenue in the case of below-market leases. We make subjective estimates as to the probability of collection of substantially all lease payments over the term of a lease. We specifically analyze customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable and historical bad debts and current economic trends when evaluating the probability of collection. If collection of substantially all lease payments over the term of a lease is deemed not probable, rental revenue would be recognized when payment is received and revenue would not be recognized on a straight-line basis. We monitor the probability of collection over the lease term and in the event the collection of substantially all lease payments is no longer probable, we cease recognizing revenue on a straight-line basis and write-off the balance of all deferred rent related to the lease and commence recording rental revenue on a cash collected basis. In addition, we record a full valuation allowance on the balance of any rent receivable, less the balance of any security deposits or letters of credit. In the event that we subsequently determine the collection is probable, we resume recognizing rental revenue on a straight-line basis and record the incremental revenue such that the cumulative rental revenue is equal to the amount of revenue that would have been recorded on a straight-line basis since the inception of the lease. We also would reverse the allowance for bad debt recorded on the balance of accounts receivable. The Company is closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of its business and geographies, including how it is impacting its customers and business partners. While the Company did not incur significant disruptions during the year ended December 31, 2020 from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unable to predict the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows due to numerous uncertainties.
Revenue Recognition	(t) Revenue Recognition Interconnection services are included in rental and other services on the consolidated income statements and are generally provided on a month-to-month, one-year or multi-year term. Interconnection services include port and cross- connect services. Port services are typically sold on a one-year or multi-year term and revenue is recognized on a recurring monthly basis (straight-line). The Company bills customers on a monthly basis and recognizes the revenue over the period the service is provided. Revenue for cross-connect installations is generally recognized in the period the cross-connect is installed. Interconnection services that are not specific to a particular space are accounted for under Topic 606 and have terms that are generally one year or less. Occasionally, customers engage the Company for certain services. The nature of these services historically involves property management and construction management. 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 whether certain performance milestones are met. Fee income arises primarily from contractual management 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 noncontrolled entities are recognized to the extent attributable to the unaffiliated interest. The majority of our revenue is derived from lease arrangements, which we account for in accordance with Topic 842. Upon the adoption of Topic 842, we elected the practical expedient that requires us to account for lease and non-lease components associated with that lease as a single lease component and which are recorded within rental and other services. Revenue recognized as a result of applying Topic 606 was less than 6% of total operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	(u) 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 liability which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair-value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair-value hierarchy, the lowest level input that is significant would be used to determine the fair-value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair-value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
Transaction and Integration Expense	(v) Transaction and Integration Expense Transaction and integration expense includes business combination expenses, other business development expenses and other expenses to integrate newly acquired investments, which are expensed as incurred. Transaction expenses include closing costs, broker commissions and other professional fees, including legal and accounting fees related to business combinations or acquisitions that were not consummated. Integration costs include transition costs associated with organizational restructuring (such as severance and retention payments and recruiting expenses), third-party consulting expenses directly related to the integration of acquired companies (in areas such as cost savings and synergy realization, technology and systems work), and internal costs such as training, travel and labor, reflecting time spent by Company personnel on integration activities and projects. Recurring costs are recorded in general and administrative expense.
Gains on Disposition of Properties	(w) Gains on Disposition of Properties As of January 1, 2018, we began accounting for the sale or contribution of real estate properties under Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2017-05, Other Income—Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20), which provides for gain and loss recognition based on transfer of ownership. We recognize gains on the disposition of real estate when the recognition criteria have been met, generally at the time the risks and rewards and title have transferred, and we no longer have substantial continuing involvement with the real estate sold. We recognize losses from the disposition of real estate when known.
Gain On Deconsolidation	(x) Gain on Deconsolidation We deconsolidate our subsidiaries in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, as of the date we cease to have a controlling financial interest in our subsidiaries. We account for the deconsolidation of our subsidiaries by recognizing a gain or loss in accordance with ASC 810. This gain or loss is measured at the date our subsidiaries are deconsolidated as the difference between (a) the aggregate of the fair value of any consideration received, the fair value of any retained non-controlling interest in our subsidiaries being deconsolidated, and the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest in our subsidiaries being deconsolidated, including any accumulated other comprehensive income/loss attributable to the non-controlling interest, and (b) the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries being deconsolidated.
Management's Estimates	(y) 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 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, customer relationship value, goodwill, accounts receivable and deferred rent, performance-based equity compensation plans and the completeness of accrued liabilities. 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	(z) Segment and Geographic Information The Company is managed on a consolidated basis based on customer demand considerations. Deployment of capital is geared to satisfy this demand. In this regard, the sale and delivery of our products is consistent throughout the portfolio. Services are provided to customers typical of the data center industry. Rent and the cost of services are billed and collected. The Company has one operating segment and therefore one reporting segment. Operating revenues from properties in the United States were $2.6 billion, $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion and outside the United States were $1.3 billion, $0.6 billion and $0.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We had investments in real estate located in the United States of $11.3 billion, $10.6 billion and $11.1 billion and outside the United States of $9.3 billion, $3.7 billion and $3.8 billion as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements	(aa) New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Standards Adopted Standard/Description Effective Date and Adoption Considerations Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . This standard requires financial assets measured on an amortized cost basis, including trade receivables, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting . This standard contains optional practical expedients and exceptions for applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) to contracts, hedging relations, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. We elected certain optional practical expedients as of January 1, 2020 The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. As of January 1, 2020, we have elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur. We determined that all other recently issued accounting pronouncements that have yet to be adopted by the Company will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or do not apply to our operations.
Reclassifications	(bb) Reclassification We have reclassified certain items in the December 31, 2019 consolidated balance sheet to conform to the current year presentation.

Organization and Description _2

Organization and Description of Business (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Organization and Description of Business (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization and Description of Business
Schedule of Real Estate Properties	Data Centers As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 Unconsolidated Unconsolidated Region Operating Joint Total Operating Held for (2) Joint Total United States 123 16 139 119 11 17 147 Europe 107 (1) — 107 41 — — 41 Latin America — 22 22 — — 19 19 Asia 7 5 12 5 — 5 10 Australia 6 — 6 5 — — 5 Africa 3 (1) — 3 — — — — Canada 2 — 2 2 1 — 3 Total 248 43 291 172 12 41 225 (1) Includes 62 data centers in Europe and three data centers in Africa that were acquired as part of the Interxion Combination. (2) Includes 10 Powered Base Building® properties, which comprise 12 data centers, that were held for sale to a third party as of December 31, 2019 and subsequently sold in January 2020 (see Note 5).

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,501 $ 89,817 $ 126,700 Restricted cash (included in other assets) 15,151 7,436 8,522 Total $ 123,652 $ 97,253 $ 135,222
Schedule of property and equipment	Acquired ground leases Terms of the related lease Buildings and improvements 5-39 years Machinery and equipment 7-15 years Furniture and fixtures 3-5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases Tenant improvements Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases
Schedule of Goodwill	The following is a summary of goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Balance as of Impact of Change Balance as of December 31, Merger / Goodwill in Foreign December 31, Merger / Portfolio Acquisition 2019 Acquisition Deconsolidation Adjustments Exchange Rates 2020 Telx Acquisition $ 330,845 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,845 European Portfolio Acquisition 440,079 — — — 23,075 463,154 DFT Merger 2,592,146 — — — — 2,592,146 Interxion Combination — 4,338,711 — — 380,156 4,718,867 Other combinations — 215,949 10,035 225,984 Total $ 3,363,070 $ 4,554,660 $ — $ — $ 413,266 $ 8,330,996 Balance as of Impact of Change Balance as of December 31, Merger / Goodwill in Foreign December 31, 2018 Acquisition Deconsolidation Adjustments (1) Exchange Rates 2019 Telx Acquisition $ 330,845 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,845 European Portfolio Acquisition 442,349 — — (9,436) 7,166 440,079 DFT Merger 2,592,146 — — — — 2,592,146 Ascenty Acquisition 982,667 — (967,189) — (15,478) — Total $ 4,348,007 $ — $ (967,189) $ (9,436) $ (8,312) $ 3,363,070 (1) As a result of a subsequent reduction to an acquired deferred tax liability that would not have impacted consideration paid, goodwill was adjusted.

Business Combinations and Dec_2

Business Combinations and Deconsolidation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations and Deconsolidation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations and Deconsolidation
Summary of Preliminary Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Acquired	The following table summarizes the acquired assets and liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands): Final Amounts Land $ 190,970 Build and improvements 3,166,988 Construction in progress and space held for development 397,825 Operating lease right-of-use assets 553,987 Goodwill 4,338,711 Customer relationship value and other intangibles (1) 1,052,811 Debt assumed (1,662,276) Finance lease obligations (47,797) Operating lease liabilities (553,987) Deferred tax liability, net (535,990) Working capital liabilities, net (24,738) Total purchase consideration 6,876,504 Assumed cash and cash equivalents 108,548 Total equity consideration $ 6,985,052 (1) The weighted average amortization life for customer relationship value is
Pro Forma Financial Information	Pro forma (unaudited, in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2020 2019 Total revenue $ 4,051,608 $ 3,758,054 Net income available to common stockholders (1) $ 323,889 $ 267,600 Pro forma (unaudited, in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2020 2019 Total revenue $ 4,051,608 $ 3,758,054 Net income available to common unitholders (1) $ 333,389 $ 288,700 (1) Pro forma net income available to common stockholders/unitholders was adjusted to exclude $65.7 million of merger-related costs incurred by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2020 and to include these charges for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Leases (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows (in thousands): Balance Sheet Balance as of Classification December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating lease assets Operating lease right-of-use assets, net (1) $ 1,386,959 $ 628,681 Finance lease assets Buildings and improvements, net (2) 181,753 131,072 Total leased assets $ 1,568,712 $ 759,753 Liabilities: Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liabilities $ 1,468,712 $ 693,539 Finance lease liabilities Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 233,350 178,086 Total lease liabilities $ 1,702,062 $ 871,625 _________________________ (1) Net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of (2) Net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of
Lease, Cost	The components of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended Lease cost Income Statement Classification December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization $ 7,222 $ 5,074 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 7,060 6,044 Operating lease cost Rental property operating and maintenance / General and administrative 129,399 90,980 Total lease cost $ 143,681 $ 102,098
Finance Leases Maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands): Operating Finance lease liabilities lease liabilities 2021 $ 137,324 $ 12,578 2022 143,183 13,099 2023 143,606 33,288 2024 144,303 12,039 2025 145,162 12,094 Thereafter 1,046,233 244,675 Total undiscounted future cash flows 1,759,811 327,773 Less: Imputed interest (291,099) (94,423) Present value of undiscounted future cash flows $ 1,468,712 $ 233,350
Operating Lease Maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands): Operating Finance lease liabilities lease liabilities 2021 $ 137,324 $ 12,578 2022 143,183 13,099 2023 143,606 33,288 2024 144,303 12,039 2025 145,162 12,094 Thereafter 1,046,233 244,675 Total undiscounted future cash flows 1,759,811 327,773 Less: Imputed interest (291,099) (94,423) Present value of undiscounted future cash flows $ 1,468,712 $ 233,350
Lessor Operating Minimum Lease Payments	The following table summarizes the minimum lease payments due from our customers on leases with lease periods greater than one year for space in our operating properties, prestabilized development properties and leases of land subject to ground leases at December 31, 2020 (in thousands): Operating leases 2021 $ 2,874,204 2022 2,126,375 2023 1,760,337 2024 1,457,784 2025 1,155,144 Thereafter 3,907,635 Total $ 13,281,479

Investments in Properties (Tabl

Investments in Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investments in Properties (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments in Properties
Schedule of Investments in Properties	A summary of our investments in properties as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: As of December 31, Property Type 2020 2019 Land $ 1,106,392 $ 804,830 Acquired ground lease 10,308 10,725 Buildings and improvements 21,335,396 15,449,884 Tenant improvements 690,892 621,153 23,142,988 16,886,592 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (5,555,221) (4,536,169) Investments in operating properties, net 17,587,767 12,350,423 Construction in progress and space held for development 2,768,325 1,732,555 Land held for future development 226,862 147,597 Investments in properties, net $ 20,582,954 $ 14,230,575
Schedule of Properties Acquired	The table below reflects the purchase price allocation for the real estate acquired in 2020 (in thousands): Description Amount Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life (in years) Investment in properties $ 897,181 Customer relationship value and in-place leases 68,850 15 Working capital, net 7,224 Below-market leases (2,540) 15 Secured debt (135,000) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures (5,715) Acquisition date fair value $ 830,000
Schedule of Dispositions	We sold the following real estate properties during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 Dispositions Gross Proceeds Gain on Sale Location / Portfolio Metro Area Date Sold (in millions) (in millions) Mapletree portfolio (1) Various Jan 14, 2020 $ 557.0 $ 306.5 Liverpoolweg 10 Amsterdam Jul 17, 2020 21.5 10.4 Naritaweg 52 Amsterdam Dec 30, 2020 6.1 — $ 584.6 $ 316.9 2019 Dispositions Fair Value Gain on contribution Location / Portfolio Metro Area Date Sold (in millions) (in millions) Mapletree portfolio (2) Northern Virginia Nov 1, 2019 $ 996.6 $ 266.0 2018 Dispositions Gross Proceeds Gain on Sale Location Metro Area Date Sold (in millions) (in millions) 200 Quannapowitt Parkway Boston Jan 25, 2018 $ 15.0 $ (0.4) 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard Silicon Valley Feb 9, 2018 73.3 25.3 3065 Gold Camp Drive Sacramento Mar 14, 2018 14.2 5.4 11085 Sun Center Drive Sacramento Mar 14, 2018 36.8 9.1 Austin Portfolio Austin Apr 19, 2018 47.6 12.0 2010 East Centennial Circle Phoenix May 22, 2018 5.5 (0.5) 1125 Energy Park Drive Minneapolis May 31, 2018 7.0 2.8 360 Spear Street San Francisco Sep 21, 2018 92.3 26.7 $ 291.7 $ 80.4 (3) On September 16, 2019, we announced the proposed sale of 10 Powered Base Building® properties, which comprise 12 data centers, in North America to Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd (“Mapletree Investments”) and Mapletree Industrial Trust (“MIT” and together with Mapletree Investments, “Mapletree”), at a purchase consideration of approximately $557.0 million. As of December 31, 2019, these 12 data centers had an aggregate carrying value of $229.9 million within total assets and $2.7 million within total liabilities and are shown as assets held for sale and obligations associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet. The 12 data centers were not representative of a significant component of our portfolio, nor did the sale represent a significant shift in our strategy. In January 2020, we closed on the sale of the 12 data centers for a gain of approximately $303.3 million. We provided transitional property management services for one year from the closing date at a customary market rate. (4) Consists of three data centers that were contributed to a joint venture with Mapletree.

Investments in Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Summary of Financial Information for Joint Ventures	As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting presented in our consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands): Year Joint # of Metropolitan Balance as of Balance as of Joint Venture Venture Formed Data Centers Area % Ownership December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Ascenty (1) 2019 22 Brazil / Chile / Mexico 51 % (2) $ 567,192 $ 787,026 Mapletree 2019 3 Northern Virginia 20 % 184,890 196,181 Mitsubishi 2017 4 Osaka / Tokyo 50 % 278,947 200,652 CenturyLink 2012 1 Hong Kong 50 % 86,600 88,647 Other Various 13 U.S. Various 30,529 14,603 Total 43 $ 1,148,158 $ 1,287,109 (1) Our maximum exposure to loss related to this unconsolidated variable interest entity (VIE) is limited to our equity investment in this VIE. (2) Includes an approximate 2% ownership interest held by a non-controlling interest in our entity that holds the investment in the Ascenty joint venture, which has a carrying value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 of approximately $21.9 million and $23.9 million, respectively, and is classified within redeemable noncontrolling interests in our consolidated balance sheet. The following tables present summarized financial information for our unconsolidated joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 (in thousands): Property Net Net % Net Investment Total Mortgage Total Operating Operating Income 2020 Ownership in Properties Assets Loans Liabilities Equity Revenues Expense Income (Loss) Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2020 Fifth Avenue 50.00 % $ 43,255 $ 52,435 $ 47,748 $ 48,119 $ 4,316 $ 10,107 $ (2,887) $ 7,220 $ 4,393 CenturyLink 50.00 % 142,596 181,464 — 8,264 173,200 25,006 (10,241) 14,765 5,581 Mitsubishi 50.00 % 734,362 968,957 243,911 358,749 610,208 154,114 (71,001) 83,113 43,746 Ascenty 51.00 % 594,322 1,862,402 720,623 833,801 1,028,601 165,680 (60,640) 105,040 (191,161) Mapletree 20.00 % 723,678 985,900 — 38,140 947,760 106,966 (40,904) 66,062 (11,473) PREI ® 20.00 % 359,706 409,836 211,205 278,645 131,191 41,459 (9,182) 32,277 9,446 GCEAR 20.00 % 106,316 117,573 89,300 90,709 26,864 21,401 (6,787) 14,614 4,642 Other Various 19,261 24,371 3,563 3,876 20,495 10,508 (6,945) 3,563 (271) Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 2,723,496 $ 4,602,938 $ 1,316,350 $ 1,660,303 $ 2,942,635 $ 535,241 $ (208,587) $ 326,654 $ (135,097) Our investment in and share of equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 1,148,158 $ (57,629) Property Net Net % Net Investment Total Mortgage Total Equity / Operating Operating Income 2019 Ownership in Properties Assets Loans Liabilities (Deficit) Revenues Expense Income (Loss) Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2001 Sixth Avenue 50.00 % $ 30,748 $ 47,485 $ 134,583 $ 140,354 $ (92,869) $ 56,266 $ (19,254) $ 37,012 $ 27,422 2020 Fifth Avenue 50.00 % 43,918 54,325 48,000 48,703 5,622 9,868 (2,544) 7,324 4,649 CenturyLink 50.00 % 148,941 187,241 — 9,947 177,294 24,680 (9,251) 15,429 6,712 Mitsubishi 50.00 % 554,828 753,743 231,046 303,130 450,613 84,344 (39,300) 45,044 18,751 Ascenty 51.00 % 548,114 2,178,663 629,500 764,603 1,414,060 112,052 (40,250) 71,802 (54,606) Mapletree 20.00 % 765,443 1,042,661 — 23,796 1,018,865 17,852 (6,774) 11,078 (1,872) PREI ® 20.00 % 365,993 421,635 210,915 281,344 140,291 42,157 (9,918) 32,239 9,968 GCEAR 20.00 % 109,803 127,444 101,902 104,363 23,081 21,120 (9,073) 12,047 (2,636) Other 7%-17 % 59,901 64,553 4,438 4,706 59,847 11,261 (6,779) 4,482 (31) Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 2,627,689 $ 4,877,750 $ 1,360,384 $ 1,680,946 $ 3,196,804 $ 379,600 $ (143,143) $ 236,457 $ 8,357 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 1,287,109 $ 8,067 Property Net Net % Net Investment Total Mortgage Total Equity / Operating Operating Income 2018 Ownership in Properties Assets Loans Liabilities (Deficit) Revenues Expense Income (Loss) Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2001 Sixth Avenue 50.00 % $ 32,786 $ 49,278 $ 134,527 $ 139,569 $ (90,291) $ 52,806 $ (17,264) $ 35,542 $ 25,612 2020 Fifth Avenue 50.00 % 44,644 54,855 48,000 48,333 6,522 9,417 (2,156) 7,261 4,689 CenturyLink 50.00 % 151,256 201,527 — 9,337 192,190 21,394 (7,164) 14,230 6,958 Mitsubishi 50.00 % 332,373 469,159 228,075 285,424 183,735 59,300 (26,360) 32,940 15,884 PREI ® 20.00 % 375,016 433,024 210,626 283,899 149,125 42,058 (8,457) 33,601 (4,159) GCEAR 20.00 % 111,909 139,268 101,885 104,268 35,000 20,457 (8,546) 11,911 (2,177) Other 17.00 % 22,677 24,320 5,225 5,327 18,993 9,383 (5,879) 3,504 415 Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures $ 1,070,661 $ 1,371,431 $ 728,338 $ 876,157 $ 495,274 $ 214,815 $ (75,826) $ 138,989 $ 47,222 Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures $ 175,108 $ 32,979

Acquired Intangible Assets an_2

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities
Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets	Balance as of (Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Intangible Assets: Customer relationship value: Gross amount $ 2,993,093 $ 1,845,949 Accumulated amortization (570,886) (400,570) Net $ 2,422,207 $ 1,445,379 Acquired in-place lease value: Gross amount $ 1,382,563 $ 1,357,190 Accumulated amortization (1,004,421) (899,071) Net $ 378,142 $ 458,119 Other (1) : Gross amount $ 57,370 $ — Accumulated amortization (7,107) — Net $ 50,263 $ — Acquired above-market leases (2) : Gross amount $ 280,216 $ 279,048 Accumulated amortization (236,922) (204,233) Net $ 43,294 $ 74,815 Acquired below-market leases (3) : Gross amount $ 401,539 $ 396,509 Accumulated amortization (270,649) (247,735) Net $ 130,890 $ 148,774
Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Below Market Leases	amortization of acquired below-market lease value, net of acquired above-market lease value, for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing January 1, 2021 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2021 $ (2,865) 2022 4,977 2023 9,741 2024 10,393 2025 9,631 Thereafter 55,721 Total $ 87,598
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 January 1, 2021 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2021 $ 79,868 2022 60,129 2023 48,911 2024 41,604 2025 35,765 Thereafter 111,865 Total $ 378,142 (Amounts in thousands) 2021 $ 177,383 2022 176,611 2023 175,943 2024 175,363 2025 174,861 Thereafter 1,542,046 Total $ 2,422,207

Debt of the Company (Tables)

Debt of the Company (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Debt of the Company (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt of the Company
Schedule of debt held by company subsidiaries	Unsecured Senior Notes Defined Name Initial Issuer (1) Floating Rate Notes due 2022 2022 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 0.125% Notes due 2022 0.125% 2022 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 2.750% Notes due 2023 2.750% 2023 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2.625% Notes due 2024 2.625% 2024 Notes Digital Euro Finco, LLC (2) 2.750% Notes due 2024 2.750% 2024 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 4.250% Notes due 2025 4.250% 2025 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 0.625% Notes due 2025 0.625% 2025 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 4.750% Notes due 2025 4.750% 2025 Notes Digital Delta Holdings, LLC (4) 2.500% Notes due 2026 2.500% 2026 Notes Digital Euro Finco, LLC (2) 3.700% Notes due 2027 3.700% 2027 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 1.125% Notes due 2028 1.125% 2028 Notes Digital Euro Finco, LLC (2) 4.450% Notes due 2028 4.450% 2028 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.600% Notes due 2029 3.600% 2029 Notes Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.300% Notes due 2029 3.300% 2029 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 1.500% Notes due 2030 1.500% 2030 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 3.750% Notes due 2030 3.750% 2030 Notes Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) 1.250% Notes due 2031 1.250% 2031 Notes Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) 1.000% Notes due 2032 1.000% Notes 2032 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (2) (1) Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantees the senior notes issued by Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Both Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantee the senior notes issued by Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Euro Finco, LLC and Digital Dutch Finco, B.V. (2) An indirect wholly owned finance subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (3) A wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (4) Initially a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., pursuant to the terms of the indenture, following the consummation of the Telx Acquisition, on October 13, 2015, Digital Delta Holdings, LLC merged with and into Digital Realty Trust, L.P., with Digital Realty Trust, L.P. surviving the merger and assuming Digital Delta Holdings, LLC’s obligations under the 4.750% 2025 Notes, the related indenture and registration rights agreement by operation of law.

Debt of the Operating Partner_2

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Debt of the Operating Partnership (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument
Summary of Senior Notes, Amounts Issued	Amount Issued (in Unsecured Senior Notes and Annual Maturity millions, local Net Proceeds Interest Payment Interest Rate Date Issued Date currency) (in millions) (1) Dates Initial Issuer (2) Floating Rate Notes due 2022 Sep 23, 2020 Sep 23, 2022 € 300.0 348.7 Quarterly, commencing December 23, 2020 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 0.125% Notes due 2022 Jan 17, 2020 Oct 15, 2022 € 300.0 330.8 Annually, commencing October 15, 2020 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 2.750% Notes due 2023 Aug 7, 2017 Feb 1, 2023 $ 350.0 346.9 Semi-annually, commencing February 1, 2018 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2.625% Notes due 2024 Apr 15, 2016 Apr 15, 2024 € 600.0 670.3 Annually, commencing April 15, 2017 Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) 2.750% Notes due 2024 Jul 21, 2017 Jul 19, 2024 £ 250.0 321.3 Annually, commencing July 19, 2018 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 4.250% Notes due 2025 Jan 18, 2013 Jan 17, 2025 £ 400.0 624.2 Semi-annually, commencing July 17, 2013 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 0.625% Notes due 2025 Jan 17, 2020 Jul 15, 2025 € 650.0 712.0 Annually, commencing July 15, 2020 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 4.750% Notes due 2025 Oct 1, 2015 Oct 1, 2025 $ 450.0 445.8 Semi-annually, commencing April 1, 2016 Digital Delta Holdings, LLC (5) 2.500% Notes due 2026 Jan 16, 2019 Jan 16, 2026 € 1,075.0 1,218.6 Annually, commencing January 16, 2020 Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) 3.700% Notes due 2027 Aug 7, 2017 Aug 15, 2027 $ 1,000.0 991.0 Semi-annually, commencing February 15, 2018 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 1.125% Notes due 2028 Oct 9, 2019 Apr 9, 2028 € 500.0 539.7 Annually, commencing April 9, 2020 Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) 4.450% Notes due 2028 Jun 21, 2018 Jul 15, 2028 $ 650.0 643.3 Semi-annually, commencing January 15, 2019 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.600% Notes due 2029 Jun 14, 2019 Jul 1, 2029 $ 900.0 890.6 Semi-annually, commencing January 1, 2020 Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 3.300% Notes due 2029 Jul 21, 2017 Jul 19, 2029 £ 350.0 448.6 Annually, commencing July 19, 2018 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 1.500% Notes due 2030 Jan 17, 2020 Mar 15, 2030 € 750.0 819.1 Annually, commencing March 15, 2021 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 3.750% Notes due 2030 Oct 17, 2018 and Mar 9, 2019 Oct 17, 2030 £ 550.0 716.8 Annually, commencing October 17, 2019 Digital Stout Holding, LLC (4) 1.250% Notes due 2031 Jun 26, 2020 Feb 1, 2031 € 500.0 553.2 Annually, commencing February 1, 2021 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) 1.000% Notes due 2032 Sep 23, 2020 Jan 15, 2032 € 750.0 860.0 Annually, commencing January 15, 2021 Digital Dutch Finco B.V. (3) (1) Amounts are in U.S. dollars, based on the exchange rate on the date of issuance. Net proceeds are equal to principal amount less initial purchaser discount and other debt issuance costs. (2) Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantees the senior notes issued by Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Both Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantee the senior notes issued by Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Euro Finco, LLC and Digital Dutch Finco, B.V. (3) An indirect wholly owned finance subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (4) A wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (5) Initially a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., pursuant to the terms of the indenture, following the consummation of the Telx Acquisition, on October 13, 2015, Digital Delta Holdings, LLC merged with and into Digital Realty Trust, L.P., with Digital Realty Trust, L.P. surviving the merger and assuming Digital Delta Holdings, LLC’s obligations under the 4.750 % 2025 Notes, the related indenture and registration rights agreement by operation of law.
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Summary of Outstanding Indebtedness of the Operating Partnership	A summary of outstanding indebtedness of the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows (in thousands): Interest Rate at Principal Principal December 31, Outstanding at Outstanding at Indebtedness 2020 Maturity Date December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Global revolving credit facilities Various (1) Jan 24, 2023 (1) $ 540,184 (2) $ 245,766 (2) Deferred financing costs, net (8,279) (11,661) Global revolving credit facilities, net 531,905 234,105 Unsecured Term Loans 2023 Term Loan Various (3)(4) Jan 15, 2023 — (5)(9) 300,000 (5) 2024 Term Loan Various (3)(4) Jan 24, 2023 537,470 (5)(12) 513,205 (5) Deferred financing costs, net (890) (2,986) Unsecured term loans, net 536,580 810,219 Unsecured senior notes: Senior Notes: 3.950% notes due 2022 3.950 % Jul 1, 2022 — (10) 500,000 Floating rate notes due 2022 EURIBOR + 0.500 % Sep 23, 2022 366,480 (6) — 3.625% notes due 2022 3.625 % Oct 1, 2022 — (10) 300,000 0.125% notes due 2022 0.125 % Oct 15, 2022 366,480 (6) — 2.750% notes due 2023 2.750 % Feb 1, 2023 350,000 (13) 350,000 4.750% notes due 2023 4.750 % Oct 13, 2023 — (11) 397,710 (7) 2.625% notes due 2024 2.625 % Apr 15, 2024 732,960 (6) 672,780 (6) 2.750% notes due 2024 2.750 % Jul 19, 2024 341,750 (7) 331,425 (7) 4.250% notes due 2025 4.250 % Jan 17, 2025 546,800 (7) 530,280 (7) 0.625% notes due 2025 0.625 % Jul 15, 2025 794,040 (6) — 4.750% notes due 2025 4.750 % Oct 1, 2025 450,000 450,000 2.500% notes due 2026 2.500 % Jan 16, 2026 1,313,219 (6) 1,205,398 (6) 3.700% notes due 2027 3.700 % Aug 15, 2027 1,000,000 1,000,000 1.125% notes due 2028 1.125 % Apr 9, 2028 610,800 (6) 560,650 (6) 4.450% notes due 2028 4.450 % Jul 15, 2028 650,000 650,000 3.600% notes due 2029 3.600 % Jul 1, 2029 900,000 900,000 3.300% notes due 2029 3.300 % Jul 19, 2029 478,450 (7) 463,995 (7) 1.500% notes due 2030 1.500 % Mar 15, 2030 916,200 (6) — 3.750% notes due 2030 3.750 % Oct 17, 2030 751,850 (7) 729,135 (7) 1.250% notes due 2031 1.250 % Feb 1, 2031 610,800 (6) — 1.000% notes due 2032 1.000 % Jan 15, 2032 916,200 (6) — Unamortized discounts, net of premiums (34,988) (16,145) Total senior notes, net of discount 12,061,041 9,025,228 Deferred financing costs, net (64,031) (52,038) Total unsecured senior notes, net of discount and deferred financing costs 11,997,010 8,973,190 Secured Debt: 731 East Trade Street 8.22 % Jul 1, 2020 $ — (8) $ 1,089 Secured note due March 2023 LIBOR + 1.000 % (4) Mar 1, 2023 104,000 104,000 Westin 3.290 % Jul 11, 2027 135,000 — Other secured debt 330 — Unamortized net (discounts) / premiums (4) 54 Total secured debt, including premiums 239,326 105,143 Deferred financing costs, net (104) (209) Total secured debt, including premiums and net of deferred financing costs 239,222 104,934 Total indebtedness $ 13,304,717 $ 10,122,448 (1) The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin of 90 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. The interest rate for borrowings under the Yen revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin of 50 basis points, which is based on the current credit ratings of our long-term debt. (2) Balances as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Balance as of Weighted- Balance as of Weighted- December 31, average December average Denomination of Draw 2020 interest rate 31, 2019 interest rate Global Revolving Credit Facility Floating Rate Borrowing (a) (d) U.S. dollar ($) $ 40,000 1.05 % $ — — % British pound sterling (£) 47,845 (b) 0.93 % — — % Euro (€) 284,633 (b) 0.90 % 44,852 (c) 0.90 % Australian dollar (AUD) — — % 1,264 (c) 1.74 % Singapore dollar (SGD) 111,340 (b) 1.02 % 53,199 (c) 2.46 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 9,423 (b) 1.36 % — — % Total $ 493,241 0.95 % $ 99,315 1.75 % Yen Revolving Credit Facility (a) $ 46,943 (e) 0.50 % $ 146,451 (e) 0.50 % Total borrowings $ 540,184 0.91 % $ 245,766 1.00 % (a) The interest rates for floating rate borrowings under the global revolving credit facility currently equal the applicable index, subject to a zero floor, plus a margin of 90 basis points, which is based on the current credit rating of our long-term debt. The interest rate for borrowings under the Yen revolving credit facility equals the applicable index, subject to a zero floor, plus a margin of 50 basis points, which is based on the current credit rating of our long-term debt. (b) Based on exchange rates of $1.37 to £1.00, $1.22 to €1.00, $0.76 to 1.00 SGD and $0.79 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. (c) Based on exchange rates of $1.12 to €1.00, $0.70 to 1.00 AUD and $0.74 to 1.00 SGD, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. (d) As of December 31, 2020, approximately $60.8 million of letters of credit were issued. (e) Based on exchange rates of $0.01 to 1.00 JPY for December 31, 2020 and 2019. (3) Interest rates are based on our current senior unsecured debt ratings and is currently 100 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 2023 Term Loan and the 2024 Term Loan. (4) We have entered into interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge for interest generated by a portion of U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar borrowings under the 2023 Term Loan and 2024 Term Loan, and the secured note due March 2023. See Note 16. "Derivative Instruments" for further information. (5) Balances as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Balance as of Weighted- Balance as of Weighted- December 31, average December 31, average Denomination of Draw 2020 interest rate 2019 interest rate U.S. dollar ($) $ — — % $ 300,000 2.74 % (d) Singapore dollar (SGD) 150,699 (a) 1.14 % 147,931 (c) 2.68 % Australian dollar (AUD) 223,357 (a) 1.02 % 203,820 (c) 1.85 % Hong Kong dollar (HKD) 86,062 (a) 1.27 % 85,629 (c) 3.60 % Canadian dollar (CAD) 77,352 (a) 1.47 % (b) 75,825 (c) 3.00 % (d) Total $ 537,470 1.16 % (b) $ 813,205 2.62 % (d) (a) Based on exchange rates of $0.76 to 1.00 SGD, $0.77 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD and $0.79 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. (b) As of December 31, 2020, the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 1.78% (Canadian dollar) and 1.20% (Total). See Note 16 for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (c) Based on exchange rates of $0.74 to 1.00 SGD, $0.70 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD and $0.77 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. (d) As of December 31, 2019, the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.44% (U.S. dollar), 1.78% (Canadian dollar) and 2.39% (Total). See Note 16 for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (6) Based on exchange rates of $1.22 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2020 and $1.12 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2019. (7) Based on exchange rates of $1.37 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2020 and $1.33 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2019. (8) Debt was repaid in full on April 13, 2020. (9) Debt was repaid in full on September 24, 2020. The payment resulted in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $0.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020. (10) The 3.950% 2022 Notes and 3.625% 2022 Notes were redeemed in full on August 3, 2020. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $52.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020. (11) The 4.750% 2023 Notes were redeemed in full on October 14, 2020. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $49.8 million during the three months ended December 31, 2020. (12) Debt was repaid in full on January 15, 2021. (13) The 2.750% 2023 Notes were redeemed in full on February 4, 2021. The redemption will result in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $17.5 million during the three months ending March 31, 2021.
Schedule of Debt Maturities and Principal Maturities	The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands): Global Revolving Unsecured Credit Facilities (1) Term Loans (1) Senior Notes Secured Debt Total Debt 2021 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — 2022 — — 732,960 330 733,290 2023 493,241 537,470 350,000 104,000 1,484,711 2024 46,943 — 1,074,710 — 1,121,653 2025 — — 1,790,840 — 1,790,840 Thereafter — — 8,147,519 135,000 8,282,519 Subtotal $ 540,184 $ 537,470 $ 12,096,029 $ 239,330 $ 13,413,013 Unamortized discount — — (40,915) (4) (40,919) Unamortized premium — — 5,927 — 5,927 Total $ 540,184 $ 537,470 $ 12,061,041 $ 239,326 $ 13,378,021 (1) The global revolving credit facility and the 2024 unsecured term loan are 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 or the 2024 unsecured term loan, as applicable.

Income per Share (Tables)

Income per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income per Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Income per Share
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): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Net income available to common stockholders $ 263,342 $ 493,011 $ 249,930 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 260,098,978 208,325,823 206,035,408 Potentially dilutive common shares: Unvested incentive units 120,775 165,185 141,260 Unvested restricted stock 177,244 — — Forward equity offering 1,596,476 813,073 33,315 Market performance-based awards 529,035 158,166 463,488 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 262,522,508 209,462,247 206,673,471 Income per share: Basic $ 1.01 $ 2.37 $ 1.21 Diluted $ 1.00 $ 2.35 $ 1.21
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Calculations	Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 7,974,005 8,958,932 8,227,463 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock 1,489,983 1,695,765 1,876,584 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,452,809 2,102,655 2,326,861 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 789,846 3,409,772 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,269,035 2,105,116 2,329,584 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,475,721 1,679,534 1,858,622 Potentially dilutive Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,551,801 1,334,691 — Potentially dilutive Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,543,639 670,823 — Total 17,756,993 19,337,362 20,028,886

Income per Unit (Tables)

Income per Unit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income per Unit (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Class of Stock
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): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Net income available to common stockholders $ 263,342 $ 493,011 $ 249,930 Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 260,098,978 208,325,823 206,035,408 Potentially dilutive common shares: Unvested incentive units 120,775 165,185 141,260 Unvested restricted stock 177,244 — — Forward equity offering 1,596,476 813,073 33,315 Market performance-based awards 529,035 158,166 463,488 Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 262,522,508 209,462,247 206,673,471 Income per share: Basic $ 1.01 $ 2.37 $ 1.21 Diluted $ 1.00 $ 2.35 $ 1.21
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Calculations	Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 7,974,005 8,958,932 8,227,463 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock 1,489,983 1,695,765 1,876,584 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,452,809 2,102,655 2,326,861 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — 789,846 3,409,772 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,269,035 2,105,116 2,329,584 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,475,721 1,679,534 1,858,622 Potentially dilutive Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 1,551,801 1,334,691 — Potentially dilutive Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,543,639 670,823 — Total 17,756,993 19,337,362 20,028,886
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
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): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Net income available to common unitholders $ 272,842 $ 514,111 $ 260,110 Weighted average units outstanding—basic 268,072,983 217,284,755 214,312,871 Potentially dilutive common units: Unvested incentive units 120,775 165,185 141,260 Unvested restricted units 177,244 — — Forward equity offering 1,596,476 813,073 33,315 Market performance-based awards 529,035 158,166 463,488 Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 270,496,513 218,421,179 214,950,934 Income per unit: Basic $ 1.02 $ 2.37 $ 1.21 Diluted $ 1.01 $ 2.35 $ 1.21
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Calculations	We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units 1,489,983 1,695,765 1,876,584 Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,452,809 2,102,655 2,326,861 Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units — 789,846 3,409,772 Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,269,035 2,105,116 2,329,584 Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,475,721 1,679,534 1,858,622 Potentially dilutive Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 1,551,801 1,334,691 — Potentially dilutive Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 2,543,639 670,823 — Total 9,782,988 10,378,430 11,801,423

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands): 2020 2019 Gross deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 164,294 $ 63,280 Basis difference - real estate property 748,411 9,955 Basis difference - intangibles 2,368 1,071 Straight-line rent 1,121 1,404 Other - temporary differences 60,840 17,624 Total gross deferred tax assets 977,034 93,334 Valuation allowance (108,060) (40,795) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 868,974 52,539 Gross deferred tax liabilities: Basis difference - real estate property 1,338,612 162,095 Basis difference - equity investments 4,000 4,000 Basis difference - intangibles 246,950 1,547 Straight-line rent 6,884 8,044 Other - temporary differences 9,805 20,218 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 1,606,251 195,904 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 737,277 $ 143,365

Equity and Accumulated Other _2

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
Schedule of redeemable preferred stock	Total Liquidation Annual Shares Outstanding as of Balance (in thousands, net of Date(s) Initial Date to Value (in Dividend December 31, issuance costs) as of December 31, Preferred Stock (1) Issued Redeem (2) Share Cap (3) thousands) (4) Rate (5) 2020 2019 2020 2019 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock Sep 14, 2017 May 15, 2021 0.6389035 $ 201,250 $ 1.65625 8,050,000 8,050,000 $ 219,250 $ 219,250 5.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Apr 9, 2013 Apr 9, 2018 0.7532000 — 1.46875 — 10,000,000 — 241,468 6.350% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Aug 24, 2015 Aug 24, 2020 0.7623100 — 1.58750 — 10,000,000 — 242,012 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Aug 7, 2017 Aug 7, 2022 0.4252100 200,000 1.31250 8,000,000 8,000,000 193,540 193,540 5.850% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Mar 13, 2019 Mar 13, 2024 0.4361100 210,000 1.46250 8,400,000 8,400,000 203,264 203,264 5.200% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Oct 10, 2019 Oct 10, 2024 0.3851800 345,000 1.30000 13,800,000 13,800,000 334,886 334,886 $ 956,250 38,250,000 58,250,000 $ 950,940 $ 1,434,420 (1) All series of preferred stock do not have a stated maturity date and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each series of preferred stock will rank senior to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and on parity with the other series of preferred stock. Holders of each series of preferred stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances. (2) Except in limited circumstances, reflects earliest date that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may exercise its option to redeem the preferred stock, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of redemption. (3) Upon the occurrence of specified changes of control, as a result of which neither Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock nor the common securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT, LLC or the NASDAQ Stock Market or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, each holder of preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the change of control conversion date specified in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the preferred stock) to convert some or all of the preferred stock held by it into a number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock per share of preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the change of control conversion date (unless the change of control conversion date is after a record date for a preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (b) the common stock price specified in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock; and (ii) the Share Cap, subject to certain adjustments; subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative consideration as described in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock. Except in connection with specified change of control transactions, the preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (4) Liquidation preference is $25.00 per share. (5) Dividends on preferred shares are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears.
Ownership Interest In The Operating Partnership	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Number of Percentage of Number of Percentage of units total units total Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 280,289,726 97.2 % 208,900,758 95.9 % Noncontrolling interests consist of: Common units held by third parties 6,212,369 2.2 % 6,820,201 3.2 % Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 15) 1,833,898 0.6 % 2,022,954 0.9 % 288,335,993 100.0 % 217,743,913 100.0 %
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 years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Common Units Incentive Units Total As of December 31, 2017 6,899,094 1,590,001 8,489,095 Common units issued in connection with the Ascenty Acquisition 2,338,874 — 2,338,874 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (601,822) — (601,822) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (110,070) (110,070) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 357,956 357,956 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 128,986 128,986 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — (22,135) (22,135) As of December 31, 2018 8,636,146 1,944,738 10,580,884 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (1,815,945) — (1,815,945) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (338,515) (338,515) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 319,279 319,279 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 120,368 120,368 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — (22,916) (22,916) As of December 31, 2019 6,820,201 2,022,954 8,843,155 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) (607,832) — (607,832) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) — (461,912) (461,912) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition — 147,570 147,570 Grant of incentive units to employees and directors — 128,049 128,049 Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors — (2,763) (2,763) As of December 31, 2020 6,212,369 1,833,898 8,046,267 (1) These redemptions and conversions 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 consolidated balance sheet of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Schedule of Dividends	We have declared and paid the following dividends on our common and preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Series C Series G Series H Series I Series J Series K Series L Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Common Date dividend declared Dividend payment date Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock March 1, 2018 March 30, 2018 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 208,015 (1) May 8, 2018 June 29, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,071 (1) August 14, 2018 September 28, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,166 (1) November 12, 2018 December 31, 2018 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2019 for Common Stock 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,415 (1) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ — $ — $ 832,667 February 21, 2019 March 29, 2019 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 224,802 (4) May 13, 2019 June 28, 2019 3,333 3,672 — (2) 3,969 2,625 3,686 (3) — 224,895 (4) August 13, 2019 September 30, 2019 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 — 225,188 (4) November 19, 2019 December 31, 2019 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2020 for Common Stock 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,036 (5) 225,488 (4) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 6,730 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ 9,828 $ 4,036 $ 900,373 February 26, 2020 March 31, 2020 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ — $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ 3,071 $ 4,485 $ 295,630 (8) May 12, 2020 June 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,485 301,005 (8) August 11, 2020 September 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — — (7) 2,625 3,071 4,485 303,006 (8) November 10, 2020 December 31, 2020 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2021 for Common Stock 3,333 — (6) — — 2,625 3,071 4,485 314,280 (8) $ 13,332 $ 11,016 $ — $ 7,938 $ 10,500 $ 12,284 $ 17,940 $ 1,213,921 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58750 $ 1.31250 $ 1.46250 $ 1.30000 (1) $4.040 annual rate of dividend per share. (2) Redeemed on April 1, 2019 for $25.00 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $11.8 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (3) Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including June 30, 2019. (4) $4.320 annual rate of dividend per share. (5) Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2019. (6) Redeemed on October 15, 2020 for $25.057118 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.2 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (7) Redeemed on September 8, 2020 for $25.29545 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.0 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (8) $4.480 annual rate of dividend per share.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income (loss), net are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow Foreign currency net Accumulated other translation hedge investment hedge comprehensive adjustments adjustments adjustments income (loss), net Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (158,649) $ 17,264 $ 25,738 $ (115,647) Net current period change 22,015 (8,839) — 13,176 Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty 21,687 — — 21,687 Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — (7,138) — (7,138) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ (114,947) $ 1,287 $ 25,738 $ (87,922) Net current period change 213,707 (11,980) 13,142 214,869 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 8,063 — 8,063 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 98,760 $ (2,630) $ 38,880 $ 135,010

Capital and Accumulated Other_2

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Class of Stock
Schedule of redeemable preferred units	Total Liquidation Annual Units Outstanding as Balance (in thousands, net of Date(s) Initial Date to Value (in Distribution of December 31, issuance costs) as of December 31, Preferred Units (1) Issued Redeem (2) thousands) (3) Rate (4) 2020 2019 2020 2019 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units Sep 14, 2017 May 15, 2021 $ 201,250 $ 1.65625 8,050,000 8,050,000 $ 219,250 $ 219,250 5.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Apr 9, 2013 Apr 9, 2018 — 1.46875 — 10,000,000 — 241,468 6.350% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Aug 24, 2015 Aug 24, 2020 — 1.58750 — 10,000,000 — 242,012 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Aug 7, 2017 Aug 7, 2022 200,000 1.31250 8,000,000 8,000,000 193,540 193,540 5.850% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Mar 13, 2019 Mar 13, 2024 210,000 1.46250 8,400,000 8,400,000 203,264 203,264 5.200% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Oct 10, 2019 Oct 10, 2024 345,000 1.30000 13,800,000 13,800,000 334,886 334,886 $ 956,250 38,250,000 58,250,000 $ 950,940 $ 1,434,420 (1) All series of preferred units do not have a stated maturity date and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each series of preferred units will rank senior to common units and on parity with the other series of preferred units. (2) Except in limited circumstances, reflects earliest date that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may exercise its option to redeem the corresponding series of preferred stock, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of redemption. The Operating Partnership is required to redeem the corresponding series of preferred units in the event that the General Partner redeems a series of preferred stock. (3) Liquidation preference is $25.00 per unit. (4) Distributions on preferred units are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears.
Schedule of Distributions	We have declared and paid the following dividends on our common and preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Series C Series G Series H Series I Series J Series K Series L Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Common Date dividend declared Dividend payment date Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock Stock March 1, 2018 March 30, 2018 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 208,015 (1) May 8, 2018 June 29, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,071 (1) August 14, 2018 September 28, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,166 (1) November 12, 2018 December 31, 2018 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2019 for Common Stock 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 208,415 (1) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ — $ — $ 832,667 February 21, 2019 March 29, 2019 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 224,802 (4) May 13, 2019 June 28, 2019 3,333 3,672 — (2) 3,969 2,625 3,686 (3) — 224,895 (4) August 13, 2019 September 30, 2019 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 — 225,188 (4) November 19, 2019 December 31, 2019 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2020 for Common Stock 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,036 (5) 225,488 (4) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 6,730 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ 9,828 $ 4,036 $ 900,373 February 26, 2020 March 31, 2020 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ — $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ 3,071 $ 4,485 $ 295,630 (8) May 12, 2020 June 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,485 301,005 (8) August 11, 2020 September 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — — (7) 2,625 3,071 4,485 303,006 (8) November 10, 2020 December 31, 2020 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2021 for Common Stock 3,333 — (6) — — 2,625 3,071 4,485 314,280 (8) $ 13,332 $ 11,016 $ — $ 7,938 $ 10,500 $ 12,284 $ 17,940 $ 1,213,921 Annual rate of dividend per share $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58750 $ 1.31250 $ 1.46250 $ 1.30000 (1) $4.040 annual rate of dividend per share. (2) Redeemed on April 1, 2019 for $25.00 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $11.8 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (3) Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including June 30, 2019. (4) $4.320 annual rate of dividend per share. (5) Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2019. (6) Redeemed on October 15, 2020 for $25.057118 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.2 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (7) Redeemed on September 8, 2020 for $25.29545 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.0 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (8) $4.480 annual rate of dividend per share.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income (loss), net are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Cash flow Foreign currency net Accumulated other translation hedge investment hedge comprehensive adjustments adjustments adjustments income (loss), net Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (158,649) $ 17,264 $ 25,738 $ (115,647) Net current period change 22,015 (8,839) — 13,176 Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty 21,687 — — 21,687 Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — (7,138) — (7,138) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ (114,947) $ 1,287 $ 25,738 $ (87,922) Net current period change 213,707 (11,980) 13,142 214,869 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 8,063 — 8,063 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 98,760 $ (2,630) $ 38,880 $ 135,010
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Schedule of Distributions	Series C Series G Series H Series I Series J Series K Series L Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred Common Date distribution declared Distribution payment date Units Units Units Units Units Units Units Units Mar 1, 2018 March 30, 2018 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 216,953 (1) May 8, 2018 June 29, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 216,789 (1) Aug 14, 2018 September 28, 2018 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 216,825 (1) Nov 12, 2018 December 31, 2018 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2019 for Common Units 3,333 3,672 6,730 3,969 2,625 — — 216,838 (1) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ — $ — $ 867,405 February 21, 2019 March 29, 2019 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ — $ — $ 235,256 (4) May 13, 2019 June 28, 2019 3,333 3,672 — (2) 3,969 2,625 3,686 (3) — 235,142 (4) August 13, 2019 September 30, 2019 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 — 235,164 (4) November 19, 2019 December 31, 2019 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2020 for Common Units 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,036 (5) 235,154 (4) $ 13,332 $ 14,688 $ 6,730 $ 15,876 $ 10,500 $ 9,828 $ 4,036 $ 940,716 February 26, 2020 March 31, 2020 $ 3,333 $ 3,672 $ — $ 3,969 $ 2,625 $ 3,071 $ 4,485 $ 305,267 (8) May 12, 2020 June 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — 3,969 2,625 3,071 4,485 310,421 (8) August 11, 2020 September 30, 2020 3,333 3,672 — — (7) 2,625 3,071 4,485 312,262 (8) November 10, 2020 December 31, 2020 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2021 for Common Units 3,333 — (6) — — 2,625 3,071 4,485 323,453 (8) $ 13,332 $ 11,016 $ — $ 7,938 $ 10,500 $ 12,284 $ 17,940 $ 1,251,403 Annual rate of distribution per unit $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58750 $ 1.31250 $ 1.46250 $ 1.30000 (1) $4.040 annual rate of distribution per unit. (2) Redeemed on April 1, 2019 for $25.00 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $11.8 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. (3) Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including June 30, 2019. (4) $4.320 annual rate of distribution per unit. (5) Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2019. (6) Redeemed on October 15, 2020 for $25.057118 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.2 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. (7) Redeemed on September 8, 2020 for $25.29545 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $8.0 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders (8) $4.480 annual rate of distribution per unit.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands): Foreign currency Foreign currency net Accumulated other translation Cash flow hedge investment hedge comprehensive adjustments adjustments adjustments income (loss) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (163,531) $ 16,986 $ 26,152 $ (120,393) Net current period change 23,975 (9,232) — 14,743 Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty 21,687 — — 21,687 Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps — (7,446) — (7,446) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ (117,869) $ 308 $ 26,152 $ (91,409) Net current period change 216,815 (12,425) 13,525 217,915 Reclassification to interest expense from interest — 8,294 — 8,294 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 98,946 $ (3,823) $ 39,677 $ 134,800

Incentive Plan (Tables)

Incentive Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Incentive Plan (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Incentive Plan
Schedule of Deferred Compensation	Below is a summary of our compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and our unearned compensation as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in millions): Expected period to Deferred Compensation Unearned Compensation recognize Expensed Capitalized As of As of unearned Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, compensation Type of incentive award 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 (in years) Long-term incentive units $ 12.8 $ 8.7 $ 6.8 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 15.1 $ 15.4 2.1 Performance-based awards (1) 24.8 13.0 12.7 0.6 0.8 0.8 34.4 28.4 2.4 Restricted stock 15.1 11.5 6.1 3.2 2.8 4.2 41.5 29.1 2.3 Interxion awards 19.7 — — — — — 27.2 — 2.2 (1) In addition to the market performance-based awards and long-term incentive awards described in Notes 15(a) and 15(b), this also includes one-time grants of 58,561 performance-based Class D units and 6,148 performance-based restricted stock units, subject to attainment of performance metrics related to successful integration of the Interxion Combination, and one-time grants of 22,426 time-based profits interest units and 3,209 time-based restricted stock units subject to the closing of the Interxion Combination and continued service to certain of the Company’s executive officers and other employees. 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 between two and three years , the current vesting period of these awards.
Schedule of weighted average fair value	The following table sets forth the weighted-average fair value of for each type of incentive award at the date of grant for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Weighted-Average Fair Value at Date of Grant Type of incentive award 2020 2019 2018 Long-term incentive units $ 134.55 $ 116.22 $ 101.86 Performance-based awards 159.34 114.97 119.29 Restricted stock 138.82 115.25 100.33 Interxion awards 120.67 — —
Summary of Long-Term Incentive Unit Activity	Below is a summary of our long-term incentive unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2020. Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Grant Date Fair Remaining Contractual Intrinsic Value (1) Unvested Long-term Incentive Units Units Value Life (Years) (in thousands) Unvested, beginning of period 208,287 $ 110.00 Granted 128,049 134.55 Vested (98,038) 98.22 Cancelled or expired (2,763) 112.82 Unvested, end of period 235,535 $ 122.22 2.09 $ 32,859 (1) The intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of our common stock as of December 31, 2020.
Market Performance Based Awards	Market 2018 / 2019 2020 Performance RMS Relative RMS Relative Vesting Level Market Performance Market Performance Percentage Below Threshold Level ≤ -300 basis points ≤ -500 basis points 0 % Threshold Level -300 basis points -500 basis points 25 % Target Level 100 basis points 0 basis points 50 % High Level ≥ 500 basis points ≥ 500 basis points 100 %
Schedule Of Valuation Assumptions	Expected Stock Price Risk-Free Interest Award Date Volatility rate January 1, 2018 22 % 1.98 % March 1, 2018 22 % 2.34 % March 9, 2018 22 % 2.42 % January 1, 2019 23 % 2.44 % February 21, 2019 23 % 2.48 % February 19, 2020 22 % 1.39 % February 20, 2020 22 % 1.35 %
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	Below is a summary of our restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2020. Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Grant Date Fair Remaining Contractual Intrinsic Value (2) Unvested Restricted Stock Shares Value Life (Years) (in thousands) Unvested, beginning of period 372,792 $ 108.47 Granted (1) 831,606 126.43 Vested (385,905) 116.19 Cancelled or expired (35,274) 120.31 Unvested, end of period 783,219 $ 123.04 2.28 $ 108,797 (1) Includes 567,810 shares issued pursuant to the converted and adjusted Interxion equity awards as part of the Interxion Combination. (2) The intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of our common stock as of December 31, 2020.

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments
Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments	As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (in thousands): Fair Value at Significant Other Notional Amount Observable Inputs (Level 2) As of As of As of As of December 31, December 31, Type of Strike Effective Expiration December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative Rate Date Date 2020 (3) 2019 (3) Currently-paying contracts $ — $ 29,000 (1) Swap 1.016 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 6, 2021 $ — $ 175 — 75,000 (1) Swap 1.164 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 — 345 104,000 (1) 300,000 (1) Swap 1.435 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2023 (2,773) 945 77,352 (2) 75,825 (2) Swap 0.779 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 (9) 931 $ 181,352 $ 479,825 $ (2,782) $ 2,396 (1) Represents debt which bears interest based on one-month U.S. LIBOR. (2) Represents debt which bears interest based on one-month CDOR. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $0.79 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2020 and $0.77 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2019. (3) Balance recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets if positive and recorded in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets if negative.

Fair Value of Instruments (Tabl

Fair Value of Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value of Instruments
Estimated Fair Value And Carrying Amounts	As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the aggregate estimated fair value and carrying value of our global revolving credit facilities, unsecured term loans, unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans were as follows (in thousands): Categorization As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 under the fair value Estimated Fair Estimated Fair hierarchy Value Carrying Value Value Carrying Value Global revolving credit facilities (1)(4) Level 2 $ 540,184 $ 540,184 $ 245,766 $ 245,766 Unsecured term loans (2)(4) Level 2 537,470 537,470 813,205 813,205 Unsecured senior notes (3)(4) Level 2 13,359,960 12,096,029 9,697,166 9,025,229 Secured debt (3)(4) Level 2 242,051 239,326 105,245 105,143 $ 14,679,665 $ 13,413,009 $ 10,861,382 $ 10,189,343 (1) The carrying value of our global revolving credit facilities approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (2) The carrying value of our unsecured term loans approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. (3) Valuations for our unsecured senior notes and secured debt are determined based on the expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates and quoted market prices. (4) The carrying value excludes unamortized premiums (discounts) and deferred financing costs (see Note 9) .

Quarterly Financial Informati_3

Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
Summary of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per share amounts). Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2020 2020 June 30, 2020 March 31, 2020 Total operating revenues $ 1,062,609 $ 1,024,668 $ 992,995 $ 823,337 Net income (loss) 59,508 (1,454) 75,978 228,698 Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 57,691 (138) 74,831 224,014 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (13,514) (37,232) (21,155) (21,155) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 44,177 $ (37,370) $ 53,676 $ 202,859 Basic net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.91 Diluted net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.90 Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Total operating revenues $ 787,463 $ 806,466 $ 800,797 $ 814,515 Net income 349,326 67,574 61,324 120,997 Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 336,284 66,497 60,168 116,812 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (20,707) (16,670) (28,430) (20,943) Net income available to common stockholders $ 315,577 $ 49,827 $ 31,738 $ 95,869 Basic net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.51 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46 Diluted net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.50 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46

Quarterly Financial Informati_4

Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Summary of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per share amounts). Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2020 2020 June 30, 2020 March 31, 2020 Total operating revenues $ 1,062,609 $ 1,024,668 $ 992,995 $ 823,337 Net income (loss) 59,508 (1,454) 75,978 228,698 Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 57,691 (138) 74,831 224,014 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (13,514) (37,232) (21,155) (21,155) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 44,177 $ (37,370) $ 53,676 $ 202,859 Basic net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.91 Diluted net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.90 Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Total operating revenues $ 787,463 $ 806,466 $ 800,797 $ 814,515 Net income 349,326 67,574 61,324 120,997 Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 336,284 66,497 60,168 116,812 Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock (20,707) (16,670) (28,430) (20,943) Net income available to common stockholders $ 315,577 $ 49,827 $ 31,738 $ 95,869 Basic net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.51 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46 Diluted net income per share available to common stockholders $ 1.50 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Summary of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per unit amounts). Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2020 2020 June 30, 2020 March 31, 2020 Total operating revenues $ 1,062,609 $ 1,024,668 $ 992,995 $ 823,337 Net income (loss) 59,508 (1,454) 75,978 228,698 Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 58,991 (1,138) 76,231 231,814 Preferred unit distributions and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units (13,514) (37,232) (21,155) (21,155) Net income (loss) available to common unitholders $ 45,477 $ (38,370) $ 55,076 $ 210,659 Basic net income (loss) per unit available to common unitholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.91 Diluted net income (loss) per unit available to common unitholders $ 0.16 $ (0.14) $ 0.20 $ 0.90 Three Months Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 Total operating revenues $ 787,463 $ 806,466 $ 800,797 $ 814,515 Net income 349,326 67,574 61,324 120,997 Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 349,384 68,797 61,568 121,112 Preferred unit distributions and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units (20,707) (16,670) (28,430) (20,943) Net income available to common unitholders $ 328,677 $ 52,127 $ 33,138 $ 100,169 Basic net income per unit available to common unitholders $ 1.51 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46 Diluted net income per unit available to common unitholders $ 1.50 $ 0.24 $ 0.15 $ 0.46

Organization and Description _3

Organization and Description of Business - Data Centers (Details) - property	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	291	225
Operating
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	248	172
Held-for-Sale Properties
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		12
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	43	41
United States
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	139	147
United States \| Operating
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	123	119
United States \| Held-for-Sale Properties
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		11
United States \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	16	17
Europe
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	107	41
Europe \| Operating
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	107	41
Europe \| Operating \| InterXion
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	62
Latin America
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	22	19
Latin America \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	22	19
Asia
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	12	10
Asia \| Operating
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	7	5
Asia \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	5	5
Australia
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	6	5
Australia \| Operating
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	6	5
Africa
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	3
Africa \| Operating
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	3
Africa \| Operating \| InterXion
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	3
Canada
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	2	3
Canada \| Operating
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties	2	2
Canada \| Held-for-Sale Properties
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		1
Powered Base Building \| Held-for-Sale Properties
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		10
Powered Base Building \| Held-For-Sale Properties To Third Party
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties		12

Organization and Description _4

Organization and Description of Business (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2019USD ($)
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties \| property	291	225
Payment for acquisition	$ 1,029,652	$ 75,704	$ 2,090,542
Common Interest
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	97.20%	95.90%
Preferred Interest
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	100.00%	100.00%
Brookfield Infrastructure
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Investment				$ 702,000
Ownership percentage in joint ventures				49.00%
DFT Merger
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of properties \| property	8
Corporate Joint Venture \| Brookfield Infrastructure
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Investment				$ 702,000
Ownership percentage in joint ventures				49.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Period in which short-term investment become cash equivalents	90 days
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 108,501	$ 89,817	$ 126,700
Restricted cash (included in other assets)	15,151	7,436	8,522
Total	$ 123,652	$ 97,253	$ 135,222	$ 13,181

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - PPE (Details)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - PPE (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Machinery and Equipment \| Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	15 years
Furniture and Fixtures \| Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures \| Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Buildings and Improvements \| Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Buildings and Improvements \| Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	39 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 09, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill - Beginning Balance		$ 3,363,070	$ 4,348,007
Merger/Acquisition		4,554,660
Deconsolidation		0	(967,189)
Goodwill Adjustments			(9,436)
Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates		413,266	(8,312)
Goodwill - Ending Balance		8,330,996	3,363,070
Telx Acquisition
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill - Beginning Balance		330,845	330,845
Deconsolidation		0	0
Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates		0	0
Goodwill - Ending Balance		330,845	330,845
European Portfolio Acquisition
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill - Beginning Balance		440,079	442,349
Deconsolidation		0	0
Goodwill Adjustments			(9,436)
Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates		23,075	7,166
Goodwill - Ending Balance		463,154	440,079
DFT Merger
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill - Beginning Balance		2,592,146	2,592,146
Deconsolidation		0	0
Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates		0	0
Goodwill - Ending Balance		2,592,146	2,592,146
Ascenty Acquisition
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill - Beginning Balance			982,667
Deconsolidation			(967,189)
Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates			(15,478)
InterXion
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill - Beginning Balance		0
Merger/Acquisition	$ 4,300,000	4,338,711
Deconsolidation		0
Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates		380,156
Goodwill - Ending Balance	$ 4,338,711	4,718,867	0
Other Combinations
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill - Beginning Balance		0
Merger/Acquisition		215,949
Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates		10,035
Goodwill - Ending Balance		$ 225,984	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Interest capitalized	$ 47.3	$ 40.2	$ 34.7
Compensation costs, leasing and construction activities	53.7	46.5	39.2
Capitalized employee expenses related to leasing activities	40.8	30.8	27.2
Deferred leasing costs	272.3	291.8
Accumulated amortization, deferred leasing costs and intangibles	401.4	329.5
Amortization expense on deferred leasing costs	$ 76	$ 75.3
Amortization expense on deferred leasing costs			$ 72.9

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Marketable Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable equity security			$ 577	$ 46,492	$ 1,631
Proceeds from sale of marketable equity security	$ 70,000		70,019	0	0
Gain on sale of mark to market valuation		$ 17,900	17,883
Interest and other income (expense),
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable equity security			$ 600	$ 46,500	$ 1,600

Summary of Significant Accoun_9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0
Income tax penalties and interest expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accou_10

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Lease Accounting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Remaining future rental payments aggregate		$ 1,759,811
Operating lease liabilities		1,468,712	$ 693,539
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset		1,386,959	628,681
Notes And Accounts Receivable
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Rent receivable, net of allowance		$ 358,000	$ 186,800
ASU 2016-02
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Lease, Practical Expedients, Package [true false]	true
Lease, Practical Expedient, Land Easement [true false]	true
Lease, Practical Expedient, Lessor Single Lease Component [true false]	true
Accumulated dividends in excess of earnings	$ 6,300
Amount reclassified from deferred rent liabilities to operating lease liabilities under ASC 842	73,300
Operating lease liabilities	757,200
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 683,900

Summary of Significant Accou_11

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition and Gains (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 18.8	$ 13.8
ASU 2014-09
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue recognized as a percent of total revenue	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%

Summary of Significant Accou_12

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments \| segment									1
Number of reportable segments \| segment									1
Total operating revenues	$ 1,062,609	$ 1,024,668	$ 992,995	$ 823,337	$ 787,463	$ 806,466	$ 800,797	$ 814,515	$ 3,903,609	$ 3,209,241	$ 3,046,478
Net investments in real estate	21,731,112				15,517,684				21,731,112	15,517,684
Outside the United States
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,300,000	600,000	600,000
Net investments in real estate	9,300,000				3,700,000				9,300,000	3,700,000	3,800,000
United States
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,600,000	2,600,000	2,500,000
Net investments in real estate	$ 11,300,000				$ 10,600,000				$ 11,300,000	$ 10,600,000	$ 11,100,000

Business Combinations and Dec_3

Business Combinations and Deconsolidation - Interxion Combination (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 09, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Land		$ 897,181
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		1,386,959	$ 628,681
Goodwill		8,330,996	3,363,070	$ 4,348,007
Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life	20 years
Goodwill related to acquisition		4,554,660
DFT Merger
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		2,592,146	2,592,146	2,592,146
InterXion
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Land	$ 190,970	190,970
Building and improvements	3,166,988	3,166,988		425,000
Construction in progress and space held for development	397,825
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	553,987	553,987
Goodwill	4,338,711	4,718,867	$ 0
Customer relationship value and other intangibles	1,052,811	1,052,811		495,000
Debt assumed	(1,662,276)	(1,662,276)
Finance lease obligations	(47,797)	(553,987)
Operating lease liabilities	(553,987)	(47,797)
Deferred tax liability	(535,990)	(535,990)
Working capital liabilities, net	(24,738)
Total purchase consideration	6,876,504	6,876,504		1,563,830
Assumed cash and cash equivalents	108,548	108,548		$ 116,000
Total equity consideration	6,985,052
Goodwill related to acquisition	$ 4,300,000	$ 4,338,711
Acquired in-place lease value
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life		5 years 8 months 12 days
Acquired below-market leases
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life		15 years

Business Combinations and Dec_4

Business Combinations and Deconsolidation - DFT Merger Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 4,051,608	$ 3,758,054
Net income available to common shareholders	323,889	267,600
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenue	4,051,608	3,758,054
Net income available to common shareholders	333,389	$ 288,700
Merger related costs	65,700
Revenue associated with properties acquired	691,400
Net income associated with properties acquired	$ 59,400

Business Combinations and Dec_5

Business Combinations and Deconsolidation - Ascenty Deconsolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Gain on deconsolidation, net	$ 67,500	$ 67,497
Subsidiary of Operating Partnership subsidiary
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	51.00%
Corporate Joint Venture
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Estimated fair value of JV	$ 727,000
Gain on remeasurement of retained equity interest	43,700
Foreign currency translation loss	$ 21,700
Corporate Joint Venture \| Operating Partnership
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	51.00%		51.00%
Brookfield Infrastructure
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Equity Method Investments	$ 702,000
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	49.00%
Brookfield Infrastructure \| Corporate Joint Venture
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Equity Method Investments	$ 702,000
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	49.00%
Ascenty Acquisition \| Subsidiary of Operating Partnership subsidiary
Deconsolidation of Ascenty:
Ownership interest by noncontrolling interest	2.00%		2.00%

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 1,386,959	$ 628,681
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Operating lease right-of-use assets	Operating lease right-of-use assets
Finance lease assets	$ 181,753	$ 131,072
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Investment Building and Building Improvements	Investment Building and Building Improvements
Total leased assets	$ 1,568,712	$ 759,753
Liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities	$ 1,468,712	$ 693,539
Operating Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Operating lease liabilities	Operating lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities	$ 233,350	$ 178,086
Finance Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Total lease liabilities	$ 1,702,062	$ 871,625
Operating lease assets, accumulated depreciation and amortization	148,400	51,700
Finance lease assets, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 12,500	$ 4,900

Leases - Lease Expense (Details

Leases - Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases - Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 7,222	$ 5,074
Interest on lease liabilities	7,060	6,044
Operating lease cost	129,399	90,980
Total lease cost	$ 143,681	$ 102,098

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases
Right of use assets and related lease liabilities written off	$ 24.7
Weighted average remaining lease term, operating lease		13 years
Weighted average remaining lease term, finance lease		22 years
Incremental borrowing rate, operating lease		2.80%
Incremental borrowing rate, finance lease		3.20%

Leases - Maturities of Lease Li

Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating lease liabilities
2021	$ 137,324
2022	143,183
2023	143,606
2024	144,303
2025	145,162
Thereafter	1,046,233
Total undiscounted future cash flows	1,759,811
Less: Imputed interest	(291,099)
Present value of undiscounted future cash flows	1,468,712	$ 693,539
Finance lease liabilities
2021	12,578
2022	13,099
2023	33,288
2024	12,039
2025	12,094
Thereafter	244,675
Total undiscounted future cash flows	327,773
Less: Imputed interest	(94,423)
Present value of undiscounted future cash flows	$ 233,350	$ 178,086

Leases - Minimum Lease Payments

Leases - Minimum Lease Payments with Lease Periods Greater than One Year for Space in Operating Properties, Prestabilized Development Properties and leases of Land Subject to Ground Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Future Minimum Payments Receivable on Operating Leases
2021	$ 2,874,204
2022	2,126,375
2023	1,760,337
2024	1,457,784
2025	1,155,144
Thereafter	3,907,635
Total	$ 13,281,479

Investments in Properties (Deta

Investments in Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments in Properties
Land	$ 1,106,392	$ 804,830
Acquired ground leases	10,308	10,725
Buildings and improvements	21,335,396	15,449,884
Tenant improvements	690,892	621,153
Total investments in operating properties	23,142,988	16,886,592
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(5,555,221)	(4,536,169)
Net Investments in Operating Properties	17,587,767	12,350,423
Construction in progress and space held for development	2,768,325	1,732,555
Land Held For Future Development	226,862	147,597
Investments in properties, net	$ 20,582,954	$ 14,230,575

Investments in Properties - Acq

Investments in Properties - Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Investments in Properties
Purchase price	$ 830

Investments in Properties - Pur

Investments in Properties - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 09, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Land		$ 897,181
Customer relationship value and in-place leases		68,850
Working capital , net		7,224
Below market leases		(2,540)
Secured debt		(135,000)
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures		(5,715)
Acquisition Date Fair Value		$ 830,000
Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life	20 years
Customer Relationship Value
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life		15 years
Acquired below-market leases
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life		15 years

Investments in Properties - Dis

Investments in Properties - Dispositions (Details) - Disposed of by Sale - USD ($) $ in Millions

Jul. 17, 2020

Jan. 14, 2020

Nov. 04, 2019

Sep. 21, 2018

May 31, 2018

May 22, 2018

Apr. 19, 2018

Mar. 14, 2018

Feb. 09, 2018

Jan. 25, 2018

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 30, 2020

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 584.6

$ 291.7

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 316.9

$ 80.4

Liverpoolweg 10

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 21.5

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 10.4

Mapletree Portfolio [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 557

$ 996.6

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 306.5

$ 266

Naritaweg 52

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 6.1

200 Quannapowitt Parkway

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 15

Gain (loss) on sale

$ (0.4)

34551 Ardenwood Boulevard

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 73.3

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 25.3

3065 Gold Camp Drive

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 14.2

Gain (loss) on sale

5.4

11085 Sun Center Drive

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

36.8

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 9.1

Austin Portfolio

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 47.6

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 12

2010 East Centennial Circle

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 5.5

Gain (loss) on sale

$ (0.5)

1125 Energy Park Drive

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 7

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 2.8

360 Spear Street

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross Proceeds

$ 92.3

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 26.7

Investments in Properties - Hel

Investments in Properties - Held for Sale (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 16, 2019USD ($)property	Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2020property	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of powered base buildings	10
Number of Data Centers			291	225
Period of transitional property management services provided after closing on sale of real estate		1 year
North America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers			125
Data Centers \| 10 Powered Base Building \| Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties, classified as held for sale	12			12
Purchase consideration receivable \| $	$ 557
Number of properties sold		12
Gain (loss) on sale \| $		$ 303.3
Data Centers \| 10 Powered Base Building \| Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations \| Assets Held For Sale
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Carrying value of real estate held-for-sale \| $				$ 229.9
Data Centers \| 10 Powered Base Building \| Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations \| Obligations Associated With Assets Held For Sale
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Carrying value of real estate held-for-sale \| $				$ 2.7
Data Centers \| North America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties, classified as held for sale	12
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers			43	41
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures \| Mapletree JV
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers			3

Investments in Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Equity Method of Accounting Presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)property	Mar. 29, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	291	225
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$ 119,659	$ 20,625
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	43	41
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 1,148,158	$ 1,287,109
Ascenty Acquisition
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$ 21,900	23,900
Ascenty Acquisition \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	22
% Ownership	51.00%
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 567,192	787,026
Ascenty Acquisition \| Subsidiary of Operating Partnership subsidiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest by noncontrolling interest	2.00%		2.00%
Mapletree JV \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	3
% Ownership	20.00%
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 184,890	196,181
CenturyLink \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	1
% Ownership	50.00%
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 86,600	88,647
Mitsubishi \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
% Ownership	50.00%
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 278,947	200,652
Other \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	13
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 30,529	$ 14,603

Investments in Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Summary of Financial Information for Joint Ventures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net Investment in Properties	$ 20,582,954				$ 14,230,575				$ 20,582,954	$ 14,230,575
Total Assets	36,076,291				23,068,131				36,076,291	23,068,131
Mortgage Loans	239,222				104,934				239,222	104,934
Liabilities	17,587,944				12,418,566				17,587,944	12,418,566
Equity / (Deficit)	17,717,697				9,879,312				17,717,697	9,879,312
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,148,158				1,287,109				1,148,158	1,287,109
Revenues	1,062,609	$ 1,024,668	$ 992,995	$ 823,337	787,463	$ 806,466	$ 800,797	$ 814,515	3,903,609	3,209,241	$ 3,046,478
Net income	59,508	$ (1,454)	$ 75,978	$ 228,698	349,326	$ 67,574	$ 61,324	$ 120,997	362,730	599,221	341,115
Equity in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									(57,629)	8,067	32,979
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,148,158				1,287,109				1,148,158	1,287,109	175,108
Equity in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									(57,629)	8,067	32,979
Corporate Joint Venture \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net Investment in Properties	2,723,496				2,627,689				2,723,496	2,627,689	1,070,661
Total Assets	4,602,938				4,877,750				4,602,938	4,877,750	1,371,431
Mortgage Loans	1,316,350				1,360,384				1,316,350	1,360,384	728,338
Liabilities	1,660,303				1,680,946				1,660,303	1,680,946	876,157
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 2,942,635				$ 3,196,804				2,942,635	3,196,804	495,274
Revenues									535,241	379,600	214,815
Property Operating Expense									(208,587)	(143,143)	(75,826)
Net Operating Income									326,654	236,457	138,989
Net income									$ (135,097)	$ 8,357	$ 47,222
2001 Sixth Avenue \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures					50.00%					50.00%	50.00%
Net Investment in Properties					$ 30,748					$ 30,748	$ 32,786
Total Assets					47,485					47,485	49,278
Mortgage Loans					134,583					134,583	134,527
Liabilities					140,354					140,354	139,569
Equity / (Deficit)					$ (92,869)					(92,869)	(90,291)
Revenues										56,266	52,806
Property Operating Expense										(19,254)	(17,264)
Net Operating Income										37,012	35,542
Net income										$ 27,422	$ 25,612
2020 Fifth Avenue \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	50.00%				50.00%				50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Net Investment in Properties	$ 43,255				$ 43,918				$ 43,255	$ 43,918	$ 44,644
Total Assets	52,435				54,325				52,435	54,325	54,855
Mortgage Loans	47,748				48,000				47,748	48,000	48,000
Liabilities	48,119				48,703				48,119	48,703	48,333
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 4,316				$ 5,622				4,316	5,622	6,522
Revenues									10,107	9,868	9,417
Property Operating Expense									(2,887)	(2,544)	(2,156)
Net Operating Income									7,220	7,324	7,261
Net income									$ 4,393	$ 4,649	$ 4,689
CenturyLink \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	50.00%				50.00%				50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Net Investment in Properties	$ 142,596				$ 148,941				$ 142,596	$ 148,941	$ 151,256
Total Assets	181,464				187,241				181,464	187,241	201,527
Liabilities	8,264				9,947				8,264	9,947	9,337
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 173,200				$ 177,294				173,200	177,294	192,190
Revenues									25,006	24,680	21,394
Property Operating Expense									(10,241)	(9,251)	(7,164)
Net Operating Income									14,765	15,429	14,230
Net income									$ 5,581	$ 6,712	$ 6,958
Mitsubishi \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	50.00%				50.00%				50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Net Investment in Properties	$ 734,362				$ 554,828				$ 734,362	$ 554,828	$ 332,373
Total Assets	968,957				753,743				968,957	753,743	469,159
Mortgage Loans	243,911				231,046				243,911	231,046	228,075
Liabilities	358,749				303,130				358,749	303,130	285,424
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 610,208				450,613				610,208	450,613	183,735
Revenues									154,114	84,344	59,300
Property Operating Expense									(71,001)	(39,300)	(26,360)
Net Operating Income									83,113	45,044	32,940
Net income									$ 43,746	18,751	$ 15,884
Ascenty Acquisition
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans					$ 571,873					$ 571,873
Ascenty Acquisition \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	51.00%				51.00%				51.00%	51.00%
Net Investment in Properties	$ 594,322				$ 548,114				$ 594,322	$ 548,114
Total Assets	1,862,402				2,178,663				1,862,402	2,178,663
Mortgage Loans	720,623				629,500				720,623	629,500
Liabilities	833,801				764,603				833,801	764,603
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 1,028,601				$ 1,414,060				1,028,601	1,414,060
Revenues									165,680	112,052
Property Operating Expense									(60,640)	(40,250)
Net Operating Income									105,040	71,802
Net income									$ (191,161)	$ (54,606)
Mapletree JV \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	20.00%				20.00%				20.00%	20.00%
Net Investment in Properties	$ 723,678				$ 765,443				$ 723,678	$ 765,443
Total Assets	985,900				1,042,661				985,900	1,042,661
Liabilities	38,140				23,796				38,140	23,796
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 947,760				$ 1,018,865				947,760	1,018,865
Revenues									106,966	17,852
Property Operating Expense									(40,904)	(6,774)
Net Operating Income									66,062	11,078
Net income									$ (11,473)	$ (1,872)
PREI \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	20.00%				20.00%				20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Net Investment in Properties	$ 359,706				$ 365,993				$ 359,706	$ 365,993	$ 375,016
Total Assets	409,836				421,635				409,836	421,635	433,024
Mortgage Loans	211,205				210,915				211,205	210,915	210,626
Liabilities	278,645				281,344				278,645	281,344	283,899
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 131,191				$ 140,291				131,191	140,291	149,125
Revenues									41,459	42,157	42,058
Property Operating Expense									(9,182)	(9,918)	(8,457)
Net Operating Income									32,277	32,239	33,601
Net income									$ 9,446	$ 9,968	$ (4,159)
GCEAR \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures	20.00%				20.00%				20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Net Investment in Properties	$ 106,316				$ 109,803				$ 106,316	$ 109,803	$ 111,909
Total Assets	117,573				127,444				117,573	127,444	139,268
Mortgage Loans	89,300				101,902				89,300	101,902	101,885
Liabilities	90,709				104,363				90,709	104,363	104,268
Equity / (Deficit)	26,864				23,081				26,864	23,081	35,000
Revenues									21,401	21,120	20,457
Property Operating Expense									(6,787)	(9,073)	(8,546)
Net Operating Income									14,614	12,047	11,911
Net income									4,642	(2,636)	$ (2,177)
Other \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures											17.00%
Net Investment in Properties	19,261				59,901				19,261	59,901	$ 22,677
Total Assets	24,371				64,553				24,371	64,553	24,320
Mortgage Loans	3,563				4,438				3,563	4,438	5,225
Liabilities	3,876				4,706				3,876	4,706	5,327
Equity / (Deficit)	$ 20,495				$ 59,847				20,495	59,847	18,993
Revenues									10,508	11,261	9,383
Property Operating Expense									(6,945)	(6,779)	(5,879)
Net Operating Income									3,563	4,482	3,504
Net income									$ (271)	$ (31)	$ 415
Minimum \| Other \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures					7.00%					7.00%
Maximum \| Other \| Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in joint ventures					17.00%					17.00%

Acquired Intangible Assets an_3

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	$ 1,382,563	$ 1,357,190
Accumulated amortization	(1,004,421)	(899,071)
Total	378,142	458,119
Customer Relationship Value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	2,993,093	1,845,949
Accumulated amortization	(570,886)	(400,570)
Total	2,422,207	1,445,379
Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	57,370
Accumulated amortization	(7,107)
Total	50,263
Acquired above-market leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	280,216	279,048
Accumulated amortization	(236,922)	(204,233)
Total	43,294	74,815
Below-Market Leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	401,539	396,509
Accumulated amortization	(270,649)	(247,735)
Total	$ 130,890	$ 148,774

Acquired Intangible Assets an_4

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 09, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of acquired leases		$ (10,500)	$ (17,100)	$ (27,300)
Expected average remaining lives (in years)	20 years
Amortization of customer relationship value, acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs		$ 355,841	354,302	416,621
Customer Relationship Value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected average remaining lives (in years)		15 years
Amortization of customer relationship value, acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs		$ 166,500	128,400	123,500
Weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions (in years)		14 years 8 months 12 days
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected average remaining lives (in years)		5 years 8 months 12 days
Amortization of customer relationship value, acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs		$ 99,700	$ 143,000	$ 211,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions (in years)		5 years 6 months
Below-Market Leases, Net of Above-Market Leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Expected average remaining lives of acquired below market leases (in years)		7 years 2 months 12 days
Expected average remaining lives (in years)		2 years

Acquired Intangible Assets an_5

Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities - Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Below Market Leases (Details) - Below-Market Leases, Net of Above-Market Leases $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2021	$ (2,865)
2022	4,977
2023	9,741
2024	10,393
2025	9,631
Thereafter	55,721
Total	$ 87,598

Acquired Intangible Assets An_6

Acquired Intangible Assets And Liabilities - Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Acquired in-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2021	$ 79,868
2022	60,129
2023	48,911
2024	41,604
2025	35,765
Thereafter	111,865
Total	378,142	$ 458,119
Tenant relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2021	177,383
2022	176,611
2023	175,943
2024	175,363
2025	174,861
Thereafter	1,542,046
Total	$ 2,422,207

Debt of the Company (Details)

Debt of the Company (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Oct. 14, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
0.125% notes due 2022 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	0.125%		0.125%
2.750% notes due 2023 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.75%		2.75%
2.625% notes due 2024 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.625%		2.625%
2.750% notes due 2024 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.75%		2.75%
4.250% notes due 2025 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.25%		4.25%
0.625% notes due 2025 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	0.625%		0.625%
4.750% notes due 2025 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.75%
4.750% notes due 2025 \| Digital Delta Holding, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.75%		4.75%
2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.50%		2.50%
3.700% notes due 2027 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.70%		3.70%
1.125% notes due 2028 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.125%		1.125%
4.450% notes due 2028 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.45%		4.45%
3.600% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.60%		3.60%
3.300% notes due 2029 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.30%		3.30%
1.500% notes due 2030 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.50%		1.50%
3.750% notes due 2030 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.75%		3.75%
1.250% notes due 2031 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.25%		1.25%
1.000% notes due 2032 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.00%		1.00%
Senior Notes. \| 4.750% notes due 2023 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate		4.75%

Debt of the Operating Partner_3

Debt of the Operating Partnership - Summary of Outstanding Indebtedness (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item	Oct. 14, 2020	Aug. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread	0.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 13,413,013
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	40,919
Total indebtedness	13,304,717			$ 10,122,448
Unamortized net premiums	5,927
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 13,378,021
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.75%			2.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 4.750% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.700% notes due 2027
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.70%			3.70%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 4.450% notes due 2028
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.45%			4.45%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.600% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.60%			3.60%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ 34,988			$ 16,145
Deferred financing costs	(64,031)			(52,038)
Total indebtedness	11,997,010			8,973,190
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	12,061,041			9,025,228
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| Floating rate notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 366,480			0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| Floating rate notes due 2022 \| EURIBOR
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	0.50%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 3.950% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.95%
Long-term debt, gross				500,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 3.625% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.625%
Long-term debt, gross				300,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 0.125% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	0.125%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 366,480			0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.75%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 350,000			350,000
Aggregate principal amount	$ 350,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.75%
Long-term debt, gross				397,710
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 2.625% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.625%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 732,960			672,780
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 2.750% notes due 2024
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.75%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 341,750			331,425
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 4.250% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.25%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 546,800			530,280
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 0.625% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	0.625%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 794,040			0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 4.750% notes due 2025
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.75%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 450,000			450,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 2.500% notes due 2026
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.50%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,313,219			1,205,398
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 3.700% notes due 2027
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.70%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,000,000			1,000,000
Aggregate principal amount	$ 1,000,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 1.125% notes due 2028
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.125%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 610,800			560,650
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 4.450% notes due 2028
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	4.45%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 650,000			650,000
Aggregate principal amount	$ 650,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 3.600% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.60%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 900,000			900,000
Aggregate principal amount	$ 900,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 3.300% notes due 2029
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.30%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 478,450			463,995
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 1.500% notes due 2030
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.50%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 916,200			0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 3.750% notes due 2030
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.75%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 751,850			729,135
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 1.250% notes due 2031
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.25%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 610,800			0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes \| 1.000% notes due 2032
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	1.00%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 916,200			0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	540,184			245,766
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	0
Deferred financing costs	(8,279)			(11,661)
Total indebtedness	531,905			234,105
Unamortized net premiums	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 540,184
Interest rate basis spread	0.90%
Commitment fee percentage	0.20%
Number of extension options \| item	2
Debt instrument, extension term	6 months
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Yen Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 46,943			146,451
Interest rate basis spread	0.50%
Commitment fee percentage	0.10%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 537,470
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	0
Deferred financing costs	(890)			(2,986)
Total indebtedness	536,580			810,219
Unamortized net premiums	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 537,470
Debt instrument, extension term	6 months
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 537,470			813,205
Interest rate basis spread	1.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net \| 2023 Term Loan
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross				300,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net \| 2024 Term Loan
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 537,470			513,205
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes.
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	12,096,029
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	40,915
Unamortized net premiums	5,927
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	12,061,041
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes. \| 3.950% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate			3.95%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes. \| 3.625% notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate			3.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes. \| 4.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	239,330
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	4
Deferred financing costs	(104)			(209)
Total indebtedness	239,222			104,934
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	(4)			54
Unamortized net premiums	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 239,326			105,143
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt \| 731 East Trade Street
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	8.22%
Long-term debt, gross				1,089
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt \| Secured note due March 2023
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 104,000			104,000
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt \| Secured note due March 2023 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread	1.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt \| Westin
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 135,000			0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt \| Secured note due December 2023 \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread	3.29%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Other Secured Debt
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross	$ 330			$ 0

Debt of the Operating Partner_4

Debt of the Operating Partnership - Floating and Base Rate Borrowing (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / $$ / $$ / £$ / $$ / €$ / $	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / $$ / $$ / £$ / $$ / €$ / $	Feb. 04, 2021	Oct. 14, 2020	Aug. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / £$ / $$ / €$ / $$ / $$ / $
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread				0.90%
2.750% notes due 2023 \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate					2.75%
Canadian dollar (CAD) \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.79		0.79				0.77
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 13,413,013		$ 13,413,013
Early extinguishment charge			$ 900
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 540,184		$ 540,184				$ 245,766
Weighted-average interest rate		0.91%		0.91%				1.00%
Interest rate basis spread				0.90%
Commitment fee percentage				0.20%
Letters of credit issued		$ 60,800		$ 60,800
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Yen Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 46,943		$ 46,943				$ 146,451
Weighted-average interest rate		0.50%		0.50%				0.50%
Interest rate basis spread				0.50%
Commitment fee percentage				0.10%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 537,470		$ 537,470
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument
Weighted-average interest rate								2.39%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes.
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		12,096,029		12,096,029
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		239,330		239,330
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 537,470		$ 537,470				$ 813,205
Weighted-average interest rate		1.16%		1.16%				2.62%
Interest rate basis spread				1.00%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument
Weighted-average interest rate		1.20%		1.20%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.750% notes due 2030 \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 751,850		$ 751,850				$ 729,135
Stated interest rate		3.75%		3.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.950% notes due 2022 \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross								500,000
Stated interest rate		3.95%		3.95%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.950% notes due 2022 \| Senior Notes.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate							3.95%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.625% notes due 2022 \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross								300,000
Stated interest rate		3.625%		3.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.625% notes due 2022 \| Senior Notes.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate							3.625%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 4.750% notes due 2023 \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross								$ 397,710
Stated interest rate		4.75%		4.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 4.750% notes due 2023 \| Senior Notes.
Debt Instrument
Early extinguishment charge		$ 49,800
Stated interest rate						4.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 3.950% 2022 Notes and 3.625% 2022 Notes \| Senior Notes.
Debt Instrument
Early extinguishment charge			$ 52,100
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 2.750% notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate		2.75%		2.75%				2.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 2.750% notes due 2023 \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 350,000		$ 350,000				$ 350,000
Stated interest rate		2.75%		2.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| 2.750% notes due 2023 \| Senior Notes. \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument
Early extinguishment charge	$ 17,500
Stated interest rate					2.75%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Floating Rate \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 493,241		$ 493,241				$ 99,315
Weighted-average interest rate		0.95%		0.95%				1.75%
Interest rate basis spread				0.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| U.S. dollar ($) \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument
Weighted-average interest rate								2.44%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| U.S. dollar ($) \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross								$ 300,000
Weighted-average interest rate								2.74%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| U.S. dollar ($) \| Floating Rate \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 40,000		$ 40,000
Weighted-average interest rate		1.05%		1.05%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| British pound sterling () \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / £		1.37		1.37
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| British pound sterling () \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / £		1.37		1.37				1.33
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| British pound sterling () \| Floating Rate \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 47,845		$ 47,845
Weighted-average interest rate		0.93%		0.93%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Euro () \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / €		1.22		1.22				1.12
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Euro () \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / €		1.22		1.22				1.12
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Euro () \| Floating Rate \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 284,633		$ 284,633				$ 44,852
Weighted-average interest rate		0.90%		0.90%				0.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Australian dollar (AUD) \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $								0.70
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Australian dollar (AUD) \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $								0.70
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Australian dollar (AUD) \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 223,357		$ 223,357				$ 203,820
Weighted-average interest rate		1.02%		1.02%				1.85%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Australian dollar (AUD) \| Floating Rate \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross								$ 1,264
Weighted-average interest rate								1.74%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Hong Kong dollar (HKD) \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $								0.13
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Hong Kong dollar (HKD) \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 86,062		$ 86,062				$ 85,629
Weighted-average interest rate		1.27%		1.27%				3.60%
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.13		0.13
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Japanese yen (JPY) \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate		0.01		0.01				0.01
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Japanese yen (JPY) \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.77		0.77
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Singapore dollar (SGD) \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.76		0.76				0.74
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Singapore dollar (SGD) \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $								0.74
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Singapore dollar (SGD) \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 150,699		$ 150,699				$ 147,931
Weighted-average interest rate		1.14%		1.14%				2.68%
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.76		0.76
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Singapore dollar (SGD) \| Floating Rate \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 111,340		$ 111,340				$ 53,199
Weighted-average interest rate		1.02%		1.02%				2.46%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Canadian dollar (CAD) \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.79		0.79
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Canadian dollar (CAD) \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Exchange rate \| $ / $								0.77
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Canadian dollar (CAD) \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument
Weighted-average interest rate								1.78%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Canadian dollar (CAD) \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 77,352		$ 77,352				$ 75,825
Weighted-average interest rate		1.47%		1.47%				3.00%
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.79		0.79
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Canadian dollar (CAD) \| 2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument
Weighted-average interest rate		1.78%		1.78%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Canadian dollar (CAD) \| Floating Rate \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 9,423		$ 9,423
Weighted-average interest rate		1.36%		1.36%
Digital Stout Holding, LLC \| 3.750% notes due 2030
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate		3.75%		3.75%				3.75%
Digital Stout Holding, LLC \| 3.750% notes due 2030 \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate		3.75%		3.75%

Debt of the Operating Partner_5

Debt of the Operating Partnership - Global Revolving Credit Facilities Narrative (Details) $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item	Oct. 24, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 24, 2018JPY (¥)	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread		0.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Early extinguishment charge	$ 0.9
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 2,350		$ 2,000
Number of extension options \| item		2
Debt instrument, extension term		6 months
Interest rate basis spread		0.90%
Commitment fee percentage		0.20%
Letters of credit issued		$ 60.8
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Global revolving credit facilities, net \| Accordian Feature
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,250
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Yen Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity			296.5	¥ 33.3
Interest rate basis spread		0.50%
Commitment fee percentage		0.10%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Yen Revolving Credit Facility \| Accordian Feature
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 831.1	¥ 93.3

Debt of the Operating Partner_6

Debt of the Operating Partnership - Unsecured Term Loans Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 24, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread		0.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt, gross		$ 13,413,013
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, extension term		6 months
Long-term debt, gross		$ 537,470
2023 and 2024 Term Loan \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread		1.00%
Long-term debt, gross		$ 537,470	$ 813,205
Unsecured Term Loan, 5 Year \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 300,000
Debt instrument term	5 years
Unsecured Term Loan, 7 Year \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 512,000
Debt instrument term	5 years
Unsecured term loans, net \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 1,550,000
Number of extension options \| item		2
Maximum borrowing capacity, subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions		$ 1,250,000
Interest rate basis spread		1.00%
Long-term debt, gross		$ 537,500

Debt of the Operating Partner_7

Debt of the Operating Partnership - Unsecured Senior Notes (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020GBP (£)	Oct. 14, 2020	Aug. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Floating Rate Notes due 2022 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Debt face amount	€ 300
Net proceeds from offering	€ 348.7
0.125% notes due 2022 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.125%			0.125%	0.125%			0.125%
0.125% notes due 2022 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.125%			0.125%	0.125%
Debt face amount	€ 300
Net proceeds from offering	€ 330.8
0.125% notes due 2022 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.125%			0.125%	0.125%
2.750% notes due 2023 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%			2.75%	2.75%			2.75%
2.750% notes due 2023 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%			2.75%	2.75%
Debt face amount \| $				$ 350
Net proceeds from offering \| $		$ 346.9
4.750% notes due 2023 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate						4.75%
4.750% notes due 2023 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%			4.75%	4.75%
4.750% notes due 2023 \| Digital Delta Holding, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Debt face amount \| $				$ 450
Net proceeds from offering \| $		445.8
2.625% notes due 2024 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%			2.625%	2.625%
2.625% notes due 2024 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%			2.625%	2.625%			2.625%
2.625% notes due 2024 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%			2.625%	2.625%
Debt face amount	€ 600
Net proceeds from offering	€ 670.3
2.750% notes due 2024 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%			2.75%	2.75%
2.750% notes due 2024 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%			2.75%	2.75%			2.75%
2.750% notes due 2024 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.75%			2.75%	2.75%
Debt face amount \| £					£ 250
Net proceeds from offering \| £			£ 321.3
4.250% notes due 2025 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%			4.25%	4.25%
4.250% notes due 2025 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%			4.25%	4.25%			4.25%
4.250% notes due 2025 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%			4.25%	4.25%
Debt face amount \| £					£ 400
Net proceeds from offering \| £			624.2
0.625% notes due 2025 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.625%			0.625%	0.625%			0.625%
0.625% notes due 2025 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.625%			0.625%	0.625%
Debt face amount	€ 650
Net proceeds from offering	€ 712
0.625% notes due 2025 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	0.625%			0.625%	0.625%
4.750% Notes due 2025 \| Digital Delta Holding, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%			4.75%	4.75%
2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.50%			2.50%	2.50%
2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.50%			2.50%	2.50%			2.50%
2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.50%			2.50%	2.50%
Debt face amount	€ 1,075
Net proceeds from offering	€ 1,218.6
3.700% notes due 2027 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.70%			3.70%	3.70%			3.70%
3.700% notes due 2027 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.70%			3.70%	3.70%
Debt face amount \| $				$ 1,000
Net proceeds from offering \| $		991
1.125% notes due 2028 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.125%			1.125%	1.125%
1.125% notes due 2028 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.125%			1.125%	1.125%			1.125%
1.125% notes due 2028 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.125%			1.125%	1.125%
Debt face amount	€ 500
Net proceeds from offering	€ 539.7
4.450% notes due 2028 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.45%			4.45%	4.45%			4.45%
4.450% notes due 2028 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.45%			4.45%	4.45%
Debt face amount \| $				$ 650
Net proceeds from offering \| $		643.3
3.600% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.60%			3.60%	3.60%			3.60%
3.600% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.60%			3.60%	3.60%
Debt face amount \| $				$ 900
Net proceeds from offering \| $		$ 890.6
3.300% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.30%			3.30%	3.30%
3.300% notes due 2029 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.30%			3.30%	3.30%			3.30%
3.300% notes due 2029 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.30%			3.30%	3.30%
Debt face amount \| £					£ 350
Net proceeds from offering \| £			448.6
1.500% Notes due 2030 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.50%			1.50%	1.50%
Debt face amount	€ 750
Net proceeds from offering	€ 819.1
3.750% notes due 2030 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.75%			3.75%	3.75%
3.750% notes due 2030 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.75%			3.75%	3.75%			3.75%
3.750% notes due 2030 \| Digital Stout Holding, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.75%			3.75%	3.75%
Debt face amount \| £					£ 550
Net proceeds from offering \| £			£ 716.8
1.250% Notes due 2031 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.25%			1.25%	1.25%
Debt face amount	€ 500
Net proceeds from offering	€ 553.2
1.000% Notes due 2032 \| Digital Dutch Finco B.V. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.00%			1.00%	1.00%
Debt face amount	€ 750
Net proceeds from offering	€ 860
3.950% notes due 2022 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate							3.95%
3.950% notes due 2022 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.95%			3.95%	3.95%
3.625% notes due 2022 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate							3.625%
3.625% notes due 2022 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.625%			3.625%	3.625%
4.750% notes due 2025 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%			4.75%	4.75%
4.750% notes due 2025 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%			4.75%	4.75%
4.750% notes due 2025 \| Digital Delta Holding, LLC
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%			4.75%	4.75%			4.75%
4.750% notes due 2025 \| Digital Delta Holding, LLC \| Unsecured senior notes
Debt of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%			4.75%	4.75%

Debt of the Operating Partner_8

Debt of the Operating Partnership - Narrative (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019
2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.50%		2.50%	2.50%
3.600% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.60%		3.60%	3.60%
Unsecured senior notes \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Secured debt leverage ratio, maximum	40.00%	40.00%
Unsecured senior notes \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Maximum
Debt Instrument
Leverage ratio	60.00%	60.00%
Unsecured senior notes \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Minimum
Debt Instrument
Interest coverage ratio	1.50	1.50
Total unencumbered assets	150.00%	150.00%
Unsecured senior notes \| 2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.50%		2.50%
Unsecured senior notes \| 2.500% notes due 2026 \| Digital Euro Finco, LLC
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	2.50%		2.50%
Aggregate principal amount \| €	€ 1,075
Net proceeds from offering \| €	€ 1,218.6
Unsecured senior notes \| 3.600% notes due 2029 \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
Stated interest rate	3.60%		3.60%
Aggregate principal amount \| $			$ 900
Net proceeds from offering \| $		$ 890.6

Debt of the Operating Partner_9

Debt of the Operating Partnership - Schedule of Debt Maturities And Principal Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread	0.90%
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Debt Instrument
2022	$ 733,290
2023	1,484,711
2024	1,121,653
2025	1,790,840
Thereafter	8,282,519
Subtotal	13,413,013
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	(40,919)
Unamortized premium	5,927
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 13,378,021
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Global revolving credit facilities, net
Debt Instrument
Interest rate basis spread	0.90%
2021	$ 0
2022	0
2023	493,241
2024	46,943
2025	0
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	540,184	$ 245,766
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	0
Unamortized premium	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 540,184
Number of extension options \| item	2
Debt instrument, extension term	6 months
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net
Debt Instrument
2021	$ 0
2022	0
2023	537,470
2024	0
2025	0
Thereafter	0
Subtotal	537,470
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	0
Unamortized premium	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 537,470
Debt instrument, extension term	6 months
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Senior Notes.
Debt Instrument
2021	$ 0
2022	732,960
2023	350,000
2024	1,074,710
2025	1,790,840
Thereafter	8,147,519
Subtotal	12,096,029
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	(40,915)
Unamortized premium	5,927
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	12,061,041
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Secured Debt
Debt Instrument
2021	0
2022	330
2023	104,000
2024	0
2025	0
Thereafter	135,000
Subtotal	239,330
Unamortized discounts, net of premiums	(4)
Unamortized premium	0
Long-term debt, net of discount (premium)	$ 239,326	$ 105,143

Income per Share - Summary of B

Income per Share - Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income per Share
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ 44,177	$ (37,370)	$ 53,676	$ 202,859	$ 315,577	$ 49,827	$ 31,738	$ 95,869	$ 263,342	$ 493,011	$ 249,930
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic (shares)									260,098,978	208,325,823	206,035,408
Potentially dilutive common shares:
Unvested incentive units (shares)									120,775	165,185	141,260
Unvested restricted stock (shares)									177,244
Forward equity offering (shares)									1,596,476	813,073	33,315
Market performance-based awards (shares)									529,035	158,166	463,488
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)									262,522,508	209,462,247	206,673,471
Earnings per unit:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.91	$ 1.51	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.01	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.90	$ 1.50	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1	$ 2.35	$ 1.21

Income per Share - Schedule of

Income per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	17,756,993	19,337,362	20,028,886
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)	7,974,005	8,958,932	8,227,463
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,489,983	1,695,765	1,876,584
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,452,809	2,102,655	2,326,861
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)		789,846	3,409,772
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,269,035	2,105,116	2,329,584
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,475,721	1,679,534	1,858,622
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,551,801	1,334,691
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (shares)	2,543,639	670,823

Income per Unit - Summary of Ba

Income per Unit - Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Class of Stock
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ 44,177	$ (37,370)	$ 53,676	$ 202,859	$ 315,577	$ 49,827	$ 31,738	$ 95,869	$ 263,342	$ 493,011	$ 249,930
Weighted average units outstanding-basic (units)									260,098,978	208,325,823	206,035,408
Potentially dilutive common units:
Unvested incentive units (units)									120,775	165,185	141,260
Unvested restricted stock (units)									177,244
Forward equity offering (units)									1,596,476	813,073	33,315
Market performance-based awards (units)									529,035	158,166	463,488
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)									262,522,508	209,462,247	206,673,471
Earnings per unit:
Basic (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.91	$ 1.51	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.01	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.90	$ 1.50	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1	$ 2.35	$ 1.21
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ 45,477	$ (38,370)	$ 55,076	$ 210,659	$ 328,677	$ 52,127	$ 33,138	$ 100,169	$ 272,842	$ 514,111	$ 260,110
Weighted average units outstanding-basic (units)									268,072,983	217,284,755	214,312,871
Potentially dilutive common units:
Unvested incentive units (units)									120,775	165,185	141,260
Unvested restricted stock (units)									177,244
Forward equity offering (units)									1,596,476	813,073	33,315
Market performance-based awards (units)									529,035	158,166	463,488
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (shares/units)									270,496,513	218,421,179	214,950,934
Earnings per unit:
Basic (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.91	$ 1.51	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.02	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.90	$ 1.50	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.01	$ 2.35	$ 1.21

Income per Unit - Schedule of A

Income per Unit - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	17,756,993	19,337,362	20,028,886
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,543,639	670,823
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	9,782,988	10,378,430	11,801,423
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series C Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,489,983	1,695,765	1,876,584
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series G Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,452,809	2,102,655	2,326,861
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)		789,846	3,409,772
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series I Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,269,035	2,105,116	2,329,584
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series J Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,475,721	1,679,534	1,858,622
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series K Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	1,551,801	1,334,691
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities (units)	2,543,639	670,823

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Percentage of income distributed (at least)	100.00%
Provision for income taxes	$ 38,047	$ 11,995	$ 2,084
Net deferred tax liability	737,277	143,365
Gross deferred income tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	164,294	63,280
Basis difference - real estate property	748,411	9,955
Basis difference - intangibles	2,368	1,071
Straight-line rent	1,121	1,404
Other - temporary differences	60,840	17,624
Total gross deferred income tax assets	977,034	93,334
Valuation allowance	(108,060)	(40,795)
Total deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance	868,974	52,539
Gross deferred income tax liabilities:
Basis difference - real estate property	1,338,612	162,095
Basis difference - equity investments	4,000	4,000
Basis difference - intangibles	246,950	1,547
Straight-line rent	6,884	8,044
Other - temporary differences	9,805	20,218
Total gross deferred income tax liabilities	1,606,251	195,904
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	38,047	$ 11,995	$ 2,084
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$ 0

Equity and Accumulated Other _3

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - Equity Distribution Agreement Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2021	Jan. 04, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	May 11, 2020
2019 Equity distribution agreement
Class of Stock
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock			$ 893.8
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share			$ 146.90
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs			$ 9
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)			6,100,000	0
Net proceeds		$ 652.2
2019 Equity distribution agreement \| Subsequent Event
Class of Stock
Amount of shares reserved for future issuance	$ 749.4
2020 Equity distribution agreement
Class of Stock
Aggregate offering price of the distribution agreement maximum					$ 1,000
Maximum \| 2020 Equity distribution agreement
Class of Stock
Aggregate offering price of the distribution agreement maximum					$ 1,000

Equity and Accumulated Other _4

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - Forward Equity Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 24, 2020	Sep. 27, 2018
Forward Sale Agreement
Class of Stock
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)	9,775,000
Forward Sale Agreement \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)	9,775,000	9,775,000
Net proceeds on public offering	$ 1
Over-Allotment Option
Class of Stock
Net proceeds on public offering	$ 1
Over-Allotment Option \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)		1,275,000

Equity and Accumulated Other _5

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 10, 2019$ / sharesshares	Mar. 13, 2019$ / sharesshares	Sep. 14, 2017$ / sharesshares	Sep. 07, 2017	Aug. 07, 2017$ / sharesshares	Aug. 24, 2015$ / sharesshares	Apr. 09, 2013$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Oct. 15, 2020$ / shares	Sep. 08, 2020$ / shares	Apr. 01, 2019$ / shares
Class of Stock
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 956,250	$ 1,456,250
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								38,250,000	58,250,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 950,940	$ 1,434,420
Number of quarters with no dividends triggering voting rights \| item								6
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)								$ 25	$ 25
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share								$ 25
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Share cap (in shares) \| shares			0.6389035
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 201,250
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)			$ 1.65625					$ 1.65625
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								8,050,000	8,050,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 219,250	$ 219,250
Dividend rate percentage			6.625%
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Share cap (in shares) \| shares							0.7532000
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)							$ 1.46875	$ 1.46875
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares									10,000,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $									$ 241,468
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)										$ 25.057118
Dividend rate percentage							5.875%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share										25
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)								1.84375
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share												$ 25
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Share cap (in shares) \| shares						0.7623100
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)						$ 1.58750		$ 1.58750
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares									10,000,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $									$ 242,012
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)											$ 25.29545
Dividend rate percentage						6.35%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share											25
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Share cap (in shares) \| shares					0.4252100
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 200,000
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)					$ 1.31250			$ 1.31250
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								8,000,000	8,000,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 193,540	$ 193,540
Dividend rate percentage					5.25%
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Share cap (in shares) \| shares		0.4361100
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 210,000
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)								$ 1.46250
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								8,400,000	8,400,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 203,264	$ 203,264
Dividend rate percentage		5.85%
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Class of Stock
Share cap (in shares) \| shares	0.3851800
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 345,000
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)								$ 1.30000
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								13,800,000	13,800,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 334,886	$ 334,886
Dividend rate percentage	5.20%
Series C Preferred Units
Class of Stock
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 201,250
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)			$ 1.65625
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								8,050,000	8,050,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 219,250	$ 219,250
Dividend rate percentage			6.625%
Series G Preferred Units
Class of Stock
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)							$ 1.46875
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares									10,000,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $									$ 241,468
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)										25
Dividend rate percentage							5.875%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share										$ 25.057118
Series I Preferred Units
Class of Stock
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)						$ 1.58750
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares									10,000,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $									$ 242,012
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)											25
Dividend rate percentage					6.35%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share											$ 25.29545
Series J Preferred Units
Class of Stock
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 200,000
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)					$ 1.31250
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								8,000,000	8,000,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 193,540	$ 193,540
Dividend rate percentage				5.25%
Series K Preferred Units
Class of Stock
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 210,000
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)		$ 1.46250
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								8,400,000	8,400,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 203,264	$ 203,264
Dividend rate percentage		5.85%
Series L Preferred Units
Class of Stock
Liquidation preference \| $								$ 345,000
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30000
Preferred stock, issued (shares) \| shares								13,800,000	13,800,000
Net proceeds from preferred stock \| $								$ 334,886	$ 334,886
Dividend rate percentage	5.20%

Equity and Accumulated Other _6

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Class of Stock
Number of units (units)	280,289,726	208,900,758
Percentage of total	97.20%	95.90%
Common stock conversion ratio	1
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Common stock conversion ratio	1
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - operating partnership	$ 1,078.9	$ 997.6
Common units held by third parties
Class of Stock
Common units held by third parties (units)	6,212,369	6,820,201
Percentage of total	2.20%	3.20%
Incentive units held by employees and directors (see Note 14)
Class of Stock
Incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	1,833,898	2,022,954
Percentage of total	0.60%	0.90%
Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership
Class of Stock
Number of units (units)	288,335,993	217,743,913
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%

Equity and Accumulated Other _7

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - Summary of Activity For Noncontrolling Interests in The Operating Partnership (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (units)	8,843,155	10,580,884	8,489,095
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (shares)			2,338,874
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(607,832)	(1,815,945)	(601,822)
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(461,912)	(338,515)	(110,070)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	147,570	319,279	357,956
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	128,049	120,368	128,986
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(2,763)	(22,916)	(22,135)
Ending balance (units)	8,046,267	8,843,155	10,580,884
Common Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (units)	6,820,201	8,636,146	6,899,094
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (shares)			2,338,874
Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(607,832)	(1,815,945)	(601,822)
Ending balance (units)	6,212,369	6,820,201	8,636,146
Incentive Units
Common and Incentive Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (units)	2,022,954	1,944,738	1,590,001
Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (units)	(461,912)	(338,515)	(110,070)
Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition (units)	147,570	319,279	357,956
Grant of incentive units to employees and directors (units)	128,049	120,368	128,986
Cancellation / forfeitures of incentive units held by employees and directors (units)	(2,763)	(22,916)	(22,135)
Ending balance (units)	1,833,898	2,022,954	1,944,738

Equity and Accumulated Other _8

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - Schedule of Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 14, 2017	Aug. 07, 2017	Aug. 24, 2015	Apr. 09, 2013	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Oct. 15, 2020	Sep. 08, 2020	Apr. 01, 2019
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Redemption price (in dollars per share)					$ 25
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)					25	$ 25
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)					25	$ 25
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 1.65625				$ 1.65625
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 13,332	$ 13,332	$ 13,332
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year One \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,333		3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,333	3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Four \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 3,333
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,333
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)				$ 1.46875	$ 1.46875
Redemption price (in dollars per share)								$ 25
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)								$ 25.057118
Offering costs								$ 8,200
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 11,016	14,688	14,688
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year One \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,672		3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 3,672	3,672
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,672
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)					$ 1.84375
Redemption price (in dollars per share)										$ 25
Offering costs										$ 11,800
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						6,730	26,920
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							6,730
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							6,730
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							6,730
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							6,730
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						6,730
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)			$ 1.58750		$ 1.58750
Redemption price (in dollars per share)									$ 25
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)									$ 25.29545
Offering costs									$ 8,000
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 7,938	15,876	15,876
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year One \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 3,969		3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,969
Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,969
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)		$ 1.31250			$ 1.31250
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 10,500	10,500	10,500
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year One \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					2,625		2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock							$ 2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 1 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					2,625	2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Four \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 2,625
Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						2,625
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)					$ 1.46250
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 12,284	9,828
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year One \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,071
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,071
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 2 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,686
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					3,071	3,071
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 3 Year Four \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 3,071
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock \| Installment 4 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						3,071
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)					$ 1.30000
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 17,940	4,036
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units \| Installment 3 Year One \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					4,485
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					4,485
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units \| Installment 3 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					4,485
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units \| Installment 3 Year Four \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock					$ 4,485
Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units \| Installment 4 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, preferred stock						$ 4,036
Common Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)					$ 4.480	$ 4.320	$ 4.040
Common Stock \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock					$ 1,213,921	$ 900,373	$ 832,667
Common Stock \| Installment 3 Year One \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock					295,630
Common Stock \| Installment 1 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock							208,015
Common Stock \| Installment 2 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock							208,071
Common Stock \| Installment 3 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock					301,005		208,166
Common Stock \| Installment 4 Year Two \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock							$ 208,415
Common Stock \| Installment 1 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock						224,802
Common Stock \| Installment 2 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock						224,895
Common Stock \| Installment 3 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock					303,006	225,188
Common Stock \| Installment 3 Year Four \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock					$ 314,280
Common Stock \| Installment 4 Year Three \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock						$ 225,488

Equity and Accumulated Other _9

Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 10,608,100	$ 10,858,210
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Ending balance	18,446,336	10,608,100
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(114,947)	(158,649)
Net current period change	213,707	22,015
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0	0
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Ending balance	98,760	(114,947)
Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,287	17,264
Net current period change	(11,980)	(8,839)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,063	(7,138)
Ending balance	(2,630)	1,287
Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	25,738	25,738
Net current period change	13,142	0
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0	0
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		0
Ending balance	38,880	25,738
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(87,922)	(115,647)
Net current period change	214,869	13,176
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,063	(7,138)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Ending balance	$ 135,010	$ (87,922)

Capital and Accumulated Other_3

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Equity Distribution Agreement Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2021	Jan. 04, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	May 11, 2020
2019 Equity distribution agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock			$ 893.8
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share			$ 146.90
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs			$ 9
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)			6,100,000	0
Net proceeds		$ 652.2
Shares issued , contribution to operating partnership			6,100,000
2019 Equity distribution agreement \| Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Amount of shares reserved for future issuance	$ 749.4
2020 Equity distribution agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate offering price of the distribution agreement maximum					$ 1,000

Capital and Accumulated Other_4

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Forward Equity Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 24, 2020	Sep. 27, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Partnership units issued			8,046,267	8,843,155
Forward Sale Agreement
Class of Stock
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)	9,775,000
Partnership units issued	9,775,000
Forward Sale Agreement \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)	9,775,000	9,775,000
Net proceeds on public offering	$ 1
Over-Allotment Option
Class of Stock
Net proceeds on public offering	$ 1
Over-Allotment Option \| Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Common stock issued in public offering (shares)		1,275,000

Capital and Accumulated Other_5

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Redeemable Preferred Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Oct. 10, 2019

Mar. 13, 2019

Sep. 14, 2017

Sep. 07, 2017

Aug. 07, 2017

Aug. 24, 2015

Apr. 09, 2013

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Oct. 15, 2020

Sep. 08, 2020

Apr. 01, 2019

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Liquidation preference

$ 956,250

$ 1,456,250

Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31,

$ 950,940

$ 1,434,420

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per unit)

$ 25

Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share

$ 25

Series C Preferred Units

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Liquidation preference

$ 201,250

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)

$ 1.65625

Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31,

219,250

$ 219,250

Dividend rate percentage

6.625%

Series G Preferred Units

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)

$ 1.46875

Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31,

241,468

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per unit)

$ 25

Dividend rate percentage

5.875%

Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share

$ 25.057118

Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per unit)

$ 25

Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share

$ 25

Series I Preferred Units

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)

$ 1.58750

Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31,

242,012

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per unit)

$ 25

Dividend rate percentage

6.35%

Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share

$ 25.29545

Series J Preferred Units

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Liquidation preference

200,000

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)

$ 1.31250

Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31,

193,540

Dividend rate percentage

5.25%

Series K Preferred Units

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Liquidation preference

210,000

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)

$ 1.46250

Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31,

203,264

Dividend rate percentage

5.85%

Series L Preferred Units

Preferred Units [Line Items]

Liquidation preference

345,000

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share)

$ 1.30000

Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31,

$ 334,886

Dividend rate percentage

5.20%

Capital and Accumulated Other_6

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Partnership Units Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Class of Stock
Common Stock, Conversion Ratio	1
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Class of Stock
Common Stock, Conversion Ratio	1
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - operating partnership	$ 1,078.9	$ 997.6
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - operating partnership	$ 1,078.9	$ 997.6

Capital and Accumulated Other_7

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Distributions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Oct. 15, 2020

Sep. 08, 2020

Oct. 10, 2019

Apr. 01, 2019

Mar. 13, 2019

Sep. 14, 2017

Aug. 07, 2017

Aug. 24, 2015

Apr. 09, 2013

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Redemption price (in dollars per share)

$ 25

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)

$ 25

Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.65625

Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.46875

Redemption price (in dollars per share)

$ 25.057118

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)

$ 25

Redemption premium

$ 8,200

Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Redemption price (in dollars per share)

$ 25

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)

$ 25

Redemption premium

$ 11,800

Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.58750

Redemption price (in dollars per share)

$ 25.29545

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)

$ 25

Redemption premium

$ 8,000

Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.31250

Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.46250

Series L Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.30000

Digital Realty Trust, L.P.

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share/unit (in dollars per share)

$ 25

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 13,332

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.65625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 11,016

14,688

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.46875

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

6,730

26,920

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.84375

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 7,938

15,876

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.58750

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 10,500

10,500

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.31250

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 12,284

9,828

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.46250

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Series L Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 17,940

4,036

Preferred stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 1.30000

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

$ 1,251,403

$ 940,716

$ 867,405

Common stock dividend per share amount (in dollars per share/unit)

$ 4.480

$ 4.320

$ 4.040

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year One | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year One | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year One | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year One | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year One | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,071

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year One | Series L Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

4,485

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year One | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

305,267

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Three | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Three | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Three | Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

6,730

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Three | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Three | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Three | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

216,953

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Two | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

$ 3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Two | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Two | Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

6,730

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Two | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Two | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 1 Year Two | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

235,256

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year One | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year One | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year One | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year One | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year One | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,071

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year One | Series L Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

4,485

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year One | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

310,421

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Three | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Three | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Three | Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

6,730

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Three | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Three | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Three | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

216,789

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Two | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Two | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Two | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Two | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Two | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,686

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 2 Year Two | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

235,142

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year One | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year One | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year One | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year One | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,071

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year One | Series L Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

4,485

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year One | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

312,262

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Three | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Three | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Three | Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

6,730

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Three | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Three | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Three | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

216,825

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Two | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Two | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Two | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Two | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Two | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,071

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 3 Year Two | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

235,164

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year One | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year One | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year One | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,071

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year One | Series L Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

4,485

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year One | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

$ 323,453

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Three | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Three | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Three | Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

6,730

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Three | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Three | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Three | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

$ 216,838

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Two | Series C Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,333

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Two | Series G Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,672

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Two | Series I Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,969

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Two | Series J Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

2,625

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Two | Series K Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

3,071

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Two | Series L Preferred Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, preferred units

4,036

Digital Realty Trust, L.P. | Installment 4 Year Two | Common Units

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividends/Distributions, common stock/units

$ 235,154

Capital and Accumulated Other_8

Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		$ 21,687
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	$ 213,707	22,015
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0	0
Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	(11,980)	(8,839)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,063	(7,138)
Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	13,142	0
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		0
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Net current period change	214,869	13,176
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,063	(7,138)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	10,608,100	10,858,210
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Ending balance	18,446,336	10,608,100
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(117,869)	(163,531)
Net current period change	216,815	23,975
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0	0
Ending balance	98,946	(117,869)
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Cash flow hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	308	16,986
Net current period change	(12,425)	(9,232)
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,294	(7,446)
Ending balance	(3,823)	308
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	26,152	26,152
Net current period change	13,525	0
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		0
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	0	0
Ending balance	39,677	26,152
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(91,409)	(120,393)
Net current period change	217,915	14,743
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment due to deconsolidation of Ascenty		21,687
Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps	8,294	(7,446)
Ending balance	$ 134,800	$ (91,409)

Incentive Plan - Narrative (Det

Incentive Plan - Narrative (Details) shares in Millions	Mar. 09, 2020shares	Sep. 22, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2020shares
InterXion
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional shares registered for issuance (shares)	0.6
2014 Incentive Award Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional shares registered for issuance (shares)		3.7
Number of shares remaining for issuance under Incentive Plan (shares)			6
Conversion of units to shares ratio			1

Incentive Plan - Schedule of Co

Incentive Plan - Schedule of Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Granted (shares)	128,049	120,368	128,986
Long-term incentive units
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, expensed	$ 12.8	$ 8.7	$ 6.8
Deferred compensation, capitalized	0.2	0.2	0.2
Unearned Compensation	$ 15.1	$ 15.4
Expected period to recognize unearned compensation (in years)	2 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 1 month 6 days
Granted (shares)	128,049
Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)	98,038
Long-term incentive units \| Minimum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Award vesting period	2 years
Long-term incentive units \| Maximum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Market performance-based awards
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, expensed	$ 24.8	$ 13	12.7
Deferred compensation, capitalized	0.6	0.8	0.8
Unearned Compensation	$ 34.4	$ 28.4
Expected period to recognize unearned compensation (in years)	2 years 4 months 24 days	2 years 4 months 24 days
Market performance-based awards \| Minimum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Award vesting period	2 years
Market performance-based awards \| Maximum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, expensed	$ 15.1	$ 11.5	6.1
Deferred compensation, capitalized	3.2	2.8	$ 4.2
Unearned Compensation	$ 41.5	$ 29.1
Expected period to recognize unearned compensation (in years)	2 years 3 months 18 days	2 years 3 months 18 days
Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)	385,905
Award vesting period	4 years
Interxion awards
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, expensed	$ 19.7
Unearned Compensation	$ 27.2
Expected period to recognize unearned compensation (in years)	2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 2 months 12 days
Granted (shares)	567,810
Performance-based Class D Units
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Granted (shares)	58,561
Performance-based restricted stock units
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Granted (shares)	6,148
Time-based profits interest units
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Granted (shares)	22,426
Time-based restricted stock units
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Granted (shares)	3,209

Incentive Plan - Summary of Lon

Incentive Plan - Summary of Long-Term Incentive Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Units
Granted (shares)	128,049	120,368	128,986
Long-term incentive units
Units
Unvested beginning of period (shares)	208,287
Granted (shares)	128,049
Vested (shares)	(98,038)
Cancelled or expired (shares)	(2,763)
Unvested end of period (shares)	235,535	208,287
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 110
Granted (in dollars per share)	134.55	$ 116.22	$ 101.86
Vested (in dollars per share)	98.22
Cancelled or expired (in dollars per share)	112.82
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 122.22	$ 110
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 1 month 2 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 32,859
Intrinsic value of units	$ 11,600	$ 5,700	$ 4,200
Units outstanding and exercisable	900,000
Intrinsic value of units outstanding and exercisable	$ 122,000
Long-term incentive units \| Minimum
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period	2 years
Long-term incentive units \| Maximum
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period	4 years
Market performance-based awards
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 159.34	$ 114.97	$ 119.29
Market performance-based awards \| Minimum
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period	2 years
Market performance-based awards \| Maximum
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock
Units
Unvested beginning of period (shares)	372,792
Vested (shares)	(385,905)
Cancelled or expired (shares)	(35,274)
Unvested end of period (shares)	783,219	372,792
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 108.47
Granted (in dollars per share)	138.82	$ 115.25	$ 100.33
Vested (in dollars per share)	116.19
Cancelled or expired (in dollars per share)	120.31
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 123.04	$ 108.47
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 3 months 10 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 108,797
Award vesting period	4 years
Intrinsic value of units	$ 53,400	$ 14,000	$ 10,000
Interxion awards
Units
Granted (shares)	567,810
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 120.67

Incentive Plan - Market Perform

Incentive Plan - Market Performance Based Awards (Details) $ in Millions

Feb. 27, 2024

Feb. 27, 2023

Feb. 27, 2022

Feb. 27, 2021

Feb. 27, 2020

Feb. 27, 2019

Jan. 31, 2021shares

Jan. 31, 2020shares

Jan. 31, 2019shares

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)itemshares

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares

2014 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Performance period

3 years

2015 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Performance period

3 years

Market performance-based awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Performance period

3 years

Number of trials | item

100,000

Fair value of awards | $

$ 17.2

$ 22.3

$ 21.8

Award requisite service period

4 years

Market performance-based awards | Below Threshold Level

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

0.00%

Performance Threshold

(500.00%)

(300.00%)

Market performance-based awards | Threshold Level

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

25.00%

Performance Threshold

(500.00%)

(300.00%)

Market performance-based awards | Target Level

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Performance Threshold

0.00%

100.00%

Market performance-based awards | High Level

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

100.00%

Performance Threshold

500.00%

Market performance-based awards | First Vesting Period in February | 2016 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Market performance-based awards | First Vesting Period in February | 2017 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Market performance-based awards | First Vesting Period in February | 2018 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Market performance-based awards | Second Vesting Period in February | 2017 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Market performance-based awards | Second Vesting Period in February | 2018 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Class D Units | 2016 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

339,317

Class D Units | 2017 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

137,816

Class D Units | 2018 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

240,377

Distribution Equivalent Unit | High Level | 2016 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

31,009

Distribution Equivalent Unit | High Level | 2017 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

10,971

Distribution Equivalent Unit | High Level | 2018 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

20,725

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | High Level | 2016 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

56,778

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | High Level | 2017 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

29,141

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | High Level | 2018 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting of restricted common units, net (units)

63,498

Class D And Rsu Units

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Intrinsic value of units | $

$ 24.3

$ 32.7

$ 29.3

Scenario, Forecast | Market performance-based awards | First Vesting Period in February | 2018 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Scenario, Forecast | Market performance-based awards | First Vesting Period in February | 2019 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Scenario, Forecast | Market performance-based awards | First Vesting Period in February | 2020 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Scenario, Forecast | Market performance-based awards | Second Vesting Period in February | 2018 Awards

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Scenario, Forecast | Market performance-based awards | Second Vesting Period in February | 2019 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Scenario, Forecast | Market performance-based awards | Second Vesting Period in February | 2020 Performance Grant

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting percentage

50.00%

Incentive Plan - Assumptions Us

Incentive Plan - Assumptions Used (Details) - Market performance-based awards	Feb. 20, 2020	Feb. 19, 2020	Feb. 21, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Mar. 09, 2018	Mar. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected Stock Price Volatility	22.00%	22.00%	23.00%	23.00%	22.00%	22.00%	22.00%
Risk-Free Interest rate	1.35%	1.39%	2.48%	2.44%	2.42%	2.34%	1.98%
Expected dividend yield								0.00%

Incentive Plan - Summary of Res

Incentive Plan - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Units
Granted (shares)	128,049	120,368	128,986
Restricted stock
Units
Unvested beginning of period (shares)	372,792
Vested (shares)	(385,905)
Cancelled or expired (shares)	(35,274)
Unvested end of period (shares)	783,219	372,792
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 108.47
Granted (in dollars per share)	138.82	$ 115.25	$ 100.33
Vested (in dollars per share)	116.19
Cancelled or expired (in dollars per share)	120.31
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 123.04	$ 108.47
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 3 months 10 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 108,797
Award vesting period	4 years
Intrinsic value of units	$ 53,400	$ 14,000	$ 10,000
Restricted stock \| Interxion Holding N.V.
Units
Granted (shares)	831,606
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 126.43
Interxion awards
Units
Granted (shares)	567,810
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 120.67

Incentive Plan - Defined Contri

Incentive Plan - Defined Contribution Plans Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Incentive Plan
Vesting percentage of discretionary contributions	100.00%
Aggregate cost of contributions to the 401(k) Plan	$ 5.5	$ 5.2	$ 4.8

Derivative Instruments - Narrat

Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions	Sep. 24, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)instrument	Jul. 01, 2016instrument	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months		$ 1,500
Notional Amount		181,352	$ 479,825
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized loss	$ 6,400
Notional Amount	$ 300,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives						$ 37,800
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of forward contracts \| instrument				4	4
Notional Amount \| £				£ 357.3
Excess proceeds from forward contract settlement		64,000
Amount of AOCI to remain in AOCI		$ 26,200

Derivative Instruments - Outsta

Derivative Instruments - Outstanding Interest Rate Derivatives (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / $	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / $
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount		$ 181,352	$ 479,825
Unsecured term loans, net \| Canadian dollar (CAD)
Currently-paying contracts
Exchange rate \| $ / $		0.79	0.77
Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives		$ (2,782)	$ 2,396
Interest Rate Swap 1.016
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount			29,000
Strike Rate		1.016%
Interest Rate Swap 1.016 \| Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives			175
Interest Rate Swap, 1.164
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount			75,000
Strike Rate		1.164%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.164 \| Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives			345
Interest Rate Swap, 1.435
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount		$ 104,000	300,000
Strike Rate		1.435%
Interest Rate Swap, 1.435 \| Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives		$ (2,773)	945
Interest Rate Swap, 0.779
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount		$ 77,352	75,825
Strike Rate		0.779%
Interest Rate Swap, 0.779 \| Level 2
Currently-paying contracts
Fair value of derivatives		$ (9)	$ 931
Interest Rate Swap
Currently-paying contracts
Notional Amount	$ 300,000
Realized loss	$ 6,400
Digital Realty Trust, L.P. \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Canadian dollar (CAD)
Currently-paying contracts
Exchange rate \| $ / $			0.77

Fair Value of Instruments - Est

Fair Value of Instruments - Estimated Fair Value And Carrying Amounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 135,000
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	14,679,665	$ 10,861,382
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	13,413,009	10,189,343
Level 2 \| Global revolving credit facilities, net \| Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	540,184	245,766
Level 2 \| Global revolving credit facilities, net \| Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	540,184	245,766
Level 2 \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	537,470	813,205
Level 2 \| Unsecured term loans, net \| Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Lines of credit	537,470	813,205
Level 2 \| Unsecured senior notes \| Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	13,359,960	9,697,166
Level 2 \| Unsecured senior notes \| Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	12,096,029	9,025,229
Level 2 \| Secured Debt \| Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	242,051	105,245
Level 2 \| Secured Debt \| Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Mortgage loans	$ 239,326	$ 105,143

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies.
Reimbursable amount of commitments related to construction contracts	$ 37.6
Commitments related to construction contracts	$ 1,100

Quarterly Financial Informati_5

Quarterly Financial Information Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (unaudited) - Summary Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
Revenues	$ 1,062,609	$ 1,024,668	$ 992,995	$ 823,337	$ 787,463	$ 806,466	$ 800,797	$ 814,515	$ 3,903,609	$ 3,209,241	$ 3,046,478
Net (loss) income	59,508	(1,454)	75,978	228,698	349,326	67,574	61,324	120,997	362,730	599,221	341,115
Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	57,691	(138)	74,831	224,014	336,284	66,497	60,168	116,812	356,398	579,761	331,246
Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock	(13,514)	(37,232)	(21,155)	(21,155)	(20,707)	(16,670)	(28,430)	(20,943)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 44,177	$ (37,370)	$ 53,676	$ 202,859	$ 315,577	$ 49,827	$ 31,738	$ 95,869	$ 263,342	$ 493,011	$ 249,930
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.91	$ 1.51	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.01	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.90	$ 1.50	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1	$ 2.35	$ 1.21

Quarterly Financial Informati_6

Quarterly Financial Information Digital Realty Trust, L.P. - Summary Of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,062,609	$ 1,024,668	$ 992,995	$ 823,337	$ 787,463	$ 806,466	$ 800,797	$ 814,515	$ 3,903,609	$ 3,209,241	$ 3,046,478
Net (loss) income	59,508	(1,454)	75,978	228,698	349,326	67,574	61,324	120,997	362,730	599,221	341,115
Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	57,691	(138)	74,831	224,014	336,284	66,497	60,168	116,812	356,398	579,761	331,246
Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock	(13,514)	(37,232)	(21,155)	(21,155)	(20,707)	(16,670)	(28,430)	(20,943)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 44,177	$ (37,370)	$ 53,676	$ 202,859	$ 315,577	$ 49,827	$ 31,738	$ 95,869	$ 263,342	$ 493,011	$ 249,930
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.91	$ 1.51	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.01	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.90	$ 1.50	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1	$ 2.35	$ 1.21
Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,062,609	$ 1,024,668	$ 992,995	$ 823,337	$ 787,463	$ 806,466	$ 800,797	$ 814,515	$ 3,903,609	$ 3,209,241	$ 3,046,478
Net (loss) income	59,508	(1,454)	75,978	228,698	349,326	67,574	61,324	120,997	362,730	599,221	341,115
Net income (loss) attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.	58,991	(1,138)	76,231	231,814	349,384	68,797	61,568	121,112	365,898	600,861	341,426
Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock	(13,514)	(37,232)	(21,155)	(21,155)	(20,707)	(16,670)	(28,430)	(20,943)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 45,477	$ (38,370)	$ 55,076	$ 210,659	$ 328,677	$ 52,127	$ 33,138	$ 100,169	$ 272,842	$ 514,111	$ 260,110
Basic (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.91	$ 1.51	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.02	$ 2.37	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share/unit)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.20	$ 0.90	$ 1.50	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 1.01	$ 2.35	$ 1.21

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) € in Millions	Feb. 04, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2021EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Loss from early extinguishment of debt				$ (103,215,000)	$ (39,157,000)	$ (1,568,000)
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	$ 17,500,000
Subsequent Event \| 2.750% notes due 2023
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt face amount	$ 350,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.75%
Redemption price	$ 1,047.09
Denomination of principal amount for redemption	$ 1,000
Percentage of aggregate principal amount of notes redeemed	104.709%
Accrued and unpaid interest	$ 0.23
Subsequent Event \| 0.625% notes due 2031 \| Senior Notes.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt face amount \| €			€ 1,000
Stated interest rate			0.625%
Net proceeds on public offering		$ 1,206,400,000	€ 988.3

Schedule III Properties And A_2

Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	291	225
Encumbrances	$ 239,000
Land, Initial costs	1,140,622
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	12,317
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	12,148,052
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	9,841,997
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	1,106,392
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	10,308
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	22,026,288
Total	23,142,988	$ 16,886,592	$ 17,055,016	$ 16,915,936
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (5,555,221)	$ (4,536,169)	$ (3,935,267)	$ (3,238,227)
Operating
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	248	172
North America
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	125
Encumbrances	$ 239,000
Land, Initial costs	760,397
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	6,731,879
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	7,131,621
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	760,009
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	13,863,888
Total	14,623,897
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (4,301,813)
Northern Virginia
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	24
Encumbrances	$ 104,000
Land, Initial costs	198,989
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	1,712,144
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,187,605
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	216,041
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	3,882,697
Total	4,098,738
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (887,079)
Chicago
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	10
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	95,444
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	1,320,334
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	977,634
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	105,830
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	2,287,582
Total	2,393,412
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (601,875)
Silicon Valley
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	20
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	153,145
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	919,499
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	537,828
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	150,910
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	1,459,562
Total	1,610,472
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (546,797)
Dallas
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	21
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	66,489
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	338,284
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,010,243
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	58,900
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	1,356,116
Total	1,415,016
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (535,422)
New York
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	13
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	17,301
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	474,561
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	756,411
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	17,042
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	1,231,231
Total	1,248,273
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (573,828)
Phoenix
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	3
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	17,239
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	416,097
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	332,714
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	11,859
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	754,191
Total	766,050
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (333,416)
San Francisco
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	41,165
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	358,066
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	244,015
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	41,478
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	601,768
Total	643,246
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (220,149)
Seattle
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	1
Encumbrances	$ 135,000
Land, Initial costs	43,110
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	329,283
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,058
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	43,110
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	334,341
Total	377,451
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (24,299)
Boston
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	19,255
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	259,939
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	93,660
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	18,029
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	354,825
Total	372,854
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (140,488)
Toronto
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	2
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	33,994
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	117,540
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	216,551
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	21,018
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	347,067
Total	368,085
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (30,540)
Atlanta
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	6,537
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	264,948
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	65,363
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	6,552
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	330,296
Total	336,848
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (79,678)
Los Angeles
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	40,627
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	126,769
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	111,501
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	39,933
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	238,964
Total	278,897
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (122,487)
Portland
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	2
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	1,689
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	3,131
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	235,685
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	4,264
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	236,241
Total	240,505
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (33,945)
Houston
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	6
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	6,965
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	23,492
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	148,818
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	6,594
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	172,681
Total	179,275
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (91,316)
Austin
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	1
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	1,177
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	4,877
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	71,521
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	1,177
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	76,398
Total	77,575
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (19,703)
Miami
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	2
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	2,964
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	29,793
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	35,202
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	2,964
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	64,995
Total	67,959
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (27,534)
Minneapolis St Paul
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	1
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	10,190
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	20,054
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,191
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	10,190
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	23,245
Total	33,435
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (6,206)
Charlotte
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	3
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	4,117
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	13,068
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	13,282
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	4,118
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	26,349
Total	30,467
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(15,048)
Other North America
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	0
Land, Initial costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	85,339
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	85,339
Total	85,339
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (12,003)
EMEA
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	110
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	357,473
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	12,317
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	5,274,760
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,047,628
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	330,240
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	10,308
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	7,351,630
Total	7,692,178
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (993,629)
London
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	19
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	138,063
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	7,355
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	1,527,932
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	661,636
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	82,673
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	6,695
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	2,245,618
Total	2,334,986
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (574,308)
Amsterdam
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	17
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	40,709
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	3,518
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	1,001,157
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	335,317
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	64,074
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	3,512
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	1,313,115
Total	1,380,701
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (156,730)
Frankfurt
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	21
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	34,621
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	1,032,780
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	496,372
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	38,085
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	1,525,688
Total	1,563,773
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (58,427)
Dublin
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	8
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	11,722
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	1,444
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	136,827
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	181,109
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	8,538
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	101
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	322,463
Total	331,102
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (108,544)
Paris
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	12
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	69,350
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	277,141
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	163,419
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	70,354
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	439,556
Total	509,910
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (27,337)
Marseille
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	1,105
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	314,106
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	26,035
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	1,196
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	340,050
Total	341,246
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (10,549)
Vienna
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	2
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	14,159
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	363,062
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	12,698
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	14,502
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	375,417
Total	389,919
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (13,888)
Zurich
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	3
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	20,605
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	34,934
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	127,385
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	22,307
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	160,617
Total	182,924
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (3,427)
Stockholm
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	6
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	101,470
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	8,378
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	109,848
Total	109,848
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (7,021)
Madrid
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	3
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	8,456
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	132,011
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	9,691
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	8,662
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	141,496
Total	150,158
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (4,769)
Copenhagen
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	3
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	11,665
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	110,925
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,991
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	11,956
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	115,625
Total	127,581
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (4,039)
Brussels]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	2
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	3,874
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	119,077
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	6,217
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	3,968
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	125,200
Total	129,168
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (3,808)
Dusseldorf
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	2
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	36,303
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,998
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	39,301
Total	39,301
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (1,710)
Geneva
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	1
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	20,071
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	716
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	20,787
Total	20,787
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (9,869)
Manchester
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	1
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	23,918
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	(7,029)
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	16,889
Total	16,889
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (6,063)
Other Metros in EMEA
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	6
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	3,144
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	43,046
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	17,695
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	3,925
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	59,960
Total	63,885
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (3,140)
Asia Pacific
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	13
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	22,752
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	141,413
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	662,748
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	16,143
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	810,770
Total	826,913
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (259,779)
Singapore
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	3
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	137,545
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	418,856
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	556,401
Total	556,401
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (190,246)
Sydney
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	18,285
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	3,868
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	125,154
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	12,771
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	134,536
Total	147,307
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (29,680)
Melbourne
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	2
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	4,467
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	0
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	113,896
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Land, Total costs	3,372
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	114,991
Total	118,363
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (39,651)
Other in Asia Pacific
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Data Centers \| property	4
Encumbrances	$ 0
Land, Initial costs	0
Acquired ground lease, Initial costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Initial costs	0
Improvements, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,842
Carry costs, Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	0
Acquired ground lease, Total costs	0
Buildings and improvements, Total costs	4,842
Total	4,842
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (202)

Schedule III Properties And A_3

Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation - Narrative (Details) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation
Aggregate gross cost of properties for federal income tax purposes	$ 32.7

Schedule III Properties And A_4

Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation - Summary Of Historical Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 16,886,592	$ 17,055,016	$ 16,915,936
Additions during period (acquisitions and improvements)	6,514,218	833,836	223,163
Deductions during period (dispositions, impairments and assets held for sale)	(257,822)	(1,002,260)	(84,083)
Balance, end of year	$ 23,142,988	$ 16,886,592	$ 17,055,016

Schedule III Properties And A_5

Schedule III Properties And Accumulated Depreciation - Summary Of Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 4,536,169	$ 3,935,267	$ 3,238,227
Additions during period (depreciation and amortization expense)	1,029,863	805,916	714,336
Deductions during period (dispositions and assets held for sale)	(10,811)	(205,014)	(17,296)
Balance, end of year	$ 5,555,221	$ 4,536,169	$ 3,935,267