Earnings Per Share/Unit (Calculation Of Earnings Per Share/Unit) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations									$ 19,431	$ 10,248	$ 29,945
Income from discontinued operations									7,283	12,764	6,422
Basic weighted-average common shares/units									110,623,000	100,706,000	78,117,000
Diluted weighted-average common shares/units									110,629,000	100,708,000	78,117,000
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Stock options excluded from earnings per share computation									100,000	100,000	100,000
Medical Properties Trust, Inc. [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations									19,431	10,248	29,945
Non-controlling interests' share in continuing operations									(178)	(99)	(36)
Participating securities' share in earnings									(1,090)	(1,254)	(1,506)
Income from continuing operations, less participating securities' share in earnings									18,163	8,895	28,403
Income from discontinued operations									7,283	12,764	6,422
Non-controlling interests' share in discontinued operations											(1)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders									7,283	12,764	6,421
Net income, less participating securities' share in earnings									25,446	21,659	34,824
Basic weighted-average common shares/units									110,623,000	100,706,000	78,117,000
Dilutive stock options									6,000	2,000
Diluted weighted-average common shares/units									110,629,000	100,708,000	78,117,000
MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	8,037	(219)	1,961	9,669	7,568	7,958	(968)	(4,235)	19,448	10,323	30,008
Non-controlling interests' share in continuing operations									(178)	(99)	(36)
Participating securities' share in earnings									(1,090)	(1,254)	(1,506)
Income from continuing operations, less participating securities' share in earnings									18,180	8,970	28,466
Income from discontinued operations	4,658	705	748	1,172	3,062	997	7,269	1,436	7,283	12,764	6,422
Non-controlling interests' share in discontinued operations											(1)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders									7,283	12,764	6,421
Net income, less participating securities' share in earnings									$ 25,463	$ 21,734	$ 34,887
Basic weighted-average common shares/units	110,788,000	110,714,000	110,589,000	110,400,000	110,103,000	110,046,000	103,498,000	79,176,000	110,623,000	100,706,000	78,117,000
Dilutive stock options									6,000	2,000
Diluted weighted-average common shares/units	110,788,000	110,719,000	110,600,000	110,408,000	110,108,000	110,046,000	103,498,000	79,178,000	110,629,000	100,708,000	78,117,000