Common Stock/Partner's Capital (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 07, 2012 Public Offering [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Director [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	134,524,000	110,786,000	23,575,000	23,575,000
Public offering price for common stock per share			$ 9.75
Underwriters' purchase of shares to cover overallotment			3,075,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 220,193		$ 220,200	$ 220,193
Ownership interest in Operating Partnership				99.80%
Number of partners shared remaining ownership percentage					2	1
Number of other partners				3