Common Stock/Partner's Capital - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 MPT Operating Partnership, L.P.	Sep. 30, 2012 Employee	Sep. 30, 2012 Director	Feb. 07, 2012 Public Offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	134,657,000	110,786,000	23,575,000			23,575,000
Underwriters' purchase of shares to cover overallotment						3,075,000
Public offering price for common stock per share						$ 9.75
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 220,107		$ 220,107			$ 220,100
Ownership interest in Operating Partnership			99.80%
Number of other partners			3
Number of partners shared remaining ownership percentage				2	1