Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current And Noncurrent Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible lease assets (in years) Acquisition Costs Acquisition expenses Acquisition Loan Acquisition Loan [Member] Acquisition Loan Acute Care Facility Acute Care Facility [Member] Acute Care Facility Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid in capital Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Advanced amount of working capital loan agreement. Advanced Amount Of Working Capital Loan Agreement Advanced amount of working capital loan agreement Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Write Offs Impairment of working capital loan recognized Alvarado Hospital Alvarado Hospital [Member] Alvarado Hospital Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Financing Costs And Discounts Amortization and write-off of deferred financing costs and debt discount Amount Invested To Fund Clinical Development Amount Invested To Fund Clinical Development Estimated total development cost, funded Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Options excluded from earnings per share/unit Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Asset Impairment Charges Real estate impairment Assets Total Assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Asset Write Off [Member] Asset Write Off [Member] Asset Write Off Atrium Medical Center Atrium Medical Center [Member] Atrium Medical Center Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Bayonne Medical Center Bayonne Medical Center [Member] Bayonne Medical Center Bedford [Member] Bedford [Member] New Bedford Building [Member] Building Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Age of Real Estate Acquired Business Acquisition Age Of Real Estate Acquired Age of real estate acquired Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Purchase price of real estate Business Acquisition Date Of Acquisition Agreement 1 Business acquisition agreement Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Number of Entities Acquired. Business Acquisition Number Of Entities Acquired Number of beds acquired Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Text Block] Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Net Net assets acquired Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Liabilities Assumed Total liabilities assumed Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Net Income Loss Income contributed by acquired entity Net income Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue Total revenues Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition related costs Business Development One [Member] Business Development One [Member] Other Three Development Projects Business Development Two [Member] Business Development Two [Member] River Oaks facility Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable Minimum lease payments receivable Capital Leases Income Statement Direct Financing Lease Revenue Income from direct financing leases Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash & cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for period Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for period Classification Of Variable Interest Entity [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class Of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] Collateralized Debt Obligations Combined purchase price and investment amount Combined Purchase Price And Investment Amount Combined purchase price and investment amount Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Common Stock and Partners Capital Disclosure. Common Stock And Partners Capital Disclosure [Text Block] Common Stock/Partner's Capital Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Dividends declared per common share (unit) Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 250,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 134,657 shares at September 30, 2012, and 110,786 shares at December 31, 2011 Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MPT common stockholders Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income (loss) Total comprehensive income (loss) Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Consolidated Entities [Member] Total Consolidated Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidation Variable Interest Entity Policy Variable Interest Entities Construction Completion Month and Year Construction Completion Month And Year Construction completion date Construction Completion Year Construction Completion Year Date of construction Construction in progress, equipment, and other Construction In Progress Equipment And Other Construction in progress and other Convertible Debt Convertible note Cost of land and building Cost Of Land And Building Cost of land and building Costs And Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Costs And Expenses [Abstract] Expenses Coupon Payable In Cash In, Thereafter Coupon Payable In Cash In Thereafter Coupon payable in cash in, thereafter Coupon Payable In Cash In The, Year One Coupon Payable In Cash In Year One Coupon payable in cash, year one Coupon Payable In Cash In The, Year Two Coupon Payable In Cash In Year Two Coupon payable in cash, year two Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Conversion Converted Instrument Amount 1 Amount of convertible note converted into equity interest Debt instrument amount net Debt Instrument Amount Net Debt instrument, net Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Credit facilities, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Total Debt Instrument Convertible Debt Equity Component Debt Instrument Convertible Debt Equity Component Loan conversion to equity interest Debt Instrument Description Of Variable Rate Basis Prime Debt Instrument Description Of Variable Rate Basis Prime Interest rate Debt Instrument Face Amount Principal amount Revolving credit facility Debt instrument, initial spread interest rate. Debt Instrument Initial Spread Interest Rate Initial spread interest rate Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Unsecured senior notes, interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Date Term loan facility, maturity date Debt Instrument, Potential Term Extension Period Debt Instrument Potential Term Extension Period Term loan facility, potential term extension period Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument Unamortized Discount Unamortized discount Debt refinancing costs Debt Refinancing Costs Debt refinancing costs Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Denham Springs Facility Denham Springs Facility [Member] Denham Springs Facility Depreciation And Amortization Real estate depreciation and amortization Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Fair value of the interest rate swaps Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Hedge ineffectiveness and income statement effect in period Direct Costs Of Leased And Rented Property Or Equipment Property-related Director [Member] Director Disclosure - Carrying Value and Classification of Related Assets and Maximum Exposure to Loss as Result of Involvement with Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Disclosure Carrying Value And Classification Of Related Assets And Maximum Exposure To Loss As Result Of Involvement With Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Disclosure - Carrying Value and Classification of Related Assets and Maximum Exposure to Loss as Result of Involvement with Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Disclosure - Common Stock/Partner's Capital - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Common Stock Partners Capital Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Common Stock/Partner's Capital - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Investments in Direct Financing Lease [Abstract] Disclosure Components Of Net Investments In Direct Financing Lease [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Investments in Direct Financing Lease [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Disclosure Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Disclosure Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract] Disclosure Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Discontinued Operations Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Unit [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Common Unit [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Unit [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share/Common Unit - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Common Unit Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share/Common Unit - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Equity Interest in Ernest and Related Loans Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Equity Interest In Ernest And Related Loans Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Equity Interest in Ernest and Related Loans Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - List of Assets Purchased and Invested as Part of Acquisitions [Abstract] Disclosure List Of Assets Purchased And Invested As Part Of Acquisitions [Abstract] Disclosure - List of Assets Purchased and Invested as Part of Acquisitions [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock Awards Disclosure - Principal Payments Due for Debt [Abstract] Disclosure Principal Payments Due For Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Principal Payments Due for Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Real Estate and Lending Activities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Real Estate And Lending Activities Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Real Estate and Lending Activities - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock Awards - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Awards Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock Awards - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Events Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Debt, Net of Discounts [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Debt Net Of Discounts [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Debt, Net of Discounts [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Fair Value Estimates for Financial Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Fair Value Estimates For Financial Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Fair Value Estimates for Financial Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data [Abstract] Disclosure Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data [Abstract] Disclosure - Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data [Abstract] Discontinued Operation Gain Loss On Disposal Of Discontinued Operation Net Of Tax Gain on sale Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Revenue Revenues Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Dividends Payable Current And Noncurrent Distributions declared, unpaid Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per common share - basic and diluted Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share/Common Unit Eliminations Eliminations [Member] Eliminations Employee Employee [Member] Employee Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity In Earnings Of Consolidated Subsidiaries Net Of Income Taxes Equity In Earnings Of Consolidated Subsidiaries Net Of Income Taxes Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries net of income taxes Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Ownership interest in equity Ownership interest in Operating Partnership Equity Method Investments Capital contribution Equity Method Investments [Member] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments [Text Block] Equity Interest in Ernest and Related Loans Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Ernest Health, Inc. Ernest Health Inc [Member] Ernest Estimated Development Costs Estimated Development Costs Estimated total development cost Estimated total development cost, funded Estimated Residual Values Estimated Residual Values Estimated residual values Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Eurodollar Rate Euro Dollar Rate [Member] Euro Dollar Rate Exchangeable senior notes. Exchangeable Senior Notes [Member] Exchangeable Senior Notes Expected Completion Date Of Facility Expected Completion Date Of Facility Expected facility completion date Expected Construction Completion, Year Expected Construction Completion Year Expected construction completion, year Extension Option ,Maturity Date Extension Option Maturity Date Term loan facility, extension option maturity date Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Summary of Fair Value Estimates for Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Inputs Discount Rate Adjustment for minority discount Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Table] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Florence Facility Florence Facility [Member] Florence Facility Future Principal Payments, Table. Future Principal Payments [Text Block] Principal Payments Due for Debt Gain Loss On Disposition Of Property [Member] Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Gain Loss On Sale Of Properties Gain (loss) on sale of real estate Gains Losses On Sales Of Investment Real Estate (Gain) loss on sale of real estate General And Administrative Expense General and administrative General Partners Capital Account General Partner - issued and outstanding - 1,345 units at September 30, 2012 and 1,107 units at December 31, 2011 General Partners Capital Account Units Issued General Partner, units issued General Partners Capital Account Units Outstanding General Partner, units outstanding Gilbert Hospital Gilbert Hospital [Member] Gilbert Hospital Gross investment in real estate assets Gross Investment In Real Estate Assets Gross investment in real estate assets Gross investment in real estate assets Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary Guarantors Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Fayetteville [Member] Health South Rehabilitation Hospital Of Fayetteville [Member] HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Fayetteville Impairment of working capital loan estimation-Cash balance considered for first priority secured interest. Impairment Of Working Capital Loan Estimation Cash Balance Considered For First Priority Secured Interest Impairment of working capital loan estimation-cash balance considered for first priority secured interest Impairment of working capital loan estimation-Patient receivables considered for first priority secured interest. Impairment Of Working Capital Loan Estimation Patient Receivables Considered For First Priority Secured Interest Impairment of working capital loan estimation-patient receivables considered for first priority secured interest Income from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders Income From Discontinued Operations Attributable To Common Stockholders Per Common Share Income from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Income Loss From Continuing Operations Attributable To Noncontrolling Entity Non-controlling interests' share in continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (loss) from continuing operations, less participating securities' share in earnings. Income Loss From Continuing Operations Less Participating Securities Share In Earnings Income (loss) from continuing operations, less participating securities' share in earnings Income (loss) from continuing operations, less participating securities' share in earnings Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic And Diluted Share Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Income from discontinued operations Income (loss) Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Reporting Entity Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to MPT Operating Partnership partners Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Diluted Share Earnings per share/unit - diluted Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Interest And Rent Receivable Increase Decrease In Interest And Rent Receivable Interest and rent receivable Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in: Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Dilutive options Dilutive share options Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals [Member] Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals [Member] Inpatient rehabilitation hospital Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Assets [Member] Intangible Lease Assets Interest And Fee Income Loans Commercial Real Estate Interest and fee income Interest and rent receivable Interest And Rent Receivable Interest and rent receivable Interest and rent receivables Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Paid Interest paid Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract Interest rate contract one. Interest Rate Contract One [Member] Interest Rate Contract One Interest rate contract two. Interest Rate Contract Two [Member] Interest Rate Contract Two Interest rate of interest rate derivative instrument. Interest Rate Of Interest Rate Derivative Instrument Interest rate of derivative instrument Interest Receivable Interest receivable Investment Income Interest Interest and other income (expense) Investment income interest Investment Income Net Interest and other (expense) income Investment In Subsidiaries. Investment In Subsidiaries Investment in subsidiaries Investment Owned At Cost Cost Investment Owned At Fair Value Fair Value Investments In Affiliates Subsidiaries Associates And Joint Ventures Total investment Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Key Management Personnel Key Management Personnel [Member] Key Management Personnel Land, buildings and improvements, and intangible lease assets Land Buildings And Improvements And Intangible Lease Assets Land, buildings and improvements and intangible lease assets Land, buildings and improvements, and intangible lease assets Land [Member] Land Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Lease Deposits And Other Obligations To Tenants Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Lease Escalation Percentage Lease Escalation Percentage Lease escalation percentage Lease Expiration, Month and Year Lease Expiration Month And Year Lease expiration date Lease Expiration Year Lease Expiration Year Lease expiration year Lease Extension Period Lease Extension Period Term of lease extension, years Lease Period Lease Period Term of lease, year Lease Renewal Option Term Lease Renewal Option Term Master lease, optional lease term Lease Term Lease Term Master lease term Lease Termination Write Off Of Rent Receivable Lease Termination Write Off Of Rent Receivable Valuation allowance for rent Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Less Unearned Income Less Unearned Income Less unearned income Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Capital LIBOR Plus Spread Interest Rate Libor Plus Spread Interest Rate LIBOR plus spread interest rate Limited Partners Capital Account Limited Partners Capital Limited Partners Capital Account Units Issued Limited Partners, units issued Limited Partners Capital Account Units Outstanding Limited Partners, units outstanding Line Of Credit Facility Amount Outstanding Revolving credit facilities, balance amount Line of Credit Facility Expiration Dates Line Of Credit Facility Expiration Dates Expiration date Line Of Credit Facility Periodic Payment Paid off term loan Line Of Credit [Member] Revolving Credit Facilities Loans. Loans Loans Loans Assumed Mortgage Loan Real Estate Acquired Loans Assumed Mortgage Loan Real Estate Acquired Assumption of mortgage loan (as part of real estate acquired) Loans [Member] Loans, net Loans Receivable Commercial Acquisition Acquisition loan made Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage First mortgage loan Long Term Debt Debt, net Debt, net Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal After Year Five Thereafter Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Next Twelve Months 2012 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Five 2016 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Four 2015 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Three 2014 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Two 2013 Long Term Debt [Text Block] Debt Longterm Debt Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] LTIP Units [Member] Ltip Units [Member] Ltip Units Major Customers [Axis] Major Customers [Axis] Management Agreement Period Management Agreement Period Management agreement period Maturity date of interest rate swap Maturity Date Of Interest Rate Swap Maturity date of interest rate swap Maximum [Member] Maximum Maximum percentage of entity's total assets invested on single property Maximum Percentage Of Entitys Total Assets Invested On Single Property Maximum percentage of entity's total assets invested on single property Maximum percentage of unencumbered assets. Maximum Percentage Of Unencumbered Assets Maximum percentage of total unencumbered assets Medical Properties Trust, Inc. Medical Properties Trust Inc [Member] Medical Properties Trust, Inc. Minimum [Member] Minimum Monroe Hospital Monroe Hospital [Member] Monroe Hospital Mortgage And Other Loans Mortgage And Other Loans [Member] Mortgage and Other Loans Mortgage Loan Related To Property Sales 1 Mortgage loan issued from sale of real estate Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Assumption Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Assumption Real estate acquired via assumption of mortgage loan Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net Mortgage loans Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Loan Type [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Axis] Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Loan Type [Domain] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Domain] Mortgage Loans On Real Estate [Member] Mortgage Loans Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Period Increase Decrease New mortgage loan funded MountainView Regional Rehabilitation Hospital Mountainview Regional Rehabilitation Hospital [Member] Mountainview Regional Rehabilitation Hospital MPT Operating Partnership L.P Mpt Operating Partnership L P [Member] MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. Multi-Year Performance-Based Awards Multi Year Performance Based Awards [Member] Multi-Year Performance-Based Awards Name Of Major Customer [Domain] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Investing Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Operating Activities Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders Net Income Attributable To Common Stockholders Per Common Share Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Net Income Less Participating Securities Share In Earnings Net Income Less Participating Securities Share In Earnings Net income, less participating securities' share in earnings Net income, less participating securities' share in earnings Net Income Loss Net income (loss) attributable to MPT common stockholders Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income Loss per share Attributable to Common Stockholder Net Income Loss Per Share Attributable To Common Stockholder Net income per share/unit - diluted Net intercompany receivable (payable) Net Intercompany Receivable Payable Net intercompany receivable (payable) Net Investment In Direct Financing And Sales Type Leases Net investment in direct financing leases Net investment in direct financing leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases [Member] Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases Net Investment In Real Estate Assets Net Investment In Real Estate Assets Net investment in real estate assets Net investment in real estate assets Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Nonoperating Income Expense Net other expense Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense) Northland LTACH Hospital Northland Ltach Hospital [Member] Northland Ltach Hospital Notional Amount Of Interest Rate Derivatives Interest rate swap, amount fixed Number Of Business Acquisitions In Period Number Of Business Acquisitions In Period Number of business acquisitions in period Number Of Businesses Acquired Number of facilities acquired Number Of Extension Options In Current Lease Contract Number Of Extension Options In Current Lease Contract Number of lease extension options in current lease contract Number of Facilities Number Of Facilities Number of facilities Number Of Facilities Subject To Renewal Under Master Lease Agreements Number Of Facilities Subject To Renewal Under Master Lease Agreements Master lease agreements, number of renewal options Number of other partners Number Of Other Partners Number of other partners Number of partners shared remaining ownership percentage Number Of Partners Shared Remaining Ownership Percentage Number of partners shared remaining ownership percentage Number of Real Estate Development Projects Number Of Real Estate Development Projects Number of development projects Number Of Real Estate Properties Collateralized Number Of Real Estate Properties Collateralized Number of beds at Centinela Hospital Medical Center used to secure loan Number Of States In Which Entity Operates Number of states Number Of Stories In Building Number Of Stories In Building Number of stories in building Operating Income Loss Operating income (expense) Operating income Operating Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue Revenue contributed by acquired entity Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization Other Assets Other assets Other Assets [Member] Other Assets Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unrealized loss on interest rate swap Other loans Other Loans Other loans Other Loans Other Loans [Member] Other loans Other Noncash Income Expense Other adjustments Other Nonoperating Income Earnings from equity and other interests Parent Company [Member] Parent Partners Capital Total capital Payable due to parent company Payable Due To Parent Company Payable due to Medical Properties Trust, Inc. Payments For Proceeds From Previous Acquisition Aggregate purchase price Payments Of Ordinary Dividends Distributions paid Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired Cash paid for acquisitions and other related investments Payments To Acquire Equity Method Investments Payments to acquire equity method investments Payments To Acquire Interest In Joint Venture Working capital loan to the joint venture Payments To Acquire Interest In Subsidiaries And Affiliates Investments in and advances to subsidiaries Payments To Acquire Loans Receivable Investments in loans receivable Investment in loans receivable Payments To Acquire Real Estate Cash paid for acquisitions and other related investments Percentage of dividends payable on basis of adjusted operating funds. Percentage Of Dividends Payable On Basis Of Adjusted Operating Funds Percentage of dividends which could be paid from adjusted operating funds Percentage of dividends payable on basis of adjusted operating funds for current year. Percentage Of Dividends Payable On Basis Of Adjusted Operating Funds For Current Year Restricted percentage for future dividend payment Percentage of dividends payable on basis of adjusted operating funds for one year. Percentage Of Dividends Payable On Basis Of Adjusted Operating Funds For One Year Restricted percentage for dividend payment for next year Percentage of dividends payable on senior unsecured notes. Percentage Of Dividends Payable On Senior Unsecured Notes Percentage of dividends which could be paid from operation funds Percentage of equity shares from convertible debt Percentage Of Equity Shares From Convertible Debt Percentage of equity shares from convertible debt Percentage of rental rate Percentage Of Rental Rate Percentage of rental rate Percentage of total assets accounted Percentage Of Total Assets Accounted Percentage of total assets accounted Performance based awards. Performance Based Awards [Member] Performance-Based Awards Period Past Due Period Past Due Period past due, in days Pledged Assets Separately Reported Other Assets Pledged As Collateral At Fair Value Other assets, collateral Portion of debt instrument face amount. Portion Of Debt Instrument Face Amount Portion of debt instrument face amount Preferential Rate Of Return On Loan Preferential Rate Of Return On Loan Preferential rate of return on loan amount Preferential Rate Of Return On Remaining Earnings Preferential Rate Of Return On Remaining Earnings Preferential return on remaining earnings Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock Value Preferred stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 10,000 shares; no shares outstanding Premium Paid, Early Extinguishment of Debt Premium Paid Early Extinguishment Of Debt Premium paid on extinguishment of debt Premium paid on extinguishment of debt Premium Paid On Extinguishment Of Debt Premium paid on extinguishment of debt Prime Health Care Services. Prime Health Care Services [Member] Prime Health Care Services Proceeds From Collection Of Loans Receivable Principal received on loans receivable Proceeds From Issuance Initial Public Offering Net proceeds, after underwriting discount Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Sale of common stock, net Proceeds From Issuance Of Long Term Debt Additions to term debt Proceeds From Lease Deposits and Other Obligations to Tenants Proceeds From Lease Deposits And Other Obligations To Tenants Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Debt issuance costs paid and other financing activities Proceeds From Sale Of Productive Assets Sale of real estate Proceeds From Sale Of Real Estate Heldforinvestment Net proceeds from sale of real estate Proceeds from sales of real estate Profit Loss Net income Net income Net income (loss) Property Plant And Equipment By Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Public offering. Public Offering [Member] Public Offering Public offering price for Common stock per share. Public Offering Price For Common Stock Public offering price for common stock per share Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Date Acquired 1 Date acquired Real Estate and Lending Activities. Real Estate And Lending Activities [Text Block] Real Estate and Lending Activities Real Estate Assets [Abstract] Real Estate Assets [Abstract] Real estate assets Real Estate Heldforsale Real estate held for sale Receivables Guaranteed By Parent Receivables Guaranteed By Parent Net investment to maximum exposure Recognition Of Unearned Income On Direct Financing And Sales Type Leases Recognition Of Unearned Income On Direct Financing And Sales Type Leases Direct financing lease interest accretion Rehabilitation Hospitals Rehabilitation Hospitals [Member] Rehabilitation Hospital Remaining convertible debt after conversion of part of debt Remaining Convertible Debt After Conversion Of Part Of Debt Remaining convertible debt after conversion of part of debt Rental Income [Line Items] Rental Income [Line Items] Rental Income [Line Items] Rental Income [Table] Rental Income [Table] Rental Income [Table] Rent billed Rent Billed Rent billed Repayments Of Long Term Debt Payments of term debt Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Distributions in excess of net income Retained Ownership in Operating Entity Retained Ownership In Operating Entity Retained ownership in operating entity Revenue From Transaction As Percentage. Revenue From Transaction As Percentage Percentage of entity revenue from affiliates Revenues Total revenues Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues Revolving credit facilities, net Revolving Credit Facilities Net Revolving credit facilities, net RoxboroughMemorialHospital [Member] Roxborough Memorial Hospital [Member] Roxborough Memorial Hospital Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Text Block] List of Assets Purchased and Invested as Part of Acquisitions Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share Table [Text Block] Earnings Per Share/Common Unit Schedule of Components of Net Investments in Direct Finance Lease, Table. Schedule Of Components Of Net Investments In Direct Finance Lease Table [Text Block] Components of Net Investments in Direct Financing Lease Schedule of Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Table. Schedule Of Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule Of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule Of Debt Table [Text Block] Summary of Debt, Net of Discounts Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic By Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule Of Equity Method Investment Equity Method Investee Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule Of Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Table] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Schedule Of Stock By Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule Of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule Of Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Carrying Value and Classification of Related Assets and Maximum Exposure to Loss as Result of Involvement with Variable Interest Entities Secured Debt Loan secured by mortgage interest Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Segment Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Senior Debt Obligations [Member] 2011 Senior Unsecured Notes Series Of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions Share Based Compensation Share-based compensation Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period 1 Stock awards vesting period in years Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Authorized Reserved shares of common stock for awards under the Equity Incentive Plan Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Available For Grant Common stock remaining for future stock awards Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Issued In Period Share-based compensation, shares issued Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Awards Performance Period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Awards Performance Period Stock awards performance period in years Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Sherman Oaks Hospital Sherman Oaks Hospital [Member] Sherman Oaks Hospital Short Term Debt Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short Term Debt Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Acquisitions And Disposals Acquisition Costs Or Sale Proceeds Total assets acquired Significant Acquisitions And Disposals [Line Items] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Statement Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Statement Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] StMary'sRegionalMedicalCenter[Member] St Marys Regional Medical Center [Member] St. Mary's Regional Medical Center Stockholders Equity Total equity Total equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity/Capital Stock Options [Member] Stock Options Straight Line Rent Straight-line rent Straight-line rent receivable Straight Line Rent Receivable Straight-line rent receivable Straight line rent receivables write off Straight Line Rent Receivables Write Off Straight-line rent write-off Straight-line rent revenue Straight Line Rent Revenue Straight-line rent revenue (net of write-offs) Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary Issuers Summary of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, Table. Summary Of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary of Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, Table. Summary Of Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Income Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Summary of Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Table. Summary Of Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Schedule Of Non Cash Financing Activities [Abstract] Supplemental Schedule Of Non Cash Financing Activities [Abstract] Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities: Supplemental schedule of non cash investing activities [Abstract] Supplemental Schedule Of Non Cash Investing Activities [Abstract] Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities: Term loans. Term Loans [Member] Term Loans Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Thornton, Colorado [Member] Thornton Colorado [Member] Thornton Time Based Awards Time Based Awards [Member] Time-Based Awards Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock Value Treasury shares, at cost Twenty Twelve Acquisitions [Member] Twenty Twelve Acquisitions [Member] Twenty Twelve Acquisitions Two Thousand Twelve Senior Unsecured Notes Two Thousand Twelve Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] 2012 Senior Unsecured Notes Two Thousand Twelve Term Loans Two Thousand Twelve Term Loans [Member] 2012 Term Loan Underwriters' Purchase Of Shares To Cover Over Allotments. Underwriters Purchase Of Shares To Cover Over Allotments Underwriters' purchase of shares to cover overallotment Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Participating Securities Participating securities' share in earnings Unsecured Debt Unsecured senior notes, value of offering Unsecured Debt [Member] 2006 Senior Unsecured Notes Unsecured senior note, maturity date. Unsecured Senior Note Maturity Date Unsecured senior note, maturity date U S United States Variable Interest Entities By Classification Of Entity [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity Consolidated Carrying Amount Assets Carrying Amount Variable Interest Entity Entity Maximum Loss Exposure Amount Maximum Loss Exposure Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Vibra Health Care. Vibra Health Care [Member] Vibra Health Care Vibra Specialty Hospital [Member] Vibra Specialty Hospital [Member] Vibra Specialty Hospital Victoria, Texas [Member] Victoria Texas [Member] Victoria, TX Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted Dilutive weighted-average units Dilutive weighted-average common shares Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average shares (units) outstanding: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic weighted-average units Basic Basic weighted-average common shares Write off rent receivables. Write Off Rent Receivables Wrote-off rent receivables