Common Stock/Partners' Capital - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013 Public Offering	Feb. 07, 2012 Public Offering	Jun. 30, 2013 MPT Operating Partnership, L.P.	Jun. 30, 2012 MPT Operating Partnership, L.P.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	149,314,000		136,335,000	12,650,000	23,575,000
Underwriters' purchase of shares pursuant to over allotment				1,650,000	3,075,000
Public offering price for Common stock per share				$ 14.25	$ 9.75
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 172,853	$ 220,160		$ 172,900	$ 220,200	$ 172,853	$ 220,160
Partnership units issued						12,650,000	23,575,000
Ownership interest in operating partnership						99.80%