Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] 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 Loans [Member] Acquired Loans [Member] Acquisition loans Acquisition Costs Acquisition expenses Acquisition Loan Acquisition Loan [Member] Acquisition Loan Acquisitions And Development [Table] Acquisitions And Development [Table] Acquisitions And Development [Table] Acute Care Facility Acute Care Facility [Member] Acute Care Facility Acute Care Hospitals [Member] Acute Care Hospitals [Member] Acute Care Hospitals Additional Paid In Capital 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 Advance Rent Lease advance Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Write Offs Impairment of working capital loan recognized 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 Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Assets Total Assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisitions Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Business Acquisitions Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Business acquisition cost of acquired entity Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition expenses Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Development Four [Member] Business Development Four [Member] Twelve Oaks Facility C A California Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable Minimum lease payments receivable Capital Leases Income Statement Direct Financing Lease Revenue Income from direct financing leases Capital Leases In Financial Statements Of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Real Estate and Lending Activities Capital Unit Class [Domain] Capital Unit, Class [Domain] Capital Units By Class [Axis] Capital Units by Class [Axis] Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 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] Combined purchase price and investment amount Combined Purchase Price And Investment Amount Combined purchase price and investment amount Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Disclosure including description and financial information related to an entity's common stock and stock-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of stock compensation, incentive distributions, deferred compensation arrangements and share repurchases. Common Stock Disclosure [Text Block] Common Stock/Partners' Capital Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Dividends declared per common share 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 - 149,314 shares at June 30, 2013 and 136,335 shares at December 31, 2012 Common Unit Issued Limited Partners, units issued Common Unit Outstanding Limited Partners, units outstanding Common Units [Member] Common Units [Member] Common Units Investments in Direct Financing Leases vs Equipment. Components Of Investment In Leases Of Equipment Table [Text Block] Components of Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MPT common stockholders Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income Table. Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidation Variable Interest Entity Policy Variable Interest Entities Construction in progress, equipment, and other Construction In Progress Equipment And Other Construction in progress and other Contract Revenue Cost Costs Incurred as of June 30, 2013 Convertible Debt Convertible note Convertible Loans [Member] Convertible Loans [Member] Convertible loan Cost of land and building Cost Of Land And Building Cost incurred in new facility Costs And 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 Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] 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 Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt instrument amount net Debt Instrument Amount Net Debt instrument, net Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] 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 Debt instrument face amount Principal amount Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Unsecured senior notes, interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument Unamortized Discount Unamortized discount Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Depreciation And Amortization Real estate depreciation and amortization Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Fair value of the interest rate swaps Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Notional Amount Interest rate swap, amount fixed Derivative Variable Interest Rate Interest rate of interest rate derivative instrument Development Costs Incurred During Period Development Costs Incurred During Period Total development cost Development Projects Estimated Completion Date Development Projects Estimated Completion Date Estimated Completion Date Development Projects Original Commitment Amount Development Projects Original Commitment Amount Original Commitment Direct Costs Of Leased And Rented Property Or Equipment Property-related Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock Awards Discontinued Operation Gain Loss On Disposal Of Discontinued Operation Net Of Tax Gain (loss) on sale Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] 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 Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Document And 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 Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Basic Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Earnings per common share - basic Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Diluted Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per common share -diluted Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share/Common Unit Eliminations Eliminations [Member] Eliminations Emerus Facility [Member] Emerus Facility [Member] Emerus Holding, Inc. and Baptist Health System JV Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity By Location [Axis] Entity by Location [Axis] 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 [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Equity Incentive Plan 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] Investment, Name [Domain] Equity Method Investments Capital contribution Equity Method Investments [Member] Equity investments Ernest Health, Inc. Ernest Health Inc [Member] Ernest Esplanade Rehabilitation Hospital [Member] Esplanade Rehabilitation Hospital [Member] Esplanade Rehab Hospital Estimated Development Costs Estimated Development Costs Estimated cost of the new facility Estimated Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Financial Instrument Estimated Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Financial Instrument Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value of Financial Instruments Estimated Residual Values Estimated Residual Values Estimated residual values Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Exchangeable senior notes. Exchangeable Senior Notes [Member] Exchangeable senior notes Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Domain] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Domain] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Domain] Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology for Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Fair Value Assumptions And Methodology For Assets And Liabilities Table [Text Block] Summary Showing Sensitivity Analysis by Using Basis Point Variations 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 [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Summary of Fair Value Information of Financial Instruments Fair Value By Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value By Shareholders Equity Class [Domain] Fair Value by Shareholders' Equity Class [Domain] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Inputs Discount Rate Adjustment for marketability discount Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] 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] First Choice [Member] First Choice [Member] First Choice Florence Acute Care Facility [Member]. Florence Acute Care Facility [Member] Florence acute care facility Future Principal Payments, Table. Future Principal Payments [Text Block] Principal Payments Due for Debt 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 Partner [Member] General Partner General Partners Capital Account General Partner - issued and outstanding - 1,487 units at June 30, 2013 and 1,357 units at December 31, 2012 General Partners Capital Account Units Issued General Partner, shares issued General Partners Capital Account Units Outstanding General Partner, shares outstanding 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 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 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 from continuing operations, less participating securities' share in earnings Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic Share Income from continuing operations attributable to MPT common stockholders/MPT Operating Partnership partners Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share Income from continuing operations attributable to MPT common stockholders/MPT Operating Partnership partners Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Income from discontinued operations Income Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Reporting Entity Income from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders/MPT Operating Partnership partners Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Diluted Share Earnings per share/unit - diluted Income from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders/MPT Operating Partnership partners Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Assets And Liabilities To Adjust Negative Balances Increase Decrease In Assets And Liabilities To Adjust Negative Balances Change in total assets or liabilities 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 potential common shares 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 income (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 receivables Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] 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 Purchase price of acquisition Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [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 Lease Agreement Term Lease Agreement Term Lease agreement Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Lease Deposits And Other Obligations To Tenants Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Leased Space Occupancy Date Leased Space Occupancy Date Facility partially occupied date Lease Extension Period Lease Extension Period Term of lease extension, years Lease Period Lease Period Term of lease Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Less Unearned Income Less Unearned Income Less: Unearned income Letter Of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total Liabilities and Capital Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Capital Limited Partners Capital Account Limited Partners Capital Account Limited Partners Capital Account [Abstract] Limited Partners Limited Partners Capital Account Units Issued LTIP Units, shares issued Partnership units issued Limited Partners Capital Account Units Outstanding LTIP Units, shares outstanding Line Of Credit Facility Amount Outstanding Credit facilities, amount outstanding Letter of credit outstanding Line Of Credit Facility Periodic Payment Paid off term loan Line Of Credit [Member] Revolving credit facility Loans. Loans Loans Loans [Line Items] Loans [Line Items] Loans [Line Items] Loans [Member] Loans, net Loans Receivable Commercial Acquisition Acquisition loan made Loans Receivable Net Loans Receivable Net Loans [Table] Loans [Table] Loans [Table] Location [Domain] Location [Domain] Location 5 [Member] Location Five [Member] Location South Ogden, UT Location 4 [Member] Location Four [Member] Location Altoona, WI Location 1 [Member] Location One [Member] Location Victoria, TX Location 6 [Member] Location Six [Member] Location Various Location 3 [Member] Location Three [Member] Location Post Falls, ID Location 2 [Member] Location Two [Member] Location Spartanburg, SC Long Term Debt Debt, net Long term debt Debt, net Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Next Twelve Months 2014 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments of Principal in Previous Fiscal Year Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Previous Fiscal Year 2013 Long term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five and Thereafter Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Five And Thereafter Thereafter Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Four 2017 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Three 2016 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Two 2015 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] Customer [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] 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 Minimum [Member] Minimum Minus Hundred Basis points [Member] Minus Hundred Basis Points [Member] - 100 basis points Monroe Hospital Monroe Hospital [Member] Monroe Hospital Mortgage And Other Loans Mortgage And Other Loans [Member] Mortgage and other loans Mortgage Loans [Member] Mortgage Loans [Member] Mortgage Loans 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 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] Customer [Domain] Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net cash provided by (used in) 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 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 attributable to MPT common stockholders Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net Intercompany Payable Net Intercompany Payable Net intercompany payable Net Intercompany Receivable Net Intercompany Receivable Net intercompany receivable 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 investments 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 Expense Other Nonoperating Expense Other Other income (expense) Nonoperating Income Expense Net other expense Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense) Number of Beds Number Of Beds Number of beds Number Of Businesses Acquired Number of facilities acquired Number Of Days Past Due. Number Of Days Past Due Number of days past due 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 Hospitals Sold Number Of Hospitals Sold Number of hospitals sold Number Of Leased Hospitals Number Of Leased Hospitals Number of leased hospital Number of Projects Completed Number Of Projects Completed Number of properties completed Number of Rooms Number Of Rooms Number of freestanding emergency room facility Number Of States In Which Entity Operates Number of states Operating Income Loss Operating income Operating income (expense) Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable Current Rent receivables Operating leases rent, interest and other charges outstanding. Operating Leases Rent Interest And Other Charges Outstanding Operating leases rent, interest and other charges outstanding Operator Four [Member] Operator Four [Member] Operator First Choice Operator One [Member] Operator One [Member] Operator Post Acute Medical Operator Three [Member] Operator Three [Member] Operator National Surgical Hospitals Operator Two [Member] Operator Two [Member] Operator Ernest Health, Inc. 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 gain (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 Other Nonoperating Income Expense Interest and other income (expense) Ownership Percentage by Related Parties Ownership Percentage By Related Parties Ownership interest in operating partnership Parent Company [Member] Parent Parties To Contractual Arrangement [Axis] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Axis] Parties To Contractual Arrangement [Member] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Domain] 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 Interest In Subsidiaries And Affiliates Investments in and advances to subsidiaries Payments To Acquire Loans Receivable Investment in loans receivable Investments in loans receivable Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Payments to acquire hospitals Payments To Acquire Real Estate 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 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 rent escalation Percentage Of Rent Escalation Rent escalations percentage 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 Pledged Assets Separately Reported Other Assets Pledged As Collateral At Fair Value Other assets, collateral Plus Hundred Basis points [Member] Plus Hundred Basis Points [Member] +100 basis points Portion of debt instrument face amount. Portion Of Debt Instrument Face Amount Portion of debt instrument face amount Postfalls Idaho [Member] Postfalls Idaho [Member] Rehabilitation Facility in Post Falls, Idaho Preferential Rate Of Return On Loan Preferential Rate Of Return On Loan Interest rate on acquisition loan 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 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 sale of common shares/units, net of offering costs Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from sale of common shares, net of offering costs 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 Net proceeds from sale of real estate Proceeds From Sale Of Real Estate Heldforinvestment Net proceeds from sale of real estate Profit Loss Net income Net income Property Five [Member] Property Five [Member] Property Northern Utah Rehabilitation Hospital Property Four [Member] Property Four [Member] Property Oakleaf Property One [Member] Property One [Member] Property Victoria 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] Property Six [Member] Property Six [Member] Property First Choice Emergency Rooms Property Subject To Lease Occupancy Percentage Property Subject To Lease Occupancy Percentage Percentage of facility partially occupied Property Three [Member] Property Three [Member] Property Post Falls Property Two [Member] Property Two [Member] Property Spartanburg Property Type One [Member] Property Type One [Member] Property Type Long-term Acute Care Hospital Property Type Three [Member] Property Type Three [Member] Property Type General Acute Care Hospital Property Type Two [Member] Property Type Two [Member] Property Type Rehabilitation Hospital 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 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 Reclassifications. Reclassifications Policy [Text Block] Reclassifications 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 Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] 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 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 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 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Sales Of Real Estate Sale of real estate Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Text Block] Assets Acquired Schedule Of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule Of Debt Table [Text Block] Summary of Debt, Net of Discounts Schedule Of Development Projects [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Development Projects Table [Text Block] Summary of Status Update on Current Development Projects Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Calculation of Earnings Per Share 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] Investment, Name [Axis] Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Equity Interest in Ernest and Related Loans Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Schedule of Loans Receivable. Schedule Of Loans Receivable Table [Text Block] Summary of Loans 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 Secured Debt Loan secured by mortgage interest Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Segment Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Senior Debt Obligations [Member] 2011 Senior Unsecured Notes 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 Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Share - based compensation ,shares issued 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 Number Of Shares Available For Grant Transferred To New Equity Incentive Plan Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Available For Grant Transferred To New Equity Incentive Plan Common stock remaining for future stock awards transferred to the equity incentive plan Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Shareholders Equity Class [Axis] Shareholders' Equity Class [Axis] 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] South East Arizona And Southeast Texas [Member] South East Arizona And Southeast Texas [Member] Health South Rehabilitation Hospital Of Southeast Arizona and Southeast Texas South Ogden [Member] South Ogden [Member] Rehabilitation Facility in South Ogden Statement Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Statement Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [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 Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Total capital Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Capital Straight Line Rent Straight-line rent Straight-line rent revenue 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 receivables write-off Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] 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 Guarantor [Member] Subsidiaries Guarantor [Member] Subsidiaries Guarantor [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary Issuers Subsidiaries Non Guarantor Member Subsidiaries Non Guarantor [Member] Subsidiaries Non Guarantor [Member] 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 Terms Of Agreement Terms Of Agreement Agreement terms Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Time Based Awards Time Based Awards [Member] Time-Based Awards Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Instruments Types Of Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Treasury Stock Value Treasury shares, at cost 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 T X Texas Underwriters' Purchase Of Shares To Cover Over Allotments. Underwriters Purchase Of Shares To Cover Over Allotments Underwriters' purchase of shares pursuant to over allotment 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 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] Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted Dilutive weighted-average common shares Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic Basic weighted-average common shares Working Capital Loans [Member] Working Capital Loans [Member] Working capital and other loans