Common Stock/Partners' Capital - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 MPT Operating Partnership, L.P.	Sep. 30, 2012 MPT Operating Partnership, L.P.	Aug. 20, 2013 Public Offering	Feb. 28, 2013 Public Offering	Feb. 07, 2012 Public Offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	160,880,000		136,335,000			11,500,000	12,650,000	23,575,000
Underwriters' purchase of shares pursuant to over allotment						1,500,000	1,650,000	3,075,000
Public offering price for common stock per share						$ 12.75	$ 14.25	$ 9.75
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 313,319	$ 220,107		$ 313,319	$ 220,107	$ 140,400	$ 172,900	$ 220,100
Partnership units issued				24,150,000	23,575,000
Ownership interest in operating partnership				99.80%