Aggregate principal amount of loan.

No definition available.

Name:	mpw_AggregatePrincipalAmountOfLoan
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Business acquisition purchase price allocation other taxes payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherTaxesPayable
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Lease Agreement Increase In Retail Price Index Cap Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_LeaseAgreementIncreaseInRetailPriceIndexCapRate
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Lease Agreement Increase In Retail Price Index Floor Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_LeaseAgreementIncreaseInRetailPriceIndexFloorRate
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Lease extended period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_LeaseExtendedPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Lease extension period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_LeaseExtensionPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Lease period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_LeasePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of beds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_NumberOfBeds
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of extension options in current lease contract.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_NumberOfExtensionOptionsInCurrentLeaseContract
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of rental rate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_PercentageOfRentalRate
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sale Leaseback Transaction Initial Term Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_SaleLeasebackTransactionInitialTermPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sale Leaseback Transaction Lease Extended Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_SaleLeasebackTransactionLeaseExtendedPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Working capital loan to acquired entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mpw_WorkingCapitalLoanToAcquiredEntity
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The capitalized costs incurred during the period (excluded from amortization) to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire an unproved property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers' fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 932

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-10.(c)(7)(ii))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27015464&loc=d3e511914-122862

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 10

-Paragraph c

-Subparagraph 3(ii)(A)

-Article 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AcquisitionCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 23

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34752592&loc=d3e1043-128460

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of equity in the acquiree held by the acquirer immediately before the acquisition date in a business combination.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Term of the lessee's leasing arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LesseeLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects the amount of new advances made to related parties in the form of loan and lease receivables.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 850

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(e))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph e

-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesAdditions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of businesses acquired by the entity during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of states the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for acquisition of or capital improvements to properties held for investment (operating, managed, leased) or for use.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the investment in or advances to an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net book value of the asset(s) sold in connection with the sale of the property to another party and lease back to the seller.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 40

-Section 55

-Paragraph 51

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28365400&loc=d3e51840-112757

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 40

-Section 55

-Paragraph 50

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28365400&loc=d3e51831-112757

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 40

-Section 55

-Paragraph 52

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28365400&loc=d3e51843-112757

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetBookValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of the Variable Interest Entity's (VIE) voting interest owned by (or beneficial interest in) the reporting entity (directly or indirectly).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5A

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28200181&loc=SL6759159-111685

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
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Real Estate and Loans Receivable - 2014 Activity - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member]	Dec. 15, 2014 2014 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Fair value market [Member]	Dec. 15, 2014 2014 [Member] Median And Waterland [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 15, 2014 2014 [Member] Median And Waterland [Member] EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Median And Waterland [Member] EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Maximum [Member]	Oct. 15, 2014 2014 [Member] Median Transaction [Member] USD ($) State	Oct. 15, 2014 2014 [Member] Median Transaction [Member] EUR (€)	Oct. 15, 2014 2014 [Member] Median Transaction [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Facility	Oct. 15, 2014 2014 [Member] Median Transaction [Member] Rehabilitation Hospital [Member] Facility	Dec. 15, 2014 2014 [Member] Median Transaction [Member] Waterland [Member]	Jul. 01, 2014 2014 [Member] United Kingdom [Member] Circle Health Ltd. [Member] USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2014 2014 [Member] United Kingdom [Member] Circle Health Ltd. [Member] GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] United Kingdom [Member] Circle Health Ltd. [Member]	Jul. 01, 2014 2014 [Member] United Kingdom [Member] Circle Health Ltd. [Member] USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2014 2014 [Member] United Kingdom [Member] Circle Health Ltd. [Member] GBP (£)	Sep. 19, 2014 2014 [Member] West Virginia [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] West Virginia [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member]	Sep. 19, 2014 2014 [Member] West Virginia [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member] RenewalOptions	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Germany [Member] RHM Rehabilitation Facilities [Member] USD ($) Facility	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Germany [Member] RHM Rehabilitation Facilities [Member] EUR (€) Facility	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Germany [Member] Bad Mergentheim [Member] RHM Rehabilitation Facilities [Member] Bed	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Germany [Member] Bad Tolz [Member] RHM Rehabilitation Facilities [Member] Bed	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Germany [Member] Bad Liebenstein [Member] RHM Rehabilitation Facilities [Member] Bed	Oct. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Sherman TX [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Sherman TX [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Sherman TX [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Sherman TX [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 2014 [Member] Sherman TX [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Bed
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition														$ 881,000,000	€ 705,000,000												$ 81,000,000	€ 63,600,000				$ 32,500,000
Number of facilities acquired																2	38										3	3
Number of states														11	11
Acquired percentage of the outstanding equity interest					5.10%													94.90%
Interim acquisition loans aggregate amount									531,000,000	425,000,000
Interim acquisition loans advanced											349,000,000
Initial leaseback term				27 years																														15 years
Lease annual escalator percentage												1.00%	70.00%
Applicable transfer taxes on purchase price																											3,600,000	3,000,000
Number of beds																													211	248	271					237
Working capital loan																																			7,500,000
Ownership interest, percentage																								20.00%									20.00%
Acquisition costs						115,000,000																		15,000,000
Term of lease, years							15 years																		15 years
Term of lease extension, years							3 years	12 years																	5 years
Number of lease extension options in current lease contract																										3
Working capital loan to the tenant																								5,000,000
Additional lease period																									5 years
Additional fund committed to the tenant for capital improvements																								5,000,000
Acquired facility, carrying value of sale/leaseback transaction																						48,000,000	28,300,000
Sale/leaseback transaction, initial term period																					15 years
Sale/leaseback transaction, additional term period																					15 years
Percentage change in annual retail price index, floor rate																						2.00%	2.00%
Percentage change in annual retail price index, cap rate																						5.00%	5.00%
Acquisition related expenses	$ 26,389,000	$ 19,494,000	$ 5,420,000																$ 1,900,000	£ 1,100,000