Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting standards update 201701. Accounting Standards Update 201701 [Member] Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 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 Acquisition and other loans. Acquisition And Other Loans [Member] Acquisition and Other Loans [Member] Acquisition Costs, Period Cost Acquisition costs Acquisition Loan Acquisition Loan [Member] Acquisition Loans [Member] Acute Care Facilities [Member] Acute Care Facilities [Member] Acute Care Facilities [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Acute Care Hospital [Member] Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid in capital Adeptus Health Four [Member] Adeptus Health Four [Member] Adeptus Health Four [Member] Adeptus Health [Member] Adeptus Health [Member] Adeptus Health [Member] Adeptus Health Three [Member] Adeptus Health Three [Member] Adeptus Health Three [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] 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: Alecto Healthcare Services [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member] Alecto Healthcare Services [Member] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount Applicable Margin Applicable Margin Applicable margin Applicable Margin for Revolving Loans Applicable Margin for Revolving Loans Applicable margin for revolving loans Assets Total Gross Assets Total Assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Securities or Other Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Axis] Securities or Other Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Axis] Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Type [Domain] Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Type [Domain] Assets, Total [Member] Total Gross Assets [Member] Average minimum lease rate on development and construction cost. Average minimum lease rate on development and construction cost Average minimum lease rate on development and construction cost ARIZONA Arizona [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Building [Member] Building [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Ownership interests acquired Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs Accrual Adjustment Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs Accrual Adjustment Acquisition expenses Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Purchase price of acquisition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Total assets acquired Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] CALIFORNIA California [Member] 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 and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents for period Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Commercial Real Estate [Member] Mortgage Loans [Member] Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitment And Contingencies [Table] Commitment And Contingencies [Table] Commitment And Contingencies [Table] Commitment fee adjustment percentage. Commitment Fee Adjustment Percentage Commitment fee Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends declared per common share Common Stock [Member] Common Units [Member] 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, Issued Common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 500,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 320,801 shares at March 31, 2017 and 320,514 shares at December 31, 2016 Common Unit, Issued Limited Partners, units issued Common Unit, Outstanding Limited Partners, units outstanding Community Health Systems Inc. Community Health Systems Inc [Member] Community Health Systems, Inc. [Member] 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), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk, Percentage Percentage of Total Gross Assets Percentage of Total Revenue Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 03/31/2017 Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] Principal Payments Due on Debt Costs and Expenses Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Expenses Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] GERMANY Germany [Member] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Long-term Debt, Gross Debt Total Debt Instrument Earliest Date Of Redemption Debt Instrument Earliest Date Of Redemption Senior notes, earliest redemption date Debt Instrument, Face Amount Senior unsecured notes face amount Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment Senior notes frequency of periodic payment Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Interest rate at end of period Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Senior unsecured notes, interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Description Senior unsecured notes, redemption description Debt instrument redemption period. Debt Instrument Redemption Period Senior unsecured notes, redemption period Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date Senior notes, redemption date Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Redeemed Prior to 90 Days [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Redeemed Beginning on or After 90 Days [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Senior unsecured notes, redemption percentage on principal amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Debt instrument, redemption price percentage Debt Instrument Repurchase Price Percentage On Principal Amount Plus Accrued And Unpaid Interest Debt Instrument Repurchase Price Percentage On Principal Amount Plus Accrued And Unpaid Interest Senior notes, repurchased price percentage on principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Unamortized premium Debt refinancing and unutilized financings expense. Debt Refinancing And Unutilized Financing Expense Unutilized financing fees/ debt refinancing costs Unutilized financing fees/debt refinancing costs Debt refinancing charge. Debt Refinancing Charge Debt refinancing charge Deerfield. Deerfield [Member] Deerfield [Member] Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt issue costs, net Deferred Rent Credit One-time rental credit Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Leases, Net Less: Unearned income Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Real estate depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Description of Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Capital Leases Free standing emergency facilities, lease purchase description Development Activities [Member] Development Activities [Member] Development Activities [Member] Development Costs, Period Cost Total development costs anticipated Development Projects Estimated Completion Date Development Projects Estimated Completion Date Estimated Completion Date Development projects original commitment amount. Development Projects Original Commitment Amount Commitment Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Property-related Disposal group including discontinued operation loss gain on write down. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Loss Gain On Write Down Gain offset by non-cash charges Dividends Payable Distributions declared, unpaid Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And 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 Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings From Equity And Other Interests Expense Earnings From Equity And Other Interests Expense Earnings (loss) from equity and other interests Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per common share - basic and diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash Effect of exchange rate changes 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 Method Investments [Member] Equity investments [Member] Ernest Health Inc and Other Acquisitions [Member] Ernest Health Inc and Other Acquisitions [Member] Ernest Transaction and Other Acquisitions [Member] Ernest Health, Inc. Ernest Health Inc [Member] Ernest [Member] SPAIN Spain [Member] Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Financial Instrument Minus Hundred Basis Points Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Financial Instrument Minus Hundred Basis Points Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value of Financial Instruments minus 100 basis points Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Financial Instrument Plus Hundred Basis Points Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Financial Instrument Plus Hundred Basis Points Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value of Financial Instruments plus 100 basis points Estimated Residual Values Estimated Residual Values Estimated residual values Euro Member Countries, Euro Euro [Member] Eurodollar Loans [Member] Eurodollar Loans [Member] Eurodollar Loans [Member] Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Prepaid and extinguished of outstanding term loans Facility closing one. Facility Closing One [Member] Facility Closing One [Member] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [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 Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Summary of Fair Value Information of Financial Instruments Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] 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 DLOM on our equity investment Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring [Member] 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] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Table] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Table] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Table] Five point five zero zero percentage senior unsecured notes due two thousand twenty four. Five Point Five Zero Zero Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member] Five point seven five zero percentage senior unsecured notes due two thousand and twenty. Five Point Seven Five Zero Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due Two Thousand And Twenty [Member] 5.750% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020 [Member] Five point two five zero percentage senior unsecured notes due two thousand twenty six. Five Point Two Five Zero Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Six [Member] 5.250% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 [Member] Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Florida Ohio And Pennsylvania [Member] Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania [Member] Four point zero zero zero percentage senior unsecured notes due two thousand twenty four. Four Point Zero Zero Zero Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] 4.000% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member] Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Real Estate, Discontinued Operations Gain on real estate dispositions Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Gain on sale of real estate and other asset dispositions, net Gain from sale of real estate and other asset dispositions, net UNITED KINGDOM Birmingham, England General and Administrative Expense General and administrative General Partner [Member] General Partner [Member] General Partners' Capital Account General Partner - issued and outstanding - 3,207 units at March 31, 2017 and 3,204 units at December 31, 2016 General Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued General partner, units issued General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding General partner, units outstanding Gross investment in real estate assets Gross Investment In Real Estate Assets Gross investment in real estate assets IDAHO IDAHO, Lewiston Imed Group [Member] Imed Group [Member] IMED [Member] Impairment of Real Estate Straight-line rent and other write-off Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Non-controlling interests' share in net income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations Income 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 and Diluted Share Income from continuing operations attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities\expenses Increase Decrease In Interest And Rent Receivable Increase Decrease In Interest And Rent Receivable Interest and rent receivables Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in: Increase Decrease In Rental Income Revenues Increase Decrease In Rental Income Revenues Decrease in rent revenue Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive potential common shares Intangible assets. Intangible Assets [Member] Intangible [Member] Interest and Fee Income, Loans, Commercial, Real Estate Interest and fee income Interest and rent receivable Interest And Rent Receivable Interest and rent receivables Interest and rent receivables, Book value Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Paid Interest paid International. International [Member] International [Member] Investment And Revenue From External Customers By Geographic Area [Line Items] Investment And Revenue From External Customers By Geographic Area [Line Items] Investment And Revenue From External Customers By Geographic Area [Line Items] Investment And Revenue From External Customers By Geographic Area [Table] Investment And Revenue From External Customers By Geographic Area [Table] Investment And Revenue From External Customers By Geographic Area [Table] Investment And Revenue From External Customers [Line Items] Investment And Revenue From External Customers [Line Items] Investment And Revenue From External Customers [Line Items] Investment and Revenue From External Customers [Table] Investment and Revenue From External Customers [Table] Investment and Revenue From External Customers [Table] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] Investment Owned, at Cost Cost Investment Owned, at Fair Value Fair Value Investments Total budgeted investment Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Italy Spain and United Kingdom [Member] Italy Spain and United Kingdom [Member] United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain [Member] LOUISIANA Louisiana [Member] Land buildings and improvements intangible lease assets and other. Land Buildings And Improvements Intangible Lease Assets And Other Land, buildings and improvements, intangible lease assets, and other Land [Member] Land [Member] Lease agreement annual incremental interest percentage. Lease Agreement Annual Incremental Interest Percentage Lease rent increase percentage Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Lease Deposits And Other Obligations To Tenants Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Term of lease, years Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term Term of lease extension, years Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Term of lease, years Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities and Equity Total Liabilities and Equity / Capital Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Capital Limited Partners' Capital Account Limited Partners Capital Limited Partners' Capital Account [Abstract] Limited Partners: Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued LTIP Units, shares issued Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding LTIP Units, shares outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Aggregate committed amount of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Total Facility amount at a rate Loans. Loans Loans, Book value Loans Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure Loans, Fair value Loans [Line Items] Loans [Line Items] Loans [Line Items] Loans [Member] Loans, net [Member] Loans Receivable, Net Loans, Balance Loans [Table] Loans [Table] Loans [Table] Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gross Assets by Geographic Areas Long lived assets by operators. Long Lived Assets By Operators [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gross Assets by Operator Long-term Debt Debt, net Debt, net Book value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Debt, net Fair value Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2021 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 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Long-term Debt [Text Block] Debt Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] LTIP Units [Member] LTIP Units [Member] LTIP Units [Member] MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum percentage of entity's gross assets invested on single property. Maximum Percentage Of Entitys Gross Assets Invested On Single Property Maximum percentage of entity's gross assets invested on single property Maximum percentage of unencumbered assets. Maximum Percentage Of Unencumbered Assets Maximum percentage of total unencumbered assets Median [Member] Median [Member] MEDIAN [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Non-controlling interests Mortgage And Other Loans Mortgage And Other Loans [Member] Mortgage and other loans [Member] Mortgage Loans [Member] Mortgage Loans [Member] Mortgage Loans [Member] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Existing mortgage loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Mortgage loans Mortgages [Member] Mortgage Loans [Member] MPT Operating Partnership L.P MPT Operating Partnership L P [Member] MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used for) 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 for) 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 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) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to MPT common stockholders (Operating Partnership partners) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases Net investment in direct financing leases Net investment in direct financing leases Net Investment In Real Estate Assets Net Investment In Real Estate Assets Net investment in real estate assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results Decrease normalized funds from operations New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Developments New operators. New Operators [Member] New Operators [Member] NEW JERSEY New Jersey [Member] Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income (expense) Number of beds acquired. Number Of Beds Acquired Number of beds acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Number of facilities acquired Number Of Direct Financing Leases Number Of Direct Financing Leases Number of direct financing leases 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 constructed. Number of Facilities Constructed Number of facilities constructed Number of facilities expected to sell or re-lease Number of facilities expected to sell or re-lease Number of facilities expected to sell or re-lease Number of investments. Number of Investments Number of investment in property Ochsner. Ochsner [Member] Ochsner [Member] Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization Other Assets Other assets Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other assets operators. Other Assets Operators [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on interest rate swap Other Domestic [Member] Other Domestic [Member] Other Domestic Assets [Member] Other International States [Member] Other International States [Member] Other International Assets [Member] Other loans Other Loans Other loans Other Loans Other loans [Member] Other Loans [Member] Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other adjustments Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense) Other operators. Other Operators [Member] Other Operators [Member] Other States [Member] Other States [Member] All Other States [Member] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Payable due to parent company Payable Due To Parent Company Payable due to Medical Properties Trust, Inc. Payments for proceeds from lease deposits and other obligations to tenants. Payments For Proceeds From Lease Deposits And Other Obligations To Tenants Lease deposits and other obligations to tenants Payments for (Proceeds from) Loans Receivable Investment in loans receivable Payments of Ordinary Dividends Distributions paid Payments to Acquire Real Estate Cash paid for acquisitions and other related investments Percentage of contractual rent committed on transitional facilities Percentage of contractual rent committed on transitional facilities Percentage of contractual rent committed on transitional facilities 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 Ownership Interest In Operator Facilities Percentage of Ownership Interest In Operator Facilities Ownership interest percentage in operator facility Percentage of re-leasing facility. Percentage of re leasing facility Percentage of re-leasing facility Percentage of transitional facilities to be re-leased or sold Percentage of transitional facilities to be re leased or sold Percentage of transitional facilities to be re-leased or sold 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, Issued Preferred stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 10,000 shares; no shares outstanding Prime Facilities [Member] Prime Facilities [Member] Prime Facilities [Member] Prime Health Care Services. Prime Health Care Services [Member] Prime [Member] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications and Revisions Proceeds from Collection of Loans Receivable Principal received on loans receivable Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from sale of common shares / units, net of offering costs Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from term debt Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Debt issuance costs paid and other financing activities Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Revolving credit facilities, net Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Net proceeds from sale of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Proceeds from sale of facilities Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net income Property, Plant and Equipment, 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 [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] RCCH Healthcare Partners. RCCH Healthcare Partners [Member] RCCH [Member] Real Estate And Loans Receivables. Real Estate And Loans Receivables [Text Block] Real Estate and Lending Activities Real Estate Assets [Abstract] Real Estate Assets [Abstract] Real estate assets Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Interest and rent receivables, Fair value Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] 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 Redemption Premium Redemption Premium Rehabilitation Hospital [Member] Rehabilitation Hospital [Member] Rehabilitation Hospital with Covenant Health System [Member] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Remaining year from initial lease term Rent billed Rent Billed Rent billed Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments of term debt Repayments of Unsecured Debt Amount of senior unsecured debt redeemed Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Distributions in excess of net income Revenue by operator. Revenue By Operator [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Operator Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas Revenue [Member] Revenue [Member] Revenue [Member] Revenues Total Revenue Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues Revolver [Member] Revolver [Member] Revolver [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Assets Acquired Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Summary of Debt Schedule Of Development Projects [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Development Projects [Table Text Block] Summary of Status Update on Current Development Projects 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, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Equity Interest in Related Party 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 Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Carrying Value and Classification of Related Assets and Maximum Exposure to Loss Security Deposit Letter of credit hold to cover defaults Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Unsecured senior debt member Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] Share-based Compensation Share / (Unit)-based compensation expense Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Six point three seven five percentage senior unsecured notes due two thousand twenty four. Six Point Three Seven Five percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 [Member] Six point three seven five percentage senior unsecured notes due two thousand twenty two. Six Point Three Seven Five Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Two [Member] 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2022 [Member] Six point three seven five senior unsecured notes due two thousand twenty four. Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Unsecured Notes due Two Thousand Twenty Four [Member] 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] 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 Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Steward. Steward [Member] Steward [Member] St Joseph Regional Medical Center. St Joseph Regional Medical Center [Member] St. Joseph Regional Medical Center [Member] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Medical Properties Trust, Inc. Stockholders' Equity (MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. capital) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity / Capital Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity / Capital Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Common stock, shares issued Straight Line Rent Straight-line rent revenue Straight-line rent receivable Straight Line Rent Receivable Straight-line rent receivables Straight line rent revenue net of write offs. Straight Line Rent Revenue Net Of Write Offs Straight-line rent Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] 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] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Supplemental Schedule Of Non Cash Financing Activities [Abstract] Supplemental Schedule Of Non Cash Financing Activities [Abstract] Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities: Term loans. Term Loans [Member] Term Loans [Member] Term of rent covered by letter of credit. Term of rent covered by letter of credit Number of months covers by letter of credit defaults Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Three point three two five percentage senior unsecured notes due two thousand and twenty five. Three Point Three two Five Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due Two Thousand And Twenty Five [Member] 3.325% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2025 [Member] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Treasury Stock, Value Treasury shares, at cost TEXAS Texas [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Undistributed earning allocated to participating securities. Undistributed Earning Allocated To Participating Securities Participating securities' share in earnings Unsecured Debt Amount of senior unsecured debt Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] UNITED STATES United States [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Carrying Amount Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Maximum Loss Exposure Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Washington and Idaho. Washington and Idaho [Member] Washington and Idaho [Member] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted Diluted weighted-average units Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic weighted-average common shares Weighted average shares outstanding - basic West Virginia and Ohio. West Virginia And Ohio [Member] West Virginia and Ohio [Member] Working Capital Loans [Member] Working Capital Loans [Member] Working Capital and Other Loans [Member]