Consolidated Statements of Equity / Capital (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Treasury stock acquired (shares)	41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	$ 0.96	$ 0.91	$ 0.88
Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	$ 0.96	0.91	0.88
Treasury Stock [Member]
Treasury stock acquired (shares)	41,270
MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member]
Treasury stock acquired (shares)	41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	$ 0.96	0.91	0.88
General Partner [Member] | MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member]
Treasury stock acquired (shares)	41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	$ 0.96	0.91	0.88
Limited Partner [Member] | MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member] | Common Par Value [Member]
Treasury stock acquired (shares)	41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	$ 0.96	$ 0.91	$ 0.88