Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary Showing Sensitivity Analysis by Using Basis Point Variations (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value of Financial Instruments plus 100 basis points	$ (5)
Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value of Financial Instruments minus 100 basis points	$ 5

Estimated Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Financial Instrument Minus Hundred Basis Points

No definition available.

Name:	mpw_EstimatedIncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentMinusHundredBasisPoints
Namespace Prefix:	mpw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration