Consolidated Statements of Equity / Capital (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Treasury shares acquired (shares)		41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	$ 1.00	$ 0.96	$ 0.91
MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member]
Treasury shares acquired (shares)		41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	1.00	$ 0.96	0.91
MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member]
Treasury shares acquired (shares)		41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	1.00	$ 0.96	0.91
Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	1.00	$ 0.96	0.91
Treasury Shares [Member]
Treasury shares acquired (shares)		41,270
Common Par Value [Member] | MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
Treasury shares acquired (shares)		41,270
Dividends (Distributions) declared per common share / unit	$ 1.00	$ 0.96	$ 0.91