Schedule III - Changes in Accumulated Depreciation (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Right-of-use-assets	$ 61,380

Lessee, operating lease and finance lease real estate right of use asset net.

No definition available.

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