Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Mar. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net income $ 26,210 $ 10,606
Other comprehensive income:    
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap 827 499
Total comprehensive income 27,037 11,105
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests (54) (42)
Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders 26,983 11,063
Parent
    
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net income 26,210 10,606
Other comprehensive income:    
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap 827 499
Total comprehensive income 27,037 11,105
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests (54) (42)
Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders 26,983 11,063
Subsidiary Issuers
    
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net income 26,210 10,606
Other comprehensive income:    
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap 827 499
Total comprehensive income 27,037 11,105
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests (54) (42)
Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders 26,983 11,063
Subsidiary Guarantors
    
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net income 43,155 29,581
Other comprehensive income:    
Total comprehensive income 43,155 29,581
Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders 43,155 29,581
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
    
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net income 1,765 2,522
Other comprehensive income:    
Total comprehensive income 1,765 2,522
Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders 1,765 2,522
Eliminations
    
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net income (71,130) (42,709)
Other comprehensive income:    
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap (827) (499)
Total comprehensive income (71,957) (43,208)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests 54 42
Comprehensive income attributable to MPT common stockholders $ (71,903) $ (43,166)