Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000063296
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28,439,802
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2011