Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jul. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Document Transition Report	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000794172
Entity File Number	0-14902
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-0888197
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Address, Address Line One	3471 River Hills Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Cincinnati
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	45244
City Area Code	513
Local Phone Number	271-3700
Trading Symbol	VIVO
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,862,598