Label	Element	Value
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
ProspectusDate	rr_ProspectusDate	Apr. 27, 2012
MATTHEWS INDIA FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS INDIA FUND
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return, Heading	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Matthews India Fund
Investment Objective, Heading	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
investment Objective, Primary	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Long-term capital appreciation
Expense, Heading	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses of the Fund
Expense, Narrative	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of this Fund.
Shareholder Fees, Caption	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses, Caption	rr_OperatingExpensesCaption	ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover, Heading	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio Turnover	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 4% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	4.00%
Expense Example, Heading	rr_ExpenseExampleHeading	EXAMPLE OF FUND EXPENSES
Expense Example, Narrative	rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock	This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Investment Strategy, Heading	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal Investment Strategy
Investment Strategy, Narrative	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Under normal market conditions, the Matthews India Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its total net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities of companies located in India. A company is considered to be "located" in a country if it (i) is organized under the laws of that country; (ii) derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located within that country; (iii) has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country; or (iv) is a governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country. The Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management's depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies; corporate governance; and financial health.
Risk, Heading	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks of Investment
Risk, Narrative	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	Political, Social and Economic Risks: The value of the Fund's assets may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian (including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region); international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and military activity. Furthermore, the economies of many Asian countries differ from the economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth, inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes in global trade. Currency Risks: When the Fund conducts securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S. dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will decline in dollar terms if that currency weakens against the dollar. While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, India may utilize formal or informal currency-exchange controls or "capital controls." Capital controls may impose restrictions on the Fund's ability to repatriate investments or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund's holdings. Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging or frontier markets. Such markets are often less stable politically and economically than developed markets such as the United States, and investing in these markets involves different and greater risks. There may be less publicly available information about companies in emerging and frontier markets. Their stock exchanges and brokerage industries typically do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the United States. Securities markets of such countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the United States. Trading Markets and Depositary Receipts: Asian securities may trade in the form of depositary receipts, including American, European and Global Depositary Receipts. Although depositary receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying securities listed on an exchange. Volatility: The smaller size and lower levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the Fund's shares (NAV) to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, it is recommended that you invest in the Fund only for the long term (at least five years). Non-diversified: The Fund is a "non-diversified" investment company, which means that it may invest a larger portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer compared with a diversified fund. An investment in the Fund therefore will entail greater risk than an investment in a diversified fund. Convertible Securities: The Fund may invest in convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds and debentures. The risks of convertible bonds and debentures include repayment risk and interest rate risk. Many Asian convertible securities are not rated by rating agencies like Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or, if they are rated, they may be rated below investment grade ("junk bonds"), which may have a greater risk of default. Investing in a convertible security denominated in a currency different from that of the security into which it is convertible may expose the Fund to currency risk as well as risks associated with the level and volatility of the foreign exchange rate between the security's currency and the underlying stock's currency. Convertible securities may trade less frequently and in lower volumes, or have periods of less frequent trading. Lower trading volume may also make it more difficult for the Funds to value such securities. Risks Associated with India: Government actions, bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent economic reform within the Indian government have had a significant effect on the economy and could adversely affect market conditions, deter economic growth and the profitability of private enterprises. Global factors and foreign actions may inhibit the flow of foreign capital on which India is dependent to sustain its growth. Large portions of many Indian companies remain in the hands of their founders (including members of their families). Corporate governance standards of family-controlled companies may be weaker and less transparent, which increases the potential for loss and unequal treatment of investors. India experiences many of the risks associated with developing economies, including relatively low levels of liquidity, which may result in extreme volatility in the prices of Indian securities. Religious, cultural and military disputes persist in India, and between India and Pakistan (as well as sectarian groups within each country). Both India and Pakistan have tested nuclear arms, and the threat of deployment of such weapons could hinder development of the Indian economy, and escalating tensions could impact the broader region, including China.
Risk, Nondiversified Status	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	The Fund is a "non-diversified" investment company, which means that it may invest a larger portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer compared with a diversified fund. An investment in the Fund therefore will entail greater risk than an investment in a diversified fund.
Bar Chart and Performance Table, Heading	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Past Performance
Performance, Narrative	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below shows the Fund's performance for each full calendar year since its inception and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund's volatility. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time period. The table below shows the Fund's performance over certain periods of time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The index performance does not take into consideration fees, expenses or taxes. The information presented below is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund's most recent month-end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com or call 800.789.2742.
Performance, Information Illustrates Variability of Returns	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below shows the Fund's performance for each full calendar year since its inception and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund's volatility.
Performance, Availability Phone Number	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone	800.789.2742.
Performance, Availability Website Address	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	matthewsasia.com
Performance, Past Does Not Indicate Future	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	The information presented below is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future results.
Bar Chart, Heading	rr_BarChartHeading	ANNUAL RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
Bar Chart, Narrative	rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below shows the Fund's performance for each full calendar year since its inception and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund's volatility.
Bar Chart, Closing	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best Quarter Q2 2009 66.04% Worst Quarter Q4 2008 -31.17%
Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes	rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes	The index performance does not take into consideration fees, expenses or taxes.
Performance Table, Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table, Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
MATTHEWS INDIA FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS INDIA FUND | Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(36.66%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.12%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	9.47%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2005
MATTHEWS INDIA FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS INDIA FUND | Investor Class Shares
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed on shares held fewer than 90 days)	rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption	(2.00%)
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.67%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Administration and Shareholder Servicing Fees	rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.15%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.51%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.18%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	120
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	375
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	649
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,432
Annual Return 2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	36.48%
Annual Return 2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	64.13%
Annual Return 2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(62.32%)
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	97.25%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	32.53%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(36.48%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best Quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	66.04%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst Quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(31.17%)
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Matthews India Fund Return before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(36.48%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.54%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	7.77%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2005
MATTHEWS INDIA FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS INDIA FUND | Investor Class Shares | After Taxes on Distributions
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Matthews India Fund Return after taxes on distributions	[1]
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(36.52%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.04%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	7.34%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2005
MATTHEWS INDIA FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS INDIA FUND | Investor Class Shares | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Matthews India Fund Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares	[1]
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(23.64%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.38%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	6.71%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2005

[1] After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.