Label	Element	Value
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
ProspectusDate	rr_ProspectusDate	Apr. 27, 2012
MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return, Heading	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Matthews Japan 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 35% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	35.00%
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 Japan Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its total net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Japan. 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 region (including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region); international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and military activity. The Asian region, and particularly China, Japan and South Korea, may be adversely affected by political, military, economic and other factors related to North Korea. In addition, China's long-running conflict over Taiwan, border disputes with many of its neighbors and historically strained relations with Japan could adversely impact economies in the region. 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. Certain Asian countries are highly dependent upon and may be affected by developments in the United States, Europe and other Asian economies.    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.    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).    Risks associated with Japan: Poor performance of the global economy has negatively affected equity returns in Japan, and may continue to do so. Japan's economy and stock market have in the recent past had a strong correlation with the U.S. economic cycle and U.S. stock markets, and thus Japan's economy may continue to be affected by current economic problems in the U.S. Japan also has a growing economic relationship with China and other Southeast Asian countries, and thus Japan's economy may also be affected by economic, political or social instability in those countries (whether resulting from local or global events).    In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, such as a shrinking workforce and higher welfare costs. To date, Japan has had restrictive immigration policies that, combined with other demographic concerns, appear to be having a negative impact on the economy. Japan's growth prospects appear to be dependent on its export capabilities. Japan's neighbors, in particular China, have become increasingly important export markets. Despite a deepening in the economic relationship between Japan and China, the countries' political relationship has at times been strained in recent years. Should political tension increase, it could adversely affect the economy, especially the export sector, and destabilize the region as a whole. Japan also remains heavily dependent on oil imports, and higher commodity prices could therefore have a negative impact on the economy.
Bar Chart and Performance Table, Heading	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Past Performance
Performance, Narrative	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below shows the Fund's performance for the past 10 years 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 the past 10 years 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.
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 the past 10 years and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund's volatility.
Bar Chart, Closing	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best Quarter Q3 2003 37.26% Worst Quarter Q1 2009 -17.96%
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.
Average Annual Returns, Caption	rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaption	AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND | MSCI Japan Index
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	MSCI Japan Index
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(14.19%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(6.43%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	3.12%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.87%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 31, 1998
MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND | Tokyo Stock Price Index
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Tokyo Stock Price Index
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(12.05%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(6.06%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	3.26%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	1.23%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 31, 1998
MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS JAPAN 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	0.54%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.21%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	123
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	384
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	665
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,466
Annual Return 2002	rr_AnnualReturn2002	(13.39%)
Annual Return 2003	rr_AnnualReturn2003	59.54%
Annual Return 2004	rr_AnnualReturn2004	22.03%
Annual Return 2005	rr_AnnualReturn2005	14.83%
Annual Return 2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	(6.44%)
Annual Return 2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	(10.96%)
Annual Return 2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(28.38%)
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	10.06%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	19.58%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(7.72%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best Quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	37.26%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst Quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2009
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(17.96%)
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Matthews Japan Fund Return before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(7.72%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(4.98%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	3.44%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.40%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 31, 1998
MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND | Investor Class Shares | After Taxes on Distributions
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Matthews Japan Fund Return after taxes on distributions	[1]
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(8.15%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(5.54%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	3.14%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.73%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 31, 1998
MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND (First Prospectus Summary) | MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND | Investor Class Shares | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Matthews Japan Fund Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares	[1]
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(4.83%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(4.24%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	2.95%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.67%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 31, 1998

[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.