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Investor Class Prospectus | MATTHEWS CHINA FUND  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Matthews China Fund
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock
Long-term capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and Expenses of the Fund
Expense Narrative [Text Block] 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 [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] 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 [Text Block] 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 92% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 92.00%
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading EXAMPLE OF FUND EXPENSES
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] 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:
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal Investment Strategy
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews China Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in China. China includes its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong. A company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or a region, and a security or instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or specific country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or region. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily on one or more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer, whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region; (iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue, whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with 
significant assets or operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asian country and addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts, including American, European and Global Depositary Receipts. 
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. Matthews expects that the companies in which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the Fund may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures a company’s size with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in companies in any sector. 
Matthews may also take into consideration environmental, social and governance (ESG) characteristics of companies in selecting portfolio investments as part of the investment process for this Fund in an effort to reduce what it regards as the sustainability risks of its investments. Through these efforts, Matthews also hopes to promote the sustainability practices of those companies. For example, it may view favorably companies that have a commitment to mitigating climate change through reducing their carbon footprint and those with sound governance practices. Not all investments will demonstrate those characteristics, and there could be instances where Matthews is unable to assess whether companies have such a commitment or follow good governance practices. Matthews’ investment process in this regard is carried out through a combination of exclusionary ESG screens and the use of ESG data. Matthews uses various sources of information, including but not limited to third-party ESG rating firms and Matthews’ own analysis, in assessing a company’s ESG characteristics. In addition, once invested in a company, Matthews may engage with its portfolio companies on sustainability and governance matters through active dialogue, exercising shareholder rights and by encouraging enhanced ESG disclosure and implementation. 
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal Risks of Investment  
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock
There is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value. The value of your investment in the Fund could go down, meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are: 
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in Asia: 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 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. 
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible. The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the future could have similar or other unforeseen effects. 
Currency Risk: 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 U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar. While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, China 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 markets. Certain emerging market countries may also be classified as “frontier” market countries, which are a subset of emerging market countries with newer or even less developed economies and 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 many Asian countries, and the stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the United States. Securities markets of many Asian countries are also substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the United States. 
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through its industrial policies (e.g., allocation of resources and other preferential treatment), monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates, and management of the payment of foreign currency- denominated obligations. 
Changes in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or companies in China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with China’s major trading partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment cycles. As demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, considerable political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to the interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments. 
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a whole. 
Depositary Receipts Risk: 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 Risk: 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 to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or longer).  
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies: Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more volatile and increasing the risk of loss. 
Sustainability Risk: Sustainability risk means an environmental, social or governance (ESG) event or condition that, if it occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the value of the investments made by the Fund. ESG events could result from climate change (so-called physical risks) or from society’s response to climate change (so-called transition risks), social events (e.g., inequality, inclusiveness, labor relations, investment in human capital, accident prevention, changing customer behavior, etc.) or governance shortcomings (e.g., diversity and inclusion issues, recurrent significant breach of international agreements, bribery issues, products quality and safety, selling practices, etc.), 
which may result in unanticipated potential or actual material negative impact on the Fund’s investments and, therefore, would have an adverse impact on the value of the Fund. 
ESG Investing Risk: Because the Fund may take into consideration the environmental, social and governance characteristics of portfolio companies in which it may invest, the Fund may select or exclude securities of certain issuers for reasons other than potential performance. The Fund’s consideration of ESG characteristics in making its investment decisions may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain issuers, industries, sectors, regions or countries, and the Fund’s performance will likely differ‑‑positively or negatively‑‑as compared to funds that do not utilize these considerations, depending on whether the Fund’s investments made according to considerations of ESG characteristics are in or out of favor in the market. Consideration of ESG characteristics is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the criteria used by Matthews or any judgment exercised by Matthews will reflect the opinions of any particular investor. Although an investment by the Fund in a company may satisfy one or more ESG and sustainability factors in the view of the portfolio managers, there is no guarantee that such company actually promotes positive environmental, social or economic developments, and that same company may also fail to satisfy other ESG factors. Funds with ESG investment strategies are generally suited for long-term rather than short-term investors. 
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector, including the sector described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous sectors. 
–   Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 24% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the consumer discretionary sector. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall local and international economies, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success of companies in the consumer discretionary sector depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace. 
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. 
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney The value of your investment in the Fund could go down, meaning you could lose money.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Past Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] 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 and some indication of risk. 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 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.ASIA (2742).
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] 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 and some indication of risk.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 800.789.ASIA (2742)
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress matthewsasia.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] 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 Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Best Quarter Q1 2019 24.08% Worst Quarter Q3 2015 -21.51%
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
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.
Investor Class Prospectus | MATTHEWS CHINA FUND | Investor Class Shares  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) rr_MaximumAccountFee $ 9
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.66%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Administration and Shareholder Servicing Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.14%
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.40%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.06%
One year: rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 108
Three years: rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 337
Five years: rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 585
Ten years: rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,294
2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 11.96%
2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 6.84%
2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 (4.42%)
2015 rr_AnnualReturn2015 2.41%
2016 rr_AnnualReturn2016 (5.18%)
2017 rr_AnnualReturn2017 59.37%
2018 rr_AnnualReturn2018 (21.42%)
2019 rr_AnnualReturn2019 34.56%
2020 rr_AnnualReturn2020 43.05%
2021 rr_AnnualReturn2021 (12.26%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2019
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 24.08%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (21.51%)
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.26%)
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 16.16%
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.91%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.10%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 1998
Investor Class Prospectus | MATTHEWS CHINA FUND | Return after taxes on distributions | Investor Class Shares  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (15.72%) [1]
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.37% [1]
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.62% [1]
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.56% [1]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 1998 [1]
Investor Class Prospectus | MATTHEWS CHINA FUND | Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares | Investor Class Shares  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.92%) [1]
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 12.23% [1]
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.51% [1]
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.27% [1]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 1998 [1]
Investor Class Prospectus | MATTHEWS CHINA FUND | MSCI China Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (21.64%)
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.52%
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.38%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.46% [2]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 1998
Investor Class Prospectus | MATTHEWS CHINA FUND | MSCI China All Shares Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.80%)
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.12%
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.08%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception [3]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 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.
[2]
Calculated from 2/28/98.
[3]
Index performance data prior to 11/25/08 is not available.