Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Apr. 30, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION    
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     $ 1,100,000,000.00
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   28,198,179  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Document Type 10-Q    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2012