Matthews International (MATW) 10-K 26 Nov 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP	'	'
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
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	32,874,065	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$75,604	$58,959
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,937 and $10,009, respectively	282,730	177,623
Inventories	152,842	129,811
Deferred income taxes	13,283	9,826
Other current assets	49,456	30,736
Total current assets	573,915	406,955
Investments	23,130	22,288
Property, plant and equipment, net	209,315	180,731
Deferred income taxes	4,019	1,871
Other assets	20,027	14,402
Goodwill	819,467	524,551
Other intangible assets, net	381,862	65,102
Total assets	2,031,735	1,215,900
Current liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt, current maturities	15,228	23,587
Trade accounts payable	72,040	45,232
Accrued compensation	60,690	41,916
Accrued income taxes	7,079	5,910
Deferred income taxes	235	0
Other current liabilities	98,011	71,139
Total current liabilities	253,283	187,784
Long-term debt	714,027	351,068
Accrued pension	78,550	61,642
Postretirement benefits	20,351	17,956
Deferred income taxes	129,335	20,332
Other liabilities	53,296	24,188
Total liabilities	1,248,842	662,970
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:	'	'
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	113,225	47,315
Retained earnings	806,040	775,762
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-66,817	-26,940
Treasury stock, 3,454,127 and 9,083,910 shares, respectively, at cost	-109,950	-283,006
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews	778,832	549,465
Noncontrolling interests	4,061	3,465
Total shareholders' equity	782,893	552,930
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	2,031,735	1,215,900
Class A common stock [Member]	'	'
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:	'	'
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; authorized 70,000,000 shares; 36,333,992 shares issued	$36,334	$36,334

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,937	$10,009
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$100	$100
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	3,454,127	9,083,910
Class A common stock [Member]	'	'
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	36,333,992	36,333,992

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	'	'	'
Sales	$1,106,597	$985,357	$900,317
Cost of sales	-714,101	-628,839	-563,747
Gross profit	392,496	356,518	336,570
Selling expense	-117,905	-105,963	-103,659
Administrative expense	-191,700	-154,763	-139,334
Operating profit	82,891	95,792	93,577
Investment income	2,063	2,284	3,891
Interest expense	-12,628	-12,925	-11,476
Other income (deductions), net	-4,530	-3,715	-2,071
Income before income taxes	67,796	81,436	83,921
Income taxes	-23,476	-26,664	-28,717
Net income	44,320	54,772	55,204
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-646	116	639
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$43,674	$54,888	$55,843
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.54	$1.99	$1.98
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.53	$1.98	$1.98

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$44,320	$54,772	$55,204
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-30,966	3,861	-1,924
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	-9,551	29,347	-3,327
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:	'	'	'
Net change from periodic revaluation	-1,879	2,474	-3,288
Net amount reclassified to earnings	2,634	2,543	2,085
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	755	5,017	-1,203
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-39,762	38,225	-6,454
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,558	92,997	48,750
Matthews [Member]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	43,674	54,888	55,843
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-31,081	3,779	-1,895
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	-9,551	29,347	-3,327
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:	'	'	'
Net change from periodic revaluation	-1,879	2,474	-3,288
Net amount reclassified to earnings	2,634	2,543	2,085
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	755	5,017	-1,203
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-39,877	38,143	-6,425
Comprehensive income (loss)	3,797	93,031	49,418
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	646	-116	-639
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	115	82	-29
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	0	0	0
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:	'	'	'
Net change from periodic revaluation	0	0	0
Net amount reclassified to earnings	0	0	0
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	115	82	-29
Comprehensive income (loss)	$761	($34)	($668)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (net of tax) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	$36,334	$48,554	$681,658	($58,658)	($243,246)	$3,451	$468,093
Net income	0	0	55,843	0	0	-639	55,204
Minimum pension liability	0	0	0	-3,327	0	0	-3,327
Translation adjustment	0	0	0	-1,895	0	-29	-1,924
Fair value of derivatives	0	0	0	-1,203	0	0	-1,203
Total comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	48,750
Stock-based compensation	0	5,472	0	0	0	0	5,472
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	-31,017	0	-31,017
Issuance of treasury stock	0	-6,426	0	0	6,057	0	-369
Cancellations of treasury stock	'	293	'	'	-293	'	'
Dividends	0	0	-10,325	0	0	0	-10,325
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	-170	-170
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	36,334	47,893	727,176	-65,083	-268,499	2,613	480,434
Net income	0	0	54,888	0	0	-116	54,772
Minimum pension liability	0	0	0	29,347	0	0	29,347
Translation adjustment	0	0	0	3,779	0	82	3,861
Fair value of derivatives	0	0	0	5,017	0	0	5,017
Total comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	92,997
Stock-based compensation	0	5,562	0	0	0	0	5,562
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	-21,622	0	-21,622
Issuance of treasury stock	0	-8,125	0	0	9,100	0	975
Cancellations of treasury stock	'	1,985	'	'	-1,985	'	'
Dividends	0	0	-11,282	0	0	0	-11,282
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	-767	-767
Arrangement-noncontrolling interest	'	'	4,980	'	'	1,653	6,633
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	36,334	47,315	775,762	-26,940	-283,006	3,465	552,930
Net income	0	0	43,674	0	0	646	44,320
Minimum pension liability	0	0	0	-9,551	0	0	-9,551
Translation adjustment	0	0	0	-31,081	0	115	-30,966
Fair value of derivatives	0	0	0	755	0	0	755
Total comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,558
Stock-based compensation	0	6,812	0	0	0	0	6,812
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	-9,905	0	-9,905
Issuance of treasury stock	0	55,942	0	0	186,117	0	242,059
Cancellations of treasury stock	'	3,156	'	'	-3,156	'	'
Dividends	0	0	-13,396	0	0	0	-13,396
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	-165	-165
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$36,334	$113,225	$806,040	($66,817)	($109,950)	$4,061	$782,893

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	228,789	619,981	1,015,879
Issuance of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,936,169	295,079	196,076
Cancellation of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	77,597	47,084	7,931
Dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.46	$0.41	$0.37

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$44,320	$54,772	$55,204
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	42,864	37,865	28,821
Stock-based compensation expense	6,812	5,562	5,472
Increase in deferred taxes	5,893	3,812	6,050
Gain on sale of assets	-228	-347	-2,418
Gain on sale of investment	-1,064	-1,666	-2,839
Changes in working capital items	-6,165	-3,003	-16,403
Decrease in other assets	944	1,628	4,456
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities	-3,568	2,789	-3,854
Increase in pension and postretirement benefit obligations	3,755	11,839	7,634
Other, net	-1,164	-3,925	1,203
Net cash provided by operating activities	92,399	109,326	83,326
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-29,237	-24,924	-33,236
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-382,104	-73,959	-12,541
Proceeds from sale of assets	262	252	1,461
Purchases of investment securities	0	0	-958
Proceeds from dispositions of investments	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-411,079	-98,631	-45,274
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	415,709	116,482	53,330
Payments on long-term debt	-58,431	-83,293	-53,056
Payments of contingent consideration	-3,703	-11,315	0
Purchases of treasury stock	-9,905	-21,622	-31,017
Proceeds from the sale of treasury stock	7,951	974	267
Dividends	-13,396	-11,282	-10,325
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-165	-767	-170
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	338,060	-10,823	-40,971
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-2,735	828	-484
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	16,645	700	-3,403
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	58,959	58,259	61,662
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	75,604	58,959	58,259
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	12,570	13,059	11,464
Income taxes	16,177	29,428	22,765
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Acquisition of equipment under capital lease	$949	$1,276	$1,125

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS

NATURE OF OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Nature of Operations [Abstract]	'
NATURE OF OPERATIONS	'
	1	NATURE OF OPERATIONS:
	Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company"), founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a designer, manufacturer and marketer principally of memorialization products and brand solutions.  Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  Brand solutions include graphics imaging products and services, merchandising solutions, and marking and fulfillment systems products.  The Company's products and operations are comprised of six business segments:  Cemetery Products, Funeral Home Products, Cremation, Graphics Imaging, Merchandising Solutions, and Marking and Fulfillment Systems.  The Cemetery Products segment is a leading manufacturer of cast bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, cast and etched architectural products and is a leading builder of mausoleums in the United States.  The Funeral Home Products segment is a leading casket manufacturer and distributor in North America and produces a wide variety of wood, metal and cremation caskets.  The Cremation segment is a leading designer and manufacturer of cremation equipment in North America and Europe. The Graphics Imaging segment provides brand development, brand management, printing plates, gravure cylinders, pre-media services and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, and the primary packaging and corrugated industries.  At September 30, 2014, the Graphics Imaging segment included the acquisition of Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk"), a global brand development, activation and deployment company, in July 2014.  The Merchandising Solutions segment designs and manufactures merchandising displays and systems and provides creative merchandising and marketing solutions services.  The Marking and Fulfillment Systems segment designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.
	The Company has manufacturing and marketing facilities in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	2	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
	Principles of Consolidation:
	The consolidated financial statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains an ownership interest and has operating control.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates:
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Foreign Currency:
	The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency.  Balance sheet accounts for foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date.  Gains or losses that result from this process are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recorded in other income (deductions), net.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
	Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
	Trade receivables are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are more than 30 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectability may be uncertain.  In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for all customers based on historical collection experience.
	Inventories:
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost generally determined under the average cost method.
	Property, Plant and Equipment:
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost.  Depreciation is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 10 to 45 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment.  Gains or losses from the disposition of assets are reflected in operating profit.  The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged against income as incurred.  Renewals and betterments of a nature considered to extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.  Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual review for impairment.  Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 20 years. In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets.  For purposes of testing indefinite–lived intangible assets, the Company uses a relief from royalty method.
	Environmental:
	Costs that mitigate or prevent future environmental issues or extend the life or improve equipment utilized in current operations are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.  Costs that relate to current operations or an existing condition caused by past operations are expensed.  Environmental liabilities are recorded when the Company's obligation is probable and reasonably estimable.  Accruals for losses from environmental remediation obligations do not consider the effects of inflation, and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.
	Treasury Stock:
	Treasury stock is carried at cost.  The cost of treasury shares sold is determined under the average cost method.
	Income Taxes:
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Deferred income taxes for U.S. tax purposes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.  To the extent earnings are expected to be returned in the foreseeable future, the associated deferred tax liabilities are provided.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable.
	Revenue Recognition:
	Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.
	For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.  At September 30, 2014, the Company held 319,134 memorials and 224,204 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.
	Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain cremation units, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.
	Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.
	Share-Based Payment:
	Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards that have vesting conditions based on market targets.
	Derivatives and Hedging:
	Derivatives are held as part of a formal documented hedging program.  All derivatives are straight forward and held for purposes other than trading.  Matthews measures effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the historical and probable future high correlation of changes in the fair value or future cash flows of the hedged item.  If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective or it becomes probable that an expected transaction will no longer occur, gains and losses on the derivative will be recorded in other income (deductions) at that time.
	Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and are reclassified to earnings in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.  The cash flows from derivative activities are recognized in the statement of cash flows in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.
	Research and Development Expenses:
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $7,814, $11,449 and $9,274 for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes the issuance of common stock for all dilutive securities.
	Reclassifications and Revision:
	Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of prior years have been revised to conform to the current period's presentation.  Specifically, costs in excess of billings related to the Company's percentage-of-completion arrangements are presented in Other Current Assets for all periods.  Additionally, billings in excess of costs and customer prepayments related to the Company's percentage-of-completion arrangements are presented in Other Current Liabilities for all periods.  The revision resulted in an $11,739 increase to Other Current Assets with a corresponding decrease to Accounts Receivable and Inventory at September 30, 2013.  It also resulted in a $2,805 increase to Other Current Liabilities with a decrease to Other Liabilities at September 30, 2013.  In addition, certain reclassifications have been made to adjust for bank overdrafts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.  These revisions are not material to any of the prior years presented.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	3	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a three level fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in valuations, as defined below:
	Level 1:                          Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2:                          Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3:                          Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:
			30-Sep-14
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Derivatives (1)		$	-	$	2,457	$	-	$	2,457
	Trading securities			19,038		-		-		19,038
	Total assets at fair value		$	19,038	$	2,457	$	-	$	21,495
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives (1)		$	-	$	2,127	$	-	$	2,127
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	-	$	2,127	$	-	$	2,127
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
			30-Sep-13
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Derivatives (1)		$	-	$	3,736	$	-	$	3,736
	Trading securities			17,929		-	$	-		17,929
	Total assets at fair value		$	17,929	$	3,736		-	$	21,665
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives (1)		$	-	$	4,644	$	-	$	4,644
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	-	$	4,644	$	-	$	4,644
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	4	INVENTORIES:
	Inventories at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
			2014		2013
	Raw materials		$	46,152	$	40,931
	Work in process			38,631		24,336
	Finished goods			68,059		64,544
			$	152,842	$	129,811

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVESTMENTS [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	5	INVESTMENTS:
	Investment securities are recorded at estimated market value at the consolidated balance sheet date and are classified as trading securities.  Short-term investments consisted principally of corporate obligations with purchased maturities of over three months but less than one year.  The cost of short-term investments approximated market value at September 30, 2014 and 2013.  Accrued interest on these investment securities was classified with short-term investments.  Investments classified as non-current and trading securities consisted of equity and fixed income mutual funds.
	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, non-current investments were as follows:
			2014		2013
	Trading securities:
	Mutual funds		$	19,038	$	17,929
	Equity investments			4,092		4,359
			$	23,130	$	22,288
	Non-current investments classified as trading securities are recorded at market value.  Market value exceeded cost by $343 and $157 at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in investment income.  Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 were not material.
	Equity investments primarily included ownership interests in various entities of less than 20%, which are recorded under the cost method of accounting.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
	6	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
	Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			2014			2013
	Buildings		$	91,540		$	77,936
	Machinery and equipment			340,942			303,674
				432,482			381,610
	Less accumulated depreciation			(250,073	)		(233,791	)
				182,409			147,819
	Land			16,453			15,534
	Construction in progress			10,453			17,378
			$	209,315		$	180,731
	Depreciation expense was $35,546, $31,303 and $24,630 for each of the three years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	7	LONG-TERM DEBT:
	Long-term debt at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
			2014			2013
	Revolving credit facilities		$	702,055		$	335,420
	Notes payable to banks			13,315			21,530
	Short-term borrowings			6,410			8,612
	Capital lease obligations			7,475			9,093
				729,255			374,655
	Less current maturities			(15,228	)		(23,587	)
			$	714,027		$	351,068
	The Company has a domestic Revolving Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions.  In connection with the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014, the Company entered into amendments to the Revolving Credit Facility to amend certain terms of the Revolving Credit Facility and increase the maximum amount of borrowings available under the facility from $500,000 to $900,000.  Borrowings under the amended facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from .75% to 2.00% (1.75% at September 30, 2014) based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The leverage ratio is defined as net indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from .15% to .25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the facility.
	The Revolving Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios.  A portion of the facility (not to exceed $30,000) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $680,000 and $305,000, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 2.53% and 2.81%, respectively.
	The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:
	Effective Date	Amount	Fixed Interest Rate	Interest Rate Spread at September 30, 2014
					Maturity Date
	Oct-11	$25,000	1.67%	1.75%	Oct-15
	Nov-11	25,000	2.13%	1.75%	Nov-14
	Mar-12	25,000	2.44%	1.75%	Mar-15
	Jun-12	40,000	1.88%	1.75%	Jun-22
	Aug-12	35,000	1.74%	1.75%	Jun-22
	Sep-12	25,000	3.03%	1.75%	Dec-15
	Sep-12	25,000	1.24%	1.75%	Mar-17
	Nov-12	25,000	1.33%	1.75%	Nov-15
	May-14	25,000	1.35%	1.75%	May-18
	The Company enters into interest rate swaps in order to achieve a mix of fixed and variable rate debt that it deems appropriate. The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of the future variable interest payments under the Revolving Credit Facility which are considered probable of occurring.  Based on the Company's assessment, all of the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.
	The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $330 ($201 after tax) and an unrealized loss, net of unrealized gains, of $908 ($554 after tax) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2014, a loss (net of tax) of approximately $905 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense over the next twelve months.
	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
	Derivatives		2014			2013
	Current assets
	Other current assets		$	324		$	427
	Long-term assets
	Other assets			2,133			3,309
	Current liabilities:
	Other current liabilities			(1,808	)		(2,590	)
	Long-term liabilities:
	Other liabilities			(319	)		(2,054	)
	Total derivatives		$	330		$	(908	)
	The loss recognized on derivatives was as follows:
		Location of	Amount of
	Derivatives in	Loss	Loss
	Cash Flow Hedging	Recognized in	Recognized in Income
	Relationships	Income on Derivatives	on Derivatives
			2014	2013
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	($4,318)	($4,170)
	The Company recognized the following losses in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"):
									Location of Gain	Amount of Loss
									or (Loss)	Reclassified from
	Derivatives in		Amount of Gain or						Reclassified from	AOCI
	Cash Flow		(Loss) Recognized in						AOCI	into Income
	Hedging		AOCI on Derivatives						into Income	(Effective Portion*)
	Relationships		2014			2013			(Effective Portion*)	2014		2013
	Interest rate swaps			($1,879)			$2,474		Interest expense		($2,634)		($2,544)
	*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.
	The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank.  The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is 25.0 million Euros ($31,580).  Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled 17.5 million Euros ($22,055) and 22.5 million Euros ($30,434) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 1.35% and 1.37%, respectively.
	The Company, through its German subsidiary, Saueressig GmbH & Co. KG ("Saueressig"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 1.2 million Euros ($1,576) and 1.7 million Euros ($2,310) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Saueressig at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 3.96% and 4.04%, respectively.
	The Company, through its German subsidiary, Wetzel GmbH ("Wetzel"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings under these loans totaled 2.9 million Euros ($3,624) and 7.4 million Euros ($10,000) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Wetzel at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 5.67% and 7.48%, respectively.
	The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 5.5 million Euros ($6,922) and 5.1 million Euros ($6,871) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Matthews International S.p.A. also has three lines of credit totaling 11.3 million Euros ($14,312) with the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 4.8 million Euros ($6,063) and 5.6 million Euros ($7,639) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowings at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 3.15% and 3.16%, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including short-term borrowings and capital leases, follows:
	2015		$	15,228
	2016			6,115
	2017			23,853
	2018			680,803
2019			213
Thereafter			3,043
		$	729,255

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	8	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
	The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 70,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $1 par value.
	The Company has a stock repurchase program.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 2,500,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 965,881 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2014.
	Comprehensive income consists of net income adjusted for changes, net of any related income tax effect, in cumulative foreign currency translation, the fair value of derivatives, unrealized investment gains and losses and minimum pension liability.  The deferred income tax expense (benefit) related to minimum pension liabilities and fair value of derivatives was $(5,853), $22,005, $(2,896) for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
			2014			2013
	Cumulative foreign currency translation		$	(27,367	)	$	3,714
	Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $129 and $354, respectively			201			(554	)
	Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $25,058 and $18,979, respectively			(39,651	)		(30,100	)
			$	(66,817	)	$	(26,940	)

SHAREBASED_PAYMENTS

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS [Abstract]	'
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS	'
	9	SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS:
	The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2012 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards.  The Company also maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2007 Equity Incentive Plan") and a stock incentive plan (the "1992 Incentive Stock Plan") that previously provided for grants of stock options, restricted shares and certain other types of stock-based awards.  Under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten-year term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 2,500,000.  There will be no further grants under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan or the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan.  At September 30, 2014, there were 1,907,538 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. All plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
	The option price for each stock option granted under any of the plans may not be less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.  Outstanding stock options are generally exercisable in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  In addition, options generally vest in one-third increments after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date (but, in any event, not until the attainment of the market value thresholds).  The options expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company generally settles employee stock option exercises with treasury shares.
	With respect to outstanding restricted share grants, for grants made prior to fiscal 2013, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, with the remaining one-half of the shares vesting in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  For grants made in fiscal 2013, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of adjusted earnings per share, and the remaining one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  Additionally, restricted shares cannot vest until the first anniversary of the grant date.  Unvested restricted shares generally expire on the earlier of five years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company issues restricted shares from treasury shares.
	For the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, stock-based compensation cost totaled $6,812, $5,562 and $5,472, respectively. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $2,657, $2,169 and $2,134 for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $7,951, $974 and $267, for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company were $698, $99 and $22 for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The transactions for restricted stock for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
						Weighted-
						average
						grant-date
			Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2013			641,399			$29.46
	Granted			296,231			38.23
	Vested			(285,063	)		29.39
	Expired or forfeited			(77,417	)		30.84
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014			575,150			33.83
	As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $8,114 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.
	The transactions for shares under options for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
									Weighted-
						Weighted-			average			Aggregate
						average			remaining			intrinsic
			Shares			exercise price			contractual term			value
	Outstanding, September 30, 2013			744,824			$37.76
	Granted			-			-
	Exercised			(211,956	)		35.54
	Expired or forfeited			(20,546	)		39.08
	Outstanding, September 30, 2014			512,322			38.62			1.4			$2,699
	Exercisable, September 30, 2014			199,880			38.43			1.4			$1,091
	No options vested during the year ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   The intrinsic value of options (which is the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the options on the date of exercise) exercised during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,653, $294 and $57, respectively.
	The transactions for non-vested option shares for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
						Weighted-
						average
						grant-date
			Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2013			331,755			$11.29
	Granted			-			-
	Vested			-			-
	Expired or forfeited			(19,313	)		12.65
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014			312,442			11.21
	The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value of restricted stock for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
			2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility			26.6	%		29.5	%		30.4	%
	Dividend yield			1.1	%		1.2	%		1	%
	Average risk-free interest rate			1.4	%		0.6	%		0.9	%
	Average expected term (years)			2			2			2
	The risk-free interest rate is based on United States Treasury yields at the date of grant. The dividend yield is based on the most recent dividend payment and average stock price over the 12 months prior to the grant date.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock price.  The expected term for grants in the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 represents an estimate of the average period of time for restricted shares to vest.  The option characteristics for each grant are considered separately for valuation purposes.
	The Company maintains the 1994 Director Fee Plan (the "1994 Director Fee Plan"), and, after approval by the Company's shareholders in February 2014, the 2014 Director Fee Plan (the "2014 Director Fee Plan") (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  After adoption of the 2014 Director Fee Plan, there will be no further fees or share-based awards under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.  Under the 2014 Director Fee Plan, directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) who are not also officers of the Company each receive, as an annual retainer fee, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $60.  The annual retainer fee paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $130.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  A total of 17,005 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans at September 30, 2014.  Additionally, directors who are not also officers of the Company each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $100.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At September 30, 2014, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 120,503 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 37,457 of which were unvested at September 30, 2014.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the 2014 Director Fee Plan.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	10	EARNINGS PER SHARE:
	The information used to compute earnings per share attributable to Matthews' common shareholders was as follows:
			2014		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders		$	43,674	$	54,888	$	55,843
	Less: dividends and undistributed earnings			121		583		861
	allocated to participating securities
	Net income available to Matthews shareholders		$	43,553	$	54,305	$	54,982
	Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic shares			28,209		27,255		27,753
	Effect of dilutive securities			274		168		86
	Diluted shares			28,483		27,423		27,839
	Options to purchase 271,075 and 782,942 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, because the inclusion of these options would be anti-dilutive.

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]	'
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS	'
	11	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS:
	The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company's principal retirement plan was closed to new participants.  The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans as of the Company's actuarial valuation as of September 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Pension						Other Postretirement
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	186,077		$	195,860		$	18,881		$	28,831
	Acquisitions			-			9,437			-			-
	Service cost			6,150			7,160			436			796
	Interest cost			8,927			8,024			919			1,129
	Actuarial (gain) loss			18,412			(27,179	)		1,929			(11,124	)
	Exchange (gain) loss			(703	)		-			-			-
	Benefit payments			(7,827	)		(7,225	)		(807	)		(751	)
	Benefit obligation, end of year			211,036			186,077			21,358			18,881
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value, beginning of year			123,713			116,577			-			-
	Actual return			10,792			10,838			-			-
	Benefit payments			(7,827	)		(7,225	)		(807	)		(751	)
	Employer contributions			5,075			3,523			807			751
	Fair value, end of year			131,753			123,713			-			-
	Funded status			(79,283	)		(62,363	)		(21,358	)		(18,881	)
	Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)			69,153			56,148			(987	)		(3,001	)
	Unrecognized prior service cost			(1,411	)		(1,935	)		(1,306	)		(1,502	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(11,541	)	$	(8,150	)	$	(23,651	)	$	(23,384	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
	Current liability		$	(733	)	$	(721	)	$	(1,007	)	$	(925	)
	Noncurrent benefit liability			(78,550	)		(61,642	)		(20,351	)		(17,956	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			67,742			54,213			(2,293	)		(4,503	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(11,541	)	$	(8,150	)	$	(23,651	)	$	(23,384	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated
	other comprehensive loss:
	Net actuarial loss (income)		$	69,153		$	56,148		$	(987	)	$	(3,001	)
	Prior service cost			(1,411	)		(1,935	)		(1,306	)		(1,502	)
	Net amount recognized		$	67,742		$	54,213		$	(2,293	)	$	(4,503	)
	Based upon actuarial valuations performed as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $180,265 and $156,661 at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the projected benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $211,036 and $186,077 at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:
			Pension									Other Postretirement
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	6,150		$	7,160		$	5,852		$	436		$	796		$	730
	Interest cost			8,927			8,024			7,842			919			1,129			1,283
	Expected return on plan assets			(9,666	)		(9,071	)		(7,836	)		-			-			-
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost			(206	)		(206	)		(45	)		(195	)		(272	)		(451	)
	Net actuarial loss			3,927			7,903			6,814			(87	)		439			535
	Net benefit cost		$	9,132		$	13,810		$	12,627		$	1,073		$	2,092		$	2,097
	Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are made from the Company's operating cash.  Under I.R.S. regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2014. The Company is not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2015.
	Contributions made in fiscal 2014 are as follows:
	Contributions		Pension			Other Postretirement
	Principal retirement plan		$	3,000		$	-
	Supplemental retirement plan			725			-
	Other retirement plan			1,350			-
	Other postretirement plan			-			807
	Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2015 include:
						Other
			Pension			Postretirement
			Benefits			Benefits
	Net actuarial loss		$	6,258		$	-
	Prior service cost			(180	)		(195	)
	The measurement date of annual actuarial valuations for the Company's principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plans was September 30 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.  The weighted-average assumptions for those plans were:
			Pension									Other Postretirement
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate			4.25	%		5	%		4	%		4.25	%		5	%		4	%
	Return on plan assets			7.75			8			8			-			-			-
	Compensation increase			3.5			3.5			3.5			-			-			-
The underlying basis of the investment strategy of the Company's defined benefit plans is to ensure the assets are invested to achieve a positive rate of return over the long term sufficient to meet the plans' actuarial interest rate and provide for the payment of benefit obligations and expenses in perpetuity in a secure and prudent fashion, maintain a prudent risk level that balances growth with the need to preserve capital, diversify plan assets so as to minimize the risk of large losses or excessive fluctuations in market value from year to year, achieve investment results over the long term that compare favorably with other pension plans and appropriate indices.  The Company's investment policy, as established by the Company's pension board, specifies the types of investments appropriate for the plans, asset allocation guidelines, criteria for the selection of investment managers, procedures to monitor overall investment performance as well as investment manager performance.  It also provides guidelines enabling plan fiduciaries to fulfill their responsibilities.
The Company's primary defined benefit pension plan's weighted-average asset allocation at September 30, 2014 and 2013 and weighted-average target allocation were as follows:
		Plan Assets at						Target
Asset Category		2014			2013			Allocation
Equity securities		$	66,984		$	67,954			55	%
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents			44,341			36,817			30	%
Other investments			20,428			18,942			15	%
		$	131,753		$	123,713			100	%
Plan assets in the fixed income, cash and cash equivalents category include cash of 2% of plan assets at September 30, 2014 and 2013, which reflects cash contributions to the Company's principal pension plan immediately prior to the end of each fiscal year.
Based on an analysis of the historical and expected future performance of the plan's assets and information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for these assets at 7.75% in 2014 for purposes of determining pension cost and funded status under current guidance.  The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices.
The Company categorizes plan assets within a three level fair value hierarchy (see Note 3 for a further discussion of the fair value hierarchy). The valuation methodologies used to measure the fair value of pension assets, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each type of pension plan asset is classified as follows.
Equity securities consist of direct investments in the stocks of publicly traded companies.  Such investments are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded.  As such, the direct investments are classified as Level 1.
Mutual funds are valued at the net asset values of shares held by the Plan at year end.  As such, these mutual fund investments are classified as Level 1.
Fixed income securities consist of publicly traded fixed interest obligations (primarily U.S. government notes and corporate and agency bonds).  Such investments are valued through consultation and evaluation with brokers in the institutional market using quoted prices and other observable market data.  As such, U.S. government notes are included in Level 1, and the remainder of the fixed income securities is included in Level 2.
Cash and cash equivalents consist of direct cash holdings and short-term money market mutual funds.  These values are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value, and as such, are classified as Level 1.
Other investments consist primarily of real estate, commodities, private equity holdings and hedge fund investments.  These holdings are valued by investment managers based on the most recent information available.  The valuation information used by investment managers may not be readily observable.  As such, these investments are classified as Level 3.
The Company's defined benefit pension plans' asset categories at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		30-Sep-14
Asset Category		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
Equity securities - stocks		$	35,310		$	-		$	-		$	35,310
Equity securities - mutual funds			30,694			980			-			31,674
Fixed income securities			20,042			9,503			-			29,545
Cash and cash equivalents			14,796			-			-			14,796
Other investments			6,098			-			14,330			20,428
Total		$	106,940		$	10,483		$	14,330		$	131,753
		30-Sep-13
Asset Category		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
Equity securities - stocks		$	36,127		$	-		$	-		$	36,127
Equity securities - mutual funds			30,507			1,320			-			31,827
Fixed income securities			17,912			9,487			-			27,399
Cash and cash equivalents			9,418			-			-			9,418
Other investments			-			-			18,942			18,942
Total		$	93,964		$	10,807		$	18,942		$	123,713
Changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
		Fair Value,															Fair Value,
		Beginning of									Realized			Unrealized			End of
Asset Category		Period			Acquisitions			Dispositions			Gains (Losses)			Gains			Period
Other investments:
Fiscal Year Ended:
30-Sep-14		$	18,942		$	-		$	(5,439	)	$	1,118		$	(291	)	$	14,330
30-Sep-13			18,173			-			-			48			721			18,942
Benefit payments expected to be paid are as follows:
					Other
		Pension			Postretirement
Years ending September 30:		Benefits			Benefits
2015		$	7,747		$	1,007
2016			8,116			1,098
2017			8,550			1,205
2018			9,039			1,282
2019			9,611			1,347
2020-2024			57,292			6,847
		$	100,355		$	12,786
For measurement purposes, a rate of increase of 7.0% in the per capita cost of health care benefits was assumed for 2014; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.0% for 2069 and remain at that level thereafter.  Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported.  An increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2014 by $1,053 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $71.  A decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2014 by $926 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $62.
Prior to its acquisition by Matthews, Schawk participated in a multi-employer pension fund pursuant to certain collective bargaining agreements.  In 2012 Schawk bargained to withdraw from the fund, and recorded a withdrawal liability at the conclusion of the negotiations.  The withdrawal liability was included in the balance sheet as of the date of Matthews acquisition of Schawk at its discounted fair value, and as of September 30, 2014 the liability is $30,423.  Annual payments of this obligation are expected to be $1,973 through 2034.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	12	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
				Postretirement Benefit Plans			Currency Translation Adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, September 30, 2013			$	(30,100	)	$	3,714			$	(554	)	$	(26,940	)
	OCI before reclassification				(11,649	)		(31,081	)			(1,879	)		(44,609	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(a)		2,098			-		(b)		2,634			4,732
	Net current-period OCI				(9,551	)		(31,081	)			755			(39,877	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014			$	(39,651	)	$	(27,367	)		$	201		$	(66,817	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, September 30, 2013			$	-		$	401			$	-		$	401
	OCI before reclassification				-			115				-			115
	Net current-period OCI				-			115				-			115
	Balance, September 30, 2014			$	-		$	516			$	-		$	516
	(a)	Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 11).
	(b)	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 7).
	Reclassifications out of AOCI for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
			Year ended September 30, 2014			Affected line item in the Statement of Income
	Details about AOCI Components
	Postretirement benefit plans
	Prior service (cost) credit	(a)	$	401
	Actuarial losses	(a)		(3,840	)
		(b)		(3,439	)	Total before tax
				(1,341	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(2,098	)	Net of tax
	Derivatives
	Interest rate swap contracts		$	(4,318	)	Interest expense
		(b)		(4,318	)	Total before tax
				(1,684	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(2,634	)	Net of tax
	(a)	Amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses.  For additional information, see Note 11.
	(b)	For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	13	INCOME TAXES:
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
			2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal		$	7,371		$	15,703		$	14,060
	State			3,612			3,423			2,483
	Foreign			10,427			4,804			6,437
				21,410			23,930			22,980
	Deferred			2,066			2,734			5,737
	Total		$	23,476		$	26,664		$	28,717
	The reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate was as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory tax rate			35	%		35	%		35	%
	Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction			3.8			2.7			2.1
	Foreign taxes less than federal statutory rate			(2.1	)		(3.1	)		(0.6	)
	Other			(2.1	)		(1.9	)		(2.3	)
	Effective tax rate			34.6	%		32.7	%		34.2	%
	The Company's foreign subsidiaries had income before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of approximately $23,835, $23,662 and $24,654, respectively.  At September 30, 2014, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which deferred U.S. income taxes have not been provided approximated $259,354.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable.
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Pension and postretirement benefits		$	34,309		$	26,780
	Accruals and reserves not currently deductible			28,090			20,939
	Income tax credit carryforward			9,839			-
	Operating and capital loss carryforwards			25,419			3,733
	Stock options			8,366			10,691
	Other			16,175			3,791
	Total deferred tax assets			122,198			65,934
	Valuation allowances			(24,540	)		(2,234	)
	Net deferred tax assets			97,658			63,700
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation			(7,651	)		(3,693	)
	Goodwill and intangible assets			(183,685	)		(67,012	)
	Other			(18,590	)		(1,630	)
				(209,926	)		(72,335	)
	Net deferred tax asset		$	(112,268	)	$	(8,635	)
	At September 30, 2014, the Company had U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards of $70,130, foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $66,688, foreign capital loss carryforwards of $25,862, and various U.S. and non-U.S. income tax credit carryforwards of $5,260 and $4,579, respectively, which will be available to offset future income tax liabilities. If not used, state net operating losses will begin to expire in 2017.  Foreign net operating losses have no expiration period. Certain of these carryforwards are subject to limitations on use due to tax rules affecting acquired tax attributes, loss sharing between group members, and business continuation.  Therefore, the Company has established tax-effected valuation allowances against these tax benefits in the amount of $24,540 at September 30, 2014.  U.S. tax attributes acquired in the Schawk transaction totaled $6,346.  At September 30, 2014, the Company had total foreign tax credit carryforwards of $3,120, offset by a valuation allowance of $689. The Company has the ability to claim a deduction for these credits prior to expiration, and the net carrying value of the credits of $2,431 assumes that a deduction will be claimed instead of a tax credit. If unutilized, these U.S. foreign tax credits will begin to expire in 2016.
	Changes in the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) are as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	4,516		$	4,501		$	4,721
	Increase from acquisition			385			-			-
	Increases for tax positions of prior years			369			-			742
	Decreases for tax positions of prior years			(863	)		(124	)		(74	)
	Increases based on tax positions related to the current year			623			708			137
	Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities			(12	)		(250	)		(602	)
	Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation			(707	)		(319	)		(423	)
	Balance, end of year		$	4,311		$	4,516		$	4,501
	The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $4,311 and $4,516 at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, all of which, if recorded, would impact the annual effective tax rate.  It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change by approximately $801 in the next 12 months primarily due to expiration of statutes related to specific tax positions.
	The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes.  Total penalties and interest accrued were $2,135 and $2,401 at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  These accruals may potentially be applicable in the event of an unfavorable outcome of uncertain tax positions.
	The Company is currently under examination in several tax jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitation expires for those tax jurisdictions.  As of September 30, 2014, the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are:
	United States - Federal	2011 and forward
	United States - State	2010 and forward
	Canada	2009 and forward
	Europe	2008 and forward
	United Kingdom	2012 and forward
	Australia	2010 and forward
	Asia	2008 and forward

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENT_LIA

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	'
	14	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:
	The Company operates various production, warehouse and office facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements.  Annual rentals under these and other operating leases were $21,849, $17,664 and $16,908 in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements for fiscal years 2015 through 2019 are $21,410, $15,788, $11,411, $6,885 and $5,009, respectively.
	The Company is party to various legal proceedings, the eventual outcome of which are not predictable.  Although the ultimate disposition of these proceedings is not presently determinable, management is of the opinion that they should not result in liabilities in an amount which would materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company has employment agreements with certain employees, the terms of which expire at various dates between fiscal 2015 and 2019.  The agreements generally provide for base salary and bonus levels and include non-compete provisions.  The aggregate commitment for salaries under these agreements at September 30, 2014 was $13,397.

ENVIRONMENTAL_MATTERS

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS [Abstract]	'
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS	'
	15	ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:
	The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  These laws and regulations impose limitations on the discharge of materials into the environment and require the Company to obtain and operate in compliance with conditions of permits and other government authorizations.  As such, the Company has developed environmental, health and safety policies and procedures that include the proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
	The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.
	At September 30, 2014, an accrual of $4,873 had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $1,088 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of the Company's known remediation obligations.  The accrual, which reflects previously established reserves assumed with the acquisition of York and additional reserves recorded as a purchase accounting adjustment, does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
	16	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
	Changes in working capital items as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following:
			2014			2013			2012
	Current assets:
	Accounts receivable		$	(13,492	)	$	(2,786	)	$	(5,175	)
	Inventories			4,429			3,827			(3,463	)
	Other current assets			(9,531	)		1,350			(7,034	)
				(18,594	)		2,391			(15,672	)
	Current liabilities:
	Trade accounts payable			5,720			(1,205	)		1,024
	Accrued compensation			(2,504	)		7,143			(1,476	)
	Accrued income taxes			1,330			(2,278	)		(2,649	)
	Other current liabilities			7,883			(9,054	)		2,370
				12,429			(5,394	)		(731	)
	Net change		$	(6,165	)	$	(3,003	)	$	(16,403	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	17	SEGMENT INFORMATION:
	The Company's products and operations consist of two principal businesses that are comprised of three operating segments each, as described under Nature of Operations (Note 1):  Memorialization Products (Cemetery Products, Funeral Home Products, Cremation) and Brand Solutions (Graphics Imaging, Marking and Fulfillment Systems, Merchandising Solutions).  Management evaluates segment performance based on operating profit (before income taxes) and does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, interest expense, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interests.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Note 2).  Intersegment sales are accounted for at negotiated prices.  Operating profit is total revenue less operating expenses.  Segment assets include those assets that are used in the Company's operations within each segment.  Assets classified under "Other" principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred income taxes and corporate headquarters' assets.  Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation), goodwill, and other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization).
	Information about the Company's segments follows:
			Memorialization						Brand Solutions
														Marking and
			Cemetery		Funeral Home				Graphics			Merchandising		Fulfillment
			Products		Products		Cremation		Imaging			Solutions		Systems		Other		Consolidated
	Sales to external customers:
	2014		$	221,992	$	234,583	$	51,845	$	398,223		$	99,105	$	100,849	$	-	$	1,106,597
	2013			226,586		242,803		48,522		294,571			79,370		93,505		-		985,357
	2012			215,943		230,943		45,981		259,865			72,964		74,621		-		900,317
	Intersegment sales:
	2014			166		234		2,223		134			463		31		-		3,251
	2013			39		172		951		416			527		10		-		2,115
	2012			262		4		60		2			702		22		-		1,052
	Depreciation and amortization:
	2014			4,835		6,162		489		25,303			2,397		2,203		1,475		42,864
	2013			4,034		6,267		351		21,968			2,324		1,675		1,246		37,865
	2012			3,255		6,416		396		14,175			2,330		1,048		1,201		28,821
	Operating profit:
	2014			36,165		28,025		5,116		(4,617	)		7,153		11,049		-		82,891
	2013			32,571		37,263		3,097		9,724			4,275		8,862		-		95,792
	2012			33,195		26,525		3,869		14,843			5,084		10,061		-		93,577
	Total assets:
	2014			202,126		312,619		42,344		1,202,360			76,509		115,470		80,307		2,031,735
	2013			210,242		286,576		40,072		426,796			69,012		113,420		69,782		1,215,900
	2012			211,205		299,248		41,099		356,458			66,170		75,217		78,645		1,128,042
	Capital expenditures:
	2014			4,900		2,040		1,317		15,455			1,279		3,325		921		29,237
	2013			8,415		2,399		174		9,027			737		2,904		1,268		24,924
	2012			3,811		2,540		396		18,693			1,496		2,513		3,787		33,236
	Information about the Company's operations by geographic area follows:
			United States		Central and South America		Canada		Europe			Australia		Asia		Consolidated
	Sales to external customers:
	2014		$	676,764	$	3,272	$	14,471	$	380,229		$	13,994	$	17,867	$	1,106,597
	2013			617,371		-		12,014		328,266			13,534		14,172		985,357
	2012			569,435		-		11,967		290,283			13,778		14,854		900,317
	Long-lived assets:
	2014			918,996		10,739		36,543		391,944			21,300		31,122		1,410,644
	2013			421,697		3,731		483		324,731			6,338		13,404		770,384
	2012			395,565		4,743		507		260,809			7,041		10,580		679,245
	Beginning October 1, 2014, the Company realigned its operations into three reporting segments, SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial. The SGK Brand Solutions segment is comprised of the graphics imaging business, including Schawk, and the merchandising solutions operations. The Memorialization segment is comprised of the Company's cemetery products, funeral home products and cremation operations.  The Industrial segment is comprised of the Company's marking and automation products and fulfillment systems.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	18	ACQUISITIONS:
	Fiscal 2014:
	On July 29, 2014, the Company acquired Schawk, a leading global brand development, activation and brand deployment company, headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois.  Under the terms of the transaction, Schawk shareholders received $11.80 cash and 0.20582 shares of Matthews' common stock for each Schawk share held.  Based on the closing price of Matthews' stock on July 28, 2014, the transaction represented an implied price of $20.74 per share and a total enterprise value (which included net outstanding debt, net of cash acquired) of $616,686.  Schawk provides comprehensive brand development and brand deployment services to clients primarily in the consumer packaged goods, retail and life sciences markets.  Schawk creates and sells its clients' brands, produces brand assets and protects brand equities to help drive brand performance.  Schawk currently delivers its services through more than 155 locations in over 20 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.  Schawk's revenue totaled $442,640 in 2013.  The purchase price exceeded the fair value of the identifiable net assets and, accordingly, $312,558 was allocated to goodwill, substantially none of which is tax deductible.
	The acquisition was made at prices above the fair value of the acquired identifiable assets, resulting in goodwill, due to expectations of the synergies that will be realized by combining the businesses.  These synergies include the elimination of redundant facilities, functions and staffing; use of the Company's existing commercial infrastructure to expand sales of the acquired businesses' products; and use of the commercial infrastructure of the acquired business to cost-effectively expand sales of Company products.  The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the acquired company's results have been included in the accompanying financial statements from their date of acquisition.  Acquisition transaction costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.  The net assets acquired have been recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to adjustment upon finalization of the valuation process.  The Company is not aware of any information that indicates the final valuation will differ materially from preliminary estimates.
	The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Schawk acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2014, and is based upon a preliminary valuation which is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information, including with respect to fixed assets, intangible assets, certain liabilities and related taxes.  The preliminary purchase price allocation for the Schawk acquisition is as follows:
	Purchase Price
	Cash paid		$	309,524
	Treasury stock (5,398,829 shares issued, $43.45 per share)			234,579
	Cash for debt repayment			83,882
	Cash acquired			(11,299	)
			$	616,686
	Net Assets Acquired
	Trade receivables		$	91,407
	Inventory			27,459
	Other current assets			16,537
	Property, plant and equipment			43,236
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer relationships			203,270
	Product technology			2,890
	Tradenames and other			1,610
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Tradenames			119,650
	Goodwill			312,558
	Other assets			7,864
	Trade accounts payable			(21,088	)
	Other current liabilities			(50,265	)
	Multi-employer plan withdrawal liability			(30,622	)
	Non-current liabilities			(107,820	)
			$	616,686
	The weighted-average amortization periods for intangible assets acquired are 20 years for customer relations, 5 years for product technology and 3 years for non-compete agreements.  The weighted average amortization period for all definite-lived intangible assets acquired is 19.7 years.
	Transaction-related costs related to the acquisition totaled $5,627.
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the consolidated results of Matthews combined with Schawk as if the acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2012:
			Schawk			Pro Forma Combined
			Acquisition date through September 30, 2014			2014		2013
	Sales		$	75,060		$	1,458,277	$	1,430,843
	Income before income taxes			(8,453	)		91,499		42,528
	Net income			(5,888	)		64,635		30,237
	Earnings per share		$	(.21	)	$	1.96	$	0.92
	The Schawk results from the acquisition date through September 30, 2014 included acquisition-related expenses and the write-off of inventory step-up value of $3,401 and $9,537, respectively.
	These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and include certain adjustments, such as interest expense on acquisition debt and acquisition related costs.  The pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on the date indicated, or which may result in the future.
	Fiscal 2013:
	Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2013 totaled $73,959.  The acquisitions were not individually material to the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations, and primarily included the following:
	In March 2013, the Company completed the purchase of the remaining 38.5% interest in Kroma Pre-Press Preparation Systems Industry & Trade, Inc. ("Kroma"), completing the option arrangement in connection with the July 2011 acquisition of a 61.5% interest in Kroma.
	In December 2012, the Company acquired Pyramid Controls, Inc. and its affiliate, Pyramid Control Systems (collectively, "Pyramid").  Pyramid is a provider of warehouse control systems and conveyor control solutions for distribution centers.  The acquisition is designed to expand Matthews' fulfillment products and services in the warehouse management market.   The initial purchase price for the transaction was $26,178, plus additional consideration of $3,703 paid in fiscal 2014 based on operating results.
	In November 2012, the Company acquired Wetzel Holding AG, Wetzel GmbH and certain related affiliates (collectively, "Wetzel").  Wetzel is a leading European provider of pre-press services and gravure printing forms, with manufacturing operations in Germany and Poland.  Wetzel's products and services are sold primary within Europe, and the acquisition is designed to expand Matthews' products and services in the global graphics imaging market.  The purchase price for Wetzel was 42.6 million Euros ($54,748) on a cash-free, debt-free basis.
	The Company has completed the allocation of purchase price for all fiscal 2013 acquisitions.
	Fiscal 2012:
	In May 2012, the Company acquired Everlasting Granite Memorial Co., Inc. ("Everlasting Granite"), a supplier of granite memorials, columbariums and private mausoleum estates.  The transaction was structured as an asset purchase and was designed to expand the Company's presence and product breadth in the granite memorial business.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	19	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
	Goodwill related to business combinations is not amortized, but is subject to annual review for impairment.  In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss may need to be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a discounted cash flow technique.  A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including sales volumes and pricing, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, working capital changes, and discount rate.  The Company estimates future cash flows using volume and pricing assumptions based largely on existing customer relationships and contracts, and operating cost assumptions management believes are reasonable based on historical performance and projected future performance as reflected in its most recent operating plans and projections.  The discount rate used in the discounted cash flow analysis was developed with the assistance of valuation experts and management believes it appropriately reflects the risks associated with the Company's operating cash flows.  In order to further validate the reasonableness of the estimated fair values of the reporting units as of the valuation date, a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of all reporting units to market capitalization was performed using a reasonable control premium.
	The Company performed its annual impairment review in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 and determined that for all reporting units, except Graphics Imaging, the estimated fair value significantly exceeded carrying value so no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary.  Recent economic conditions in Europe have unfavorably impacted the operating results of the Graphics Imaging business.  For the Graphics Imaging reporting unit, the estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%, resulting in no goodwill impairment for the unit.  While the Graphics Imaging reporting unit passed the first step of the impairment test, if its operating profits or another significant assumption were to deteriorate in the future, it could adversely affect the estimated fair value of the reporting unit.  Factors that could have a negative impact on the estimated fair value of the Graphics Imaging reporting unit include a further delay in the recovery of the European market, continued pricing pressure, declines in expected volumes, and an increase in discount rates.  If the Company is unsuccessful in its plans to recover the profitability of this business, the estimated fair value could decline and lead to a potential goodwill impairment in the future.  Changes to goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, follow.
																	Marking and
			Cemetery			Funeral Home						Graphics			Merchandising		Fulfillment
			Products			Products			Cremation			Imaging			Solutions		Systems			Consolidated
	Goodwill		$	102,371		$	162,876		$	12,558		$	169,174		$	9,138	$	30,816		$	486,933
	Accumulated impairment losses			(5,000	)		-			-			(5,752	)		-		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2012			97,371			162,876			12,558			163,422			9,138		30,816			476,181
	Additions during period			914			199			269			21,361			-		19,677			42,420
	Translation and other adjustments			1,010			133			(4	)		4,658			-		153			5,950
	Goodwill			104,295			163,208			12,823			195,193			9,138		50,646			535,303
	Accumulated impairment losses			(5,000	)		-			-			(5,752	)		-		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013			99,295			163,208			12,823			189,441			9,138		50,646			524,551
	Additions during period			-			-			-			312,403			-		288			312,691
	Translation and other adjustments			(1,908	)		-			(136	)		(15,684	)		-		(47	)		(17,775	)
	Goodwill			102,387			163,208			12,687			491,912			9,138		50,887			830,219
	Accumulated impairment losses			(5,000	)		-			-			(5,752	)		-		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	97,387		$	163,208		$	12,687		$	486,160		$	9,138	$	50,887		$	819,467
	In fiscal 2014, the addition to goodwill primarily reflects the acquisition of Schawk.
	In fiscal 2013, the addition to Graphics Imaging goodwill primarily reflects the acquisition of Wetzel; the addition to Marking and Fulfillment Systems goodwill reflects the acquisition of Pyramid; the addition to Cemetery Products goodwill reflects the acquisition of a small bronze manufacturer in Europe; the addition to Cremation goodwill reflects a small acquisition; and the addition to Funeral Home Products primarily represents the effect of an adjustment to the purchase price for a small casket distributor.
	The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
			Carrying			Accumulated			Impairment
			Amount			Amortization			Loss			Net
	September 30, 2014:
	Trade names		$	144,150		$	-	*	$	(1,621	)	$	142,529
	Trade names			2,854			(2,121	)		-			733
	Customer relationships			258,441			(24,785	)		-			233,656
	Copyrights/patents/other			14,528			(9,584	)		-			4,944
			$	419,973		$	(36,490	)	$	(1,621	)	$	381,862
	September 30, 2013:
	Trade names		$	24,496		$	-	*	$	(1,618	)	$	22,878
	Trade names			3,034			(2,142	)		-			892
	Customer relationships			59,061			(19,099	)		-			39,962
	Copyrights/patents/other			10,116			(8,746	)		-			1,370
			$	96,707		$	(29,987	)	$	(1,618	)	$	65,102
	*Not subject to amortization
	The net change in intangible assets during fiscal 2014 included an increase for the acquisition of Schawk, foreign currency fluctuations during the period and additional amortization.  The net change in intangible assets during fiscal 2013 included an increase for the acquisitions of Wetzel and Pyramid of $12,027, offset by an impairment loss in the Graphics Imaging segment, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and additional amortization.
	Amortization expense on intangible assets was $7,318, $4,156, and $3,886 in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.   Fiscal year amortization expense is estimated to be $20,517 in 2015, $19,654 in 2016, $18,671 in 2017, $17,513 in 2018 and $16,513 in 2019.

ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENTS

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	'
	20	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period.  This guidance is effective for Matthews beginning January 1, 2016 and will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606". This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. This standard is effective for Matthews beginning October 1, 2017. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for certain receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps.  This guidance provides companies with a practical expedient to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting.  The guidance is effective for Matthews beginning in fiscal 2015, and will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation in the financial statements of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance takes into account these losses and carryfowards as well as the intended or likelihood of use of the unrecognized tax benefit in determining the balance sheet classification as an asset or liability. This guidance was effective for Matthews beginning January 1, 2014 and did not have a material impact.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENT [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	'
	21	SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
	On November 17, 2014, the Company entered into a Release, Settlement Agreement, and Covenant Not To Sue (the "Settlement Agreement"), which concludes litigation arising out of allegations initiated against Harry Pontone, Scott Pontone, Pontone Casket Company and Batesville Casket Company ("Batesville").  Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Batesville will pay $17,000 in one lump sum payment to the Company and an additional $1,750 for attorney fees of Harry and Scott Pontone, for a total settlement value of $18,750. The Settlement Agreement contains customary mutual releases of claims.

SUPPLEMENTARY_FINANCIAL_INFORM

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
	SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):
	The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.
		Quarter Ended
		31-Dec		31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		Year Ended
										30-Sep
		(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
	FISCAL YEAR 2014:
	Sales	$	229,945	$	246,837	$	279,983	$	349,832	$	1,106,597
	Gross profit		81,376		90,182		104,230		116,708		392,496
	Operating profit		14,996		20,892		32,192		14,811		82,891
	Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders		7,914		11,333		19,263		5,164		43,674
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$0.29		$0.41		$0.70		$0.17		$1.54
	Diluted		0.29		0.41		0.7		0.16		1.53
	FISCAL YEAR 2013:
	Sales	$	225,609	$	256,390	$	250,652	$	252,706	$	985,357
	Gross profit		79,974		94,866		91,391		90,287		356,518
	Operating profit		16,499		25,070		30,760		23,463		95,792
	Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders		8,255		14,192		17,991		14,450		54,888
	Earnings per share
	Basic		$0.30		$0.51		$0.65		$0.53		$1.99
	Diluted		0.3		0.51		0.65		0.52		1.98

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
					Additions
			Balance at				Charged to
			beginning of		Charged to		other					Balance at
	Description		period		expense		Accounts(1)		Deductions(2)			end of period
			(Dollar amounts in thousands)
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
	Fiscal Year Ended:
	30-Sep-14		$	10,009	$	2,223	$	883	$	(2,178	)	$	10,937
	30-Sep-13			11,177		595		306		(2,069	)		10,009
	30-Sep-12			10,736		1,558		-		(1,117	)		11,177
	-1	Amount comprised principally of acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments in connection with acquisitions.
	-2	Amounts determined not to be collectible (including direct write-offs), net of recoveries.
					Provision
			Balance at		Charged				Other
			beginning of		(Credited)		Allowance		Additions			Balance at
	Description		period		To expense(1)		Changes(2)		(Deductions)(3)			end of period
			(Dollar amounts in thousands)
	Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance:
	Fiscal Year Ended:
	30-Sep-14		$	2,234	$	1,224	$	22,098	$	(1,016	)	$	24,540
	30-Sep-13			1,627		512		-		95			2,234
	30-Sep-12			1,061		484		-		82			1,627
	-1	Amounts relate primarily to the adjustments in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from use.
	-2	Amounts comprised of reductions in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from use of $1,332 and purchase accounting adjustments of $23,430.
	-3	Consists principally of adjustments related to foreign exchange.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation:
	The consolidated financial statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains an ownership interest and has operating control.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates:
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency:
	The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency.  Balance sheet accounts for foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date.  Gains or losses that result from this process are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recorded in other income (deductions), net.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
	Trade receivables are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are more than 30 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectability may be uncertain.  In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for all customers based on historical collection experience.
Inventories	'
	Inventories:
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost generally determined under the average cost method.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment:
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost.  Depreciation is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 10 to 45 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment.  Gains or losses from the disposition of assets are reflected in operating profit.  The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged against income as incurred.  Renewals and betterments of a nature considered to extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.  Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual review for impairment.  Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 20 years. In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets.  For purposes of testing indefinite–lived intangible assets, the Company uses a relief from royalty method.
Environmental	'
	Environmental:
	Costs that mitigate or prevent future environmental issues or extend the life or improve equipment utilized in current operations are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.  Costs that relate to current operations or an existing condition caused by past operations are expensed.  Environmental liabilities are recorded when the Company's obligation is probable and reasonably estimable.  Accruals for losses from environmental remediation obligations do not consider the effects of inflation, and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.
Treasury Stock	'
	Treasury Stock:
	Treasury stock is carried at cost.  The cost of treasury shares sold is determined under the average cost method.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes:
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Deferred income taxes for U.S. tax purposes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.  To the extent earnings are expected to be returned in the foreseeable future, the associated deferred tax liabilities are provided.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition:
	Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.
	For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.  At September 30, 2014, the Company held 319,134 memorials and 224,204 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.
	Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain cremation units, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.
	Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.
Share-Based Payment	'
	Share-Based Payment:
	Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards that have vesting conditions based on market targets.
Derivatives and Hedging	'
	Derivatives and Hedging:
	Derivatives are held as part of a formal documented hedging program.  All derivatives are straight forward and held for purposes other than trading.  Matthews measures effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the historical and probable future high correlation of changes in the fair value or future cash flows of the hedged item.  If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective or it becomes probable that an expected transaction will no longer occur, gains and losses on the derivative will be recorded in other income (deductions) at that time.
	Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and are reclassified to earnings in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.  The cash flows from derivative activities are recognized in the statement of cash flows in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.
Research and Development Expenses	'
	Research and Development Expenses:
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $7,814, $11,449 and $9,274 for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes the issuance of common stock for all dilutive securities.
Reclassifications and Revision	'
	Reclassifications and Revision:
	Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of prior years have been revised to conform to the current period's presentation.  Specifically, costs in excess of billings related to the Company's percentage-of-completion arrangements are presented in Other Current Assets for all periods.  Additionally, billings in excess of costs and customer prepayments related to the Company's percentage-of-completion arrangements are presented in Other Current Liabilities for all periods.  The revision resulted in an $11,739 increase to Other Current Assets with a corresponding decrease to Accounts Receivable and Inventory at September 30, 2013.  It also resulted in a $2,805 increase to Other Current Liabilities with a decrease to Other Liabilities at September 30, 2013.  In addition, certain reclassifications have been made to adjust for bank overdrafts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.  These revisions are not material to any of the prior years presented.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	'
	As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:
		30-Sep-14
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-	$	2,457	$	-	$	2,457
	Trading securities		19,038		-		-		19,038
	Total assets at fair value	$	19,038	$	2,457	$	-	$	21,495
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-	$	2,127	$	-	$	2,127
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	-	$	2,127	$	-	$	2,127
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
		30-Sep-13
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-	$	3,736	$	-	$	3,736
	Trading securities		17,929		-	$	-		17,929
	Total assets at fair value	$	17,929	$	3,736		-	$	21,665
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-	$	4,644	$	-	$	4,644
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	-	$	4,644	$	-	$	4,644
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	46,152	$	40,931
	Work in process		38,631		24,336
	Finished goods		68,059		64,544
		$	152,842	$	129,811

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVESTMENTS [Abstract]	'
Non-Current Investments	'
	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, non-current investments were as follows:
		2014		2013
	Trading securities:
	Mutual funds	$	19,038	$	17,929
	Equity investments		4,092		4,359
		$	23,130	$	22,288

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation	'
	Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014			2013
	Buildings	$	91,540		$	77,936
	Machinery and equipment		340,942			303,674
			432,482			381,610
	Less accumulated depreciation		(250,073	)		(233,791	)
			182,409			147,819
	Land		16,453			15,534
	Construction in progress		10,453			17,378
		$	209,315		$	180,731

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
			2014			2013
	Revolving credit facilities		$	702,055		$	335,420
	Notes payable to banks			13,315			21,530
	Short-term borrowings			6,410			8,612
	Capital lease obligations			7,475			9,093
				729,255			374,655
	Less current maturities			(15,228	)		(23,587	)
			$	714,027		$	351,068
Interest Rate Swaps	'
	The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:
	Effective Date	Amount	Fixed Interest Rate	Interest Rate Spread at September 30, 2014
					Maturity Date
	Oct-11	$25,000	1.67%	1.75%	Oct-15
	Nov-11	25,000	2.13%	1.75%	Nov-14
	Mar-12	25,000	2.44%	1.75%	Mar-15
	Jun-12	40,000	1.88%	1.75%	Jun-22
	Aug-12	35,000	1.74%	1.75%	Jun-22
	Sep-12	25,000	3.03%	1.75%	Dec-15
	Sep-12	25,000	1.24%	1.75%	Mar-17
	Nov-12	25,000	1.33%	1.75%	Nov-15
	May-14	25,000	1.35%	1.75%	May-18
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	'
	At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
	Derivatives		2014			2013
	Current assets
	Other current assets		$	324		$	427
	Long-term assets
	Other assets			2,133			3,309
	Current liabilities:
	Other current liabilities			(1,808	)		(2,590	)
	Long-term liabilities:
	Other liabilities			(319	)		(2,054	)
	Total derivatives		$	330		$	(908	)
Loss Recognized on Derivatives	'
	The loss recognized on derivatives was as follows:
		Location of	Amount of
	Derivatives in	Loss	Loss
	Cash Flow Hedging	Recognized in	Recognized in Income
	Relationships	Income on Derivatives	on Derivatives
			2014	2013
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	($4,318)	($4,170)
	The Company recognized the following losses in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"):
									Location of Gain	Amount of Loss
									or (Loss)	Reclassified from
	Derivatives in		Amount of Gain or						Reclassified from	AOCI
	Cash Flow		(Loss) Recognized in						AOCI	into Income
	Hedging		AOCI on Derivatives						into Income	(Effective Portion*)
	Relationships		2014			2013			(Effective Portion*)	2014		2013
	Interest rate swaps			($1,879)			$2,474		Interest expense		($2,634)		($2,544)
	*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.
Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt	'
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including short-term borrowings and capital leases, follows:
	2015		$	15,228
	2016			6,115
	2017			23,853
	2018			680,803
	2019			213
	Thereafter			3,043
			$	729,255

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014			2013
	Cumulative foreign currency translation	$	(27,367	)	$	3,714
	Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $129 and $354, respectively		201			(554	)
	Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $25,058 and $18,979, respectively		(39,651	)		(30,100	)
		$	(66,817	)	$	(26,940	)

SHAREBASED_PAYMENTS_Tables

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS [Abstract]	'
Restricted Stock Activity	'
	The transactions for restricted stock for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
					Weighted-
					average
					grant-date
		Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2013		641,399			$29.46
	Granted		296,231			38.23
	Vested		(285,063	)		29.39
	Expired or forfeited		(77,417	)		30.84
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014		575,150			33.83
Stock Option Activity	'
	The transactions for shares under options for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
								Weighted-
					Weighted-			average			Aggregate
					average			remaining			intrinsic
		Shares			exercise price			contractual term			value
	Outstanding, September 30, 2013		744,824			$37.76
	Granted		-			-
	Exercised		(211,956	)		35.54
	Expired or forfeited		(20,546	)		39.08
	Outstanding, September 30, 2014		512,322			38.62			1.4			$2,699
	Exercisable, September 30, 2014		199,880			38.43			1.4			$1,091
Non-vested Options Activity	'
	The transactions for non-vested option shares for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
					Weighted-
					average
					grant-date
		Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2013		331,755			$11.29
	Granted		-			-
	Vested		-			-
	Expired or forfeited		(19,313	)		12.65
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014		312,442			11.21
Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value	'
	The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value of restricted stock for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility		26.6	%		29.5	%		30.4	%
	Dividend yield		1.1	%		1.2	%		1	%
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.4	%		0.6	%		0.9	%
	Average expected term (years)		2			2			2

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
Information Used to Compute Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Common Shareholders	'
	The information used to compute earnings per share attributable to Matthews' common shareholders was as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$	43,674	$	54,888	$	55,843
	Less: dividends and undistributed earnings		121		583		861
	allocated to participating securities
	Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$	43,553	$	54,305	$	54,982
	Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic shares		28,209		27,255		27,753
	Effect of dilutive securities		274		168		86
	Diluted shares		28,483		27,423		27,839

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME1

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Pension Plans	'
	The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company's principal retirement plan was closed to new participants.  The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans as of the Company's actuarial valuation as of September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Pension						Other Postretirement
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	186,077		$	195,860		$	18,881		$	28,831
	Acquisitions		-			9,437			-			-
	Service cost		6,150			7,160			436			796
	Interest cost		8,927			8,024			919			1,129
	Actuarial (gain) loss		18,412			(27,179	)		1,929			(11,124	)
	Exchange (gain) loss		(703	)		-			-			-
	Benefit payments		(7,827	)		(7,225	)		(807	)		(751	)
	Benefit obligation, end of year		211,036			186,077			21,358			18,881
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value, beginning of year		123,713			116,577			-			-
	Actual return		10,792			10,838			-			-
	Benefit payments		(7,827	)		(7,225	)		(807	)		(751	)
	Employer contributions		5,075			3,523			807			751
	Fair value, end of year		131,753			123,713			-			-
	Funded status		(79,283	)		(62,363	)		(21,358	)		(18,881	)
	Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)		69,153			56,148			(987	)		(3,001	)
	Unrecognized prior service cost		(1,411	)		(1,935	)		(1,306	)		(1,502	)
	Net amount recognized	$	(11,541	)	$	(8,150	)	$	(23,651	)	$	(23,384	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
	Current liability	$	(733	)	$	(721	)	$	(1,007	)	$	(925	)
	Noncurrent benefit liability		(78,550	)		(61,642	)		(20,351	)		(17,956	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		67,742			54,213			(2,293	)		(4,503	)
	Net amount recognized	$	(11,541	)	$	(8,150	)	$	(23,651	)	$	(23,384	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated
	other comprehensive loss:
	Net actuarial loss (income)	$	69,153		$	56,148		$	(987	)	$	(3,001	)
	Prior service cost		(1,411	)		(1,935	)		(1,306	)		(1,502	)
	Net amount recognized	$	67,742		$	54,213		$	(2,293	)	$	(4,503	)
Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs	'
	Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:
		Pension									Other Postretirement
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	6,150		$	7,160		$	5,852		$	436		$	796		$	730
	Interest cost		8,927			8,024			7,842			919			1,129			1,283
	Expected return on plan assets		(9,666	)		(9,071	)		(7,836	)		-			-			-
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		(206	)		(206	)		(45	)		(195	)		(272	)		(451	)
	Net actuarial loss		3,927			7,903			6,814			(87	)		439			535
	Net benefit cost	$	9,132		$	13,810		$	12,627		$	1,073		$	2,092		$	2,097
Contributions During Fiscal Year	'
	Contributions made in fiscal 2014 are as follows:
	Contributions	Pension			Other Postretirement
	Principal retirement plan	$	3,000		$	-
	Supplemental retirement plan		725			-
	Other retirement plan		1,350			-
	Other postretirement plan		-			807
Amounts of AOCI Expected to be Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2015 include:
					Other
		Pension			Postretirement
		Benefits			Benefits
	Net actuarial loss	$	6,258		$	-
	Prior service cost		(180	)		(195	)
Weighted-Average Assumptions for Principal Retirement and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
	The measurement date of annual actuarial valuations for the Company's principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plans was September 30 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.  The weighted-average assumptions for those plans were:
		Pension									Other Postretirement
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate		4.25	%		5	%		4	%		4.25	%		5	%		4	%
	Return on plan assets		7.75			8			8			-			-			-
	Compensation increase		3.5			3.5			3.5			-			-			-
Weighted Average Asset Allocation and Target Allocation	'
	The Company's primary defined benefit pension plan's weighted-average asset allocation at September 30, 2014 and 2013 and weighted-average target allocation were as follows:
		Plan Assets at						Target
	Asset Category	2014			2013			Allocation
	Equity securities	$	66,984		$	67,954			55	%
	Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents		44,341			36,817			30	%
	Other investments		20,428			18,942			15	%
		$	131,753		$	123,713			100	%
Fair Value Allocation of Plan Assets	'
	The Company's defined benefit pension plans' asset categories at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		30-Sep-14
	Asset Category	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Equity securities - stocks	$	35,310		$	-		$	-		$	35,310
	Equity securities - mutual funds		30,694			980			-			31,674
	Fixed income securities		20,042			9,503			-			29,545
	Cash and cash equivalents		14,796			-			-			14,796
	Other investments		6,098			-			14,330			20,428
	Total	$	106,940		$	10,483		$	14,330		$	131,753
		30-Sep-13
	Asset Category	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Equity securities - stocks	$	36,127		$	-		$	-		$	36,127
	Equity securities - mutual funds		30,507			1,320			-			31,827
	Fixed income securities		17,912			9,487			-			27,399
	Cash and cash equivalents		9,418			-			-			9,418
	Other investments		-			-			18,942			18,942
	Total	$	93,964		$	10,807		$	18,942		$	123,713
Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Plan Assets	'
	Changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
		Fair Value,															Fair Value,
		Beginning of									Realized			Unrealized			End of
	Asset Category	Period			Acquisitions			Dispositions			Gains (Losses)			Gains			Period
	Other investments:
	Fiscal Year Ended:
	30-Sep-14	$	18,942		$	-		$	(5,439	)	$	1,118		$	(291	)	$	14,330
	30-Sep-13		18,173			-			-			48			721			18,942
Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid	'
	Benefit payments expected to be paid are as follows:
					Other
		Pension			Postretirement
	Years ending September 30:	Benefits			Benefits
	2015	$	7,747		$	1,007
	2016		8,116			1,098
	2017		8,550			1,205
	2018		9,039			1,282
	2019		9,611			1,347
	2020-2024		57,292			6,847
		$	100,355		$	12,786

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
Change in AOCI by Component, Net of Tax	'
	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
				Postretirement Benefit Plans			Currency Translation Adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, September 30, 2013			$	(30,100	)	$	3,714			$	(554	)	$	(26,940	)
	OCI before reclassification				(11,649	)		(31,081	)			(1,879	)		(44,609	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(a)		2,098			-		(b)		2,634			4,732
	Net current-period OCI				(9,551	)		(31,081	)			755			(39,877	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014			$	(39,651	)	$	(27,367	)		$	201		$	(66,817	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, September 30, 2013			$	-		$	401			$	-		$	401
	OCI before reclassification				-			115				-			115
	Net current-period OCI				-			115				-			115
	Balance, September 30, 2014			$	-		$	516			$	-		$	516
	(a)	Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 11).
	(b)	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 7).
Reclassifications out of AOCI	'
	Reclassifications out of AOCI for the year ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
			Year ended September 30, 2014			Affected line item in the Statement of Income
	Details about AOCI Components
	Postretirement benefit plans
	Prior service (cost) credit	(a)	$	401
	Actuarial losses	(a)		(3,840	)
		(b)		(3,439	)	Total before tax
				(1,341	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(2,098	)	Net of tax
	Derivatives
	Interest rate swap contracts		$	(4,318	)	Interest expense
		(b)		(4,318	)	Total before tax
				(1,684	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(2,634	)	Net of tax
	(a)	Amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses.  For additional information, see Note 11.
	(b)	For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
Provision for Income Taxes	'
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
			2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal		$	7,371		$	15,703		$	14,060
	State			3,612			3,423			2,483
	Foreign			10,427			4,804			6,437
				21,410			23,930			22,980
	Deferred			2,066			2,734			5,737
	Total		$	23,476		$	26,664		$	28,717
Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Consolidated Effective Tax Rate	'
	The reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate was as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory tax rate			35	%		35	%		35	%
	Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction			3.8			2.7			2.1
	Foreign taxes less than federal statutory rate			(2.1	)		(3.1	)		(0.6	)
	Other			(2.1	)		(1.9	)		(2.3	)
	Effective tax rate			34.6	%		32.7	%		34.2	%
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Pension and postretirement benefits		$	34,309		$	26,780
	Accruals and reserves not currently deductible			28,090			20,939
	Income tax credit carryforward			9,839			-
	Operating and capital loss carryforwards			25,419			3,733
	Stock options			8,366			10,691
	Other			16,175			3,791
	Total deferred tax assets			122,198			65,934
	Valuation allowances			(24,540	)		(2,234	)
	Net deferred tax assets			97,658			63,700
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation			(7,651	)		(3,693	)
	Goodwill and intangible assets			(183,685	)		(67,012	)
	Other			(18,590	)		(1,630	)
				(209,926	)		(72,335	)
	Net deferred tax asset		$	(112,268	)	$	(8,635	)
Changes in Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	Changes in the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) are as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	4,516		$	4,501		$	4,721
	Increase from acquisition			385			-			-
	Increases for tax positions of prior years			369			-			742
	Decreases for tax positions of prior years			(863	)		(124	)		(74	)
	Increases based on tax positions related to the current year			623			708			137
	Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities			(12	)		(250	)		(602	)
	Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation			(707	)		(319	)		(423	)
	Balance, end of year		$	4,311		$	4,516		$	4,501
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	'
	The Company is currently under examination in several tax jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitation expires for those tax jurisdictions.  As of September 30, 2014, the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are:
	United States - Federal	2011 and forward
	United States - State	2010 and forward
	Canada	2009 and forward
	Europe	2008 and forward
	United Kingdom	2012 and forward
	Australia	2010 and forward
	Asia	2008 and forward

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Changes in Working Capital Items as Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	'
	Changes in working capital items as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	(13,492	)	$	(2,786	)	$	(5,175	)
	Inventories		4,429			3,827			(3,463	)
	Other current assets		(9,531	)		1,350			(7,034	)
			(18,594	)		2,391			(15,672	)
	Current liabilities:
	Trade accounts payable		5,720			(1,205	)		1,024
	Accrued compensation		(2,504	)		7,143			(1,476	)
	Accrued income taxes		1,330			(2,278	)		(2,649	)
	Other current liabilities		7,883			(9,054	)		2,370
			12,429			(5,394	)		(731	)
	Net change	$	(6,165	)	$	(3,003	)	$	(16,403	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	Information about the Company's segments follows:
		Memorialization						Brand Solutions
													Marking and
		Cemetery		Funeral Home				Graphics			Merchandising		Fulfillment
		Products		Products		Cremation		Imaging			Solutions		Systems		Other		Consolidated
	Sales to external customers:
	2014	$	221,992	$	234,583	$	51,845	$	398,223		$	99,105	$	100,849	$	-	$	1,106,597
	2013		226,586		242,803		48,522		294,571			79,370		93,505		-		985,357
	2012		215,943		230,943		45,981		259,865			72,964		74,621		-		900,317
	Intersegment sales:
	2014		166		234		2,223		134			463		31		-		3,251
	2013		39		172		951		416			527		10		-		2,115
	2012		262		4		60		2			702		22		-		1,052
	Depreciation and amortization:
	2014		4,835		6,162		489		25,303			2,397		2,203		1,475		42,864
	2013		4,034		6,267		351		21,968			2,324		1,675		1,246		37,865
	2012		3,255		6,416		396		14,175			2,330		1,048		1,201		28,821
	Operating profit:
	2014		36,165		28,025		5,116		(4,617	)		7,153		11,049		-		82,891
	2013		32,571		37,263		3,097		9,724			4,275		8,862		-		95,792
	2012		33,195		26,525		3,869		14,843			5,084		10,061		-		93,577
	Total assets:
	2014		202,126		312,619		42,344		1,202,360			76,509		115,470		80,307		2,031,735
	2013		210,242		286,576		40,072		426,796			69,012		113,420		69,782		1,215,900
	2012		211,205		299,248		41,099		356,458			66,170		75,217		78,645		1,128,042
	Capital expenditures:
	2014		4,900		2,040		1,317		15,455			1,279		3,325		921		29,237
	2013		8,415		2,399		174		9,027			737		2,904		1,268		24,924
	2012		3,811		2,540		396		18,693			1,496		2,513		3,787		33,236
	Information about the Company's operations by geographic area follows:
		United States		Central and South America		Canada		Europe			Australia		Asia		Consolidated
	Sales to external customers:
	2014	$	676,764	$	3,272	$	14,471	$	380,229		$	13,994	$	17,867	$	1,106,597
	2013		617,371		-		12,014		328,266			13,534		14,172		985,357
	2012		569,435		-		11,967		290,283			13,778		14,854		900,317
	Long-lived assets:
	2014		918,996		10,739		36,543		391,944			21,300		31,122		1,410,644
	2013		421,697		3,731		483		324,731			6,338		13,404		770,384
	2012		395,565		4,743		507		260,809			7,041		10,580		679,245

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]	'
Components of Purchase Price and Net Assets Acquired	'
	The preliminary purchase price allocation for the Schawk acquisition is as follows:
	Purchase Price
	Cash paid	$	309,524
	Treasury stock (5,398,829 shares issued, $43.45 per share)		234,579
	Cash for debt repayment		83,882
	Cash acquired		(11,299	)
		$	616,686
	Net Assets Acquired
	Trade receivables	$	91,407
	Inventory		27,459
	Other current assets		16,537
	Property, plant and equipment		43,236
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer relationships		203,270
	Product technology		2,890
	Tradenames and other		1,610
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Tradenames		119,650
	Goodwill		312,558
	Other assets		7,864
	Trade accounts payable		(21,088	)
	Other current liabilities		(50,265	)
	Multi-employer plan withdrawal liability		(30,622	)
	Non-current liabilities		(107,820	)
		$	616,686
Summary of Unaudited Pro-Forma Information	'
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the consolidated results of Matthews combined with Schawk as if the acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2012:
		Schawk			Pro Forma Combined
		Acquisition date through September 30, 2014			2014		2013
	Sales	$	75,060		$	1,458,277	$	1,430,843
	Income before income taxes		(8,453	)		91,499		42,528
	Net income		(5,888	)		64,635		30,237
	Earnings per share	$	(.21	)	$	1.96	$	0.92

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Goodwill Attributable to Each Segment	'
	Changes to goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, follow.
																Marking and
		Cemetery			Funeral Home						Graphics			Merchandising		Fulfillment
		Products			Products			Cremation			Imaging			Solutions		Systems			Consolidated
	Goodwill	$	102,371		$	162,876		$	12,558		$	169,174		$	9,138	$	30,816		$	486,933
	Accumulated impairment losses		(5,000	)		-			-			(5,752	)		-		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2012		97,371			162,876			12,558			163,422			9,138		30,816			476,181
	Additions during period		914			199			269			21,361			-		19,677			42,420
	Translation and other adjustments		1,010			133			(4	)		4,658			-		153			5,950
	Goodwill		104,295			163,208			12,823			195,193			9,138		50,646			535,303
	Accumulated impairment losses		(5,000	)		-			-			(5,752	)		-		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013		99,295			163,208			12,823			189,441			9,138		50,646			524,551
	Additions during period		-			-			-			312,403			-		288			312,691
	Translation and other adjustments		(1,908	)		-			(136	)		(15,684	)		-		(47	)		(17,775	)
	Goodwill		102,387			163,208			12,687			491,912			9,138		50,887			830,219
	Accumulated impairment losses		(5,000	)		-			-			(5,752	)		-		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	97,387		$	163,208		$	12,687		$	486,160		$	9,138	$	50,887		$	819,467
Other Intangible Assets	'
	The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		Carrying			Accumulated			Impairment
		Amount			Amortization			Loss			Net
	September 30, 2014:
	Trade names	$	144,150		$	-	*	$	(1,621	)	$	142,529
	Trade names		2,854			(2,121	)		-			733
	Customer relationships		258,441			(24,785	)		-			233,656
	Copyrights/patents/other		14,528			(9,584	)		-			4,944
		$	419,973		$	(36,490	)	$	(1,621	)	$	381,862
	September 30, 2013:
	Trade names	$	24,496		$	-	*	$	(1,618	)	$	22,878
	Trade names		3,034			(2,142	)		-			892
	Customer relationships		59,061			(19,099	)		-			39,962
	Copyrights/patents/other		10,116			(8,746	)		-			1,370
		$	96,707		$	(29,987	)	$	(1,618	)	$	65,102
	*Not subject to amortization

SUPPLEMENTARY_FINANCIAL_INFORM1

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Components of Selected Quarterly Financial Data	'
	The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.
		Quarter Ended
		31-Dec		31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		Year Ended
										30-Sep
		(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
	FISCAL YEAR 2014:
	Sales	$	229,945	$	246,837	$	279,983	$	349,832	$	1,106,597
	Gross profit		81,376		90,182		104,230		116,708		392,496
	Operating profit		14,996		20,892		32,192		14,811		82,891
	Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders		7,914		11,333		19,263		5,164		43,674
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$0.29		$0.41		$0.70		$0.17		$1.54
	Diluted		0.29		0.41		0.7		0.16		1.53
	FISCAL YEAR 2013:
	Sales	$	225,609	$	256,390	$	250,652	$	252,706	$	985,357
	Gross profit		79,974		94,866		91,391		90,287		356,518
	Operating profit		16,499		25,070		30,760		23,463		95,792
	Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders		8,255		14,192		17,991		14,450		54,888
	Earnings per share
	Basic		$0.30		$0.51		$0.65		$0.53		$1.99
	Diluted		0.3		0.51		0.65		0.52		1.98

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_Details

NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Nature of Operations [Abstract]	'
Number of business segments	6

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum maturity of investments considered to be cash equivalents	'3 months	'	'
Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]	'	'	'
Period past due for which a finance charge may be applied	'30 days	'	'
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of pre-need sales of memorials	319,134	'	'
Number of pre-need sales of vases	224,204	'	'
Research and Development Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'
Research and development costs	$7,814	$11,449	$9,274
Reclassifications and Revision [Abstract]	'	'	'
Increase in other current assets	'	11,739	'
Increase in other current liabilities	'	$2,805	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangibles, minimum (in years)	'2 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangibles, minimum (in years)	'20 years	'	'
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangibles	'10 years	'	'
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangibles	'45 years	'	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangibles	'3 years	'	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangibles	'12 years	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'
Derivatives	$2,457	[1]	$3,736	[1]
Trading securities	19,038		17,929
Total assets at fair value	21,495		21,665
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivatives	2,127	[1]	4,644	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	2,127		4,644
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Trading securities	19,038		17,929
Total assets at fair value	19,038		17,929
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	0		0
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Derivatives	2,457	[1]	3,736	[1]
Trading securities	0		0
Total assets at fair value	2,457		3,736
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivatives	2,127	[1]	4,644	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	2,127		4,644
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Trading securities	0		0
Total assets at fair value	0		0
Liabilities:	'		'
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	$0		$0
[1]	Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories, net [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$46,152	$40,931
Work in process	38,631	24,336
Finished goods	68,059	64,544
Inventories	$152,842	$129,811

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Short-term investments [Abstract]	'	'
Corporate obligations, minimum purchased maturities threshold	'3 months	'
Corporate obligations, maximum purchased maturities threshold	'1 year	'
Trading securities [Abstract]	'	'
Mutual funds	$19,038	$17,929
Equity investments	4,092	4,359
Total non-current investments	23,130	22,288
Trading securities cost (in excess of) or below market value	$343	$157
Maximum ownership interests in various entities recorded under the cost method (in hundredths)	20.00%	'

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$209,315	$180,731	'
Depreciation expense	35,546	31,303	24,630
Buildings [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	91,540	77,936	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	340,942	303,674	'
Buildings, Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	432,482	381,610	'
Less accumulated depreciation	-250,073	-233,791	'
Total property, plant and equipment, net	182,409	147,819	'
Land [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	16,453	15,534	'
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$10,453	$17,378	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 2 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 3 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 4 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 5 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 6 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 7 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 8 [Member]

Interest Rate Swap 9 [Member]

Domestic Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Domestic Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Domestic Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Domestic Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Matthews International S.p.A [Member]

Matthews International S.p.A [Member]

Matthews International S.p.A [Member]

Matthews International S.p.A [Member]

Matthews International S.p.A [Member]

Matthews International S.p.A [Member]

Saueressig [Member]

Saueressig [Member]

Saueressig [Member]

Saueressig [Member]

Wetzel GmbH [Member]

Wetzel GmbH [Member]

Wetzel GmbH [Member]

Wetzel GmbH [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Lines of Credit with Italian Banks [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Current assets: Other Current Assets [Member]

Current assets: Other Current Assets [Member]

Long-term assets: Other Assets [Member]

Long-term assets: Other Assets [Member]

Current liabilities: Other current liabilities [Member]

Current liabilities: Other current liabilities [Member]

Long-term liabilities: Other liabilities [Member]

Long-term liabilities: Other liabilities [Member]

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

LinesofCredit

LONG-TERM DEBT [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facilities

$702,055

$335,420

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable to banks

13,315

21,530

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term borrowings

6,410

8,612

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital lease obligations

7,475

9,093

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt and capital lease obligations

729,255

374,655

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less current maturities

-15,228

-23,587

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations, excluding current maturities

714,027

351,068

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount of borrowings available

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

500,000

'

'

31,580

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,312

11,300

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus a factor ranging from .75% to 2.00% based on the Companybs leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

2.00%

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

Interest rate on borrowings (in hundredths)

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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1.75%

'

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'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

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'

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Annual commitment fee range on unused portion

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'.15% to .25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual commitment fee range on unused portion (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.15%

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum available for issuance of trade and standby letters of credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

680,000

305,000

'

'

22,055

17,500

30,434

22,500

6,063

4,800

7,639

5,600

'

'

6,922

5,500

6,871

5,100

1,576

1,200

2,310

1,700

3,624

2,900

10,000

7,400

Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.53%

2.81%

'

'

1.35%

1.35%

1.37%

1.37%

'

'

'

'

3.15%

3.16%

'

'

'

'

3.96%

3.96%

4.04%

4.04%

5.67%

5.67%

7.48%

7.48%

Number of lines of credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'October 2011

'November 2011

'March 2012

'June 2012

'August 2012

'September 2012

'September 2012

'November 2012

'May 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000

25,000

25,000

40,000

35,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed Interest Rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.67%

2.13%

2.44%

1.88%

1.74%

3.03%

1.24%

1.33%

1.35%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate Spread (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75%

1.75%

1.75%

1.75%

1.75%

1.75%

1.75%

1.75%

1.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'October 2015

'November 2014

'March 2015

'June 2022

'June 2022

'December 2015

'March 2017

'November 2015

'May 2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate cash flow hedges [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps

330

-908

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps, after tax

201

-554

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gain (loss) expected to be recognized over the next 12 months

-905

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

324

427

2,133

3,309

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liability derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,808

-2,590

-319

-2,054

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

330

-908

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of loss recognized in income on derivatives

'

'

'

'

-4,318

-4,170

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI on derivatives

'

'

-1,879

2,474

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into Income (effective portion)

'

'

'

'

($2,634)

[1]

($2,544)

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.

LONGTERM_DEBT_Longterm_Debt_In

LONG-TERM DEBT, Long-term Debt Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including short-term borrowings and capital leases [Abstract]	'	'
2015	$15,228	'
2016	6,115	'
2017	23,853	'
2018	680,803	'
2019	213	'
Thereafter	3,043	'
Total debt and capital lease obligations	$729,255	$374,655

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cumulative foreign currency translation	($27,367)	$3,714	'
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax	201	-554	'
Minimum pension liability, net of tax	-39,651	-30,100	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-66,817	-26,940	'
Tax expense on fair value of derivatives	129	354	'
Tax expense on minimum pension liability	25,058	18,979	'
Tax expense (benefit) on minimum pension liability and fair value of derivatives	($5,853)	$22,005	($2,896)
Class A common stock [Member]	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	70,000,000	70,000,000	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	2,500,000	'	'
Shares remain available for repurchase (in shares)	965,881	'	'

SHAREBASED_PAYMENTS_Details

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation cost	$6,812,000	$5,562,000	$5,472,000
Future income tax benefit from compensation expense recognized	2,657,000	2,169,000	2,134,000
Cash received from stock options exercised	7,951,000	974,000	267,000
Tax benefit realized from options exercised	698,000	99,000	22,000
2007 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Term of plan (in years)	'10 years	'	'
Maximum number of shares available for grants or awards (in shares)	2,500,000	'	'
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	1,907,538	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Vesting rights	'With respect to outstanding restricted share grants, for grants made prior to fiscal 2013, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, with the remaining one-half of the shares vesting in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Companybs Class A Common Stock.	'	'
Award expiration	'Unvested restricted shares generally expire on the earlier of five years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death. The Company issues restricted shares from treasury shares.	'	'
Restricted stock activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)	641,399	'	'
Granted (in shares)	296,231	'	'
Vested (in shares)	-285,063	'	'
Expired or forfeited (in shares)	-77,417	'	'
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)	575,150	641,399	'
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$29.46	'	'
Granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$38.23	'	'
Vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$29.39	'	'
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$30.84	'	'
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share)	$33.83	$29.46	'
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards	8,114,000	'	'
Weighted average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards (in years)	'2 years	'	'
Non-vested options activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Expired or forfeited (in shares)	-77,417	'	'
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	26.60%	29.50%	30.40%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.10%	1.20%	1.00%
Average risk free interest rate (in hundredths)	1.40%	0.60%	0.90%
Weighted average expected term (in years)	'2 years	'2 years	'2 years
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Exercisable rights	'Outstanding stock options are generally exercisable in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Companybs Class A Common Stock.	'	'
Vesting rights	'Options generally vest in one-third increments after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date (but, in any event, not until the attainment of the market value thresholds).	'	'
Award expiration	'The options expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death. The Company generally settles employee stock option exercises with treasury shares.	'	'
Restricted stock activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Expired or forfeited (in shares)	-19,313	'	'
Stock option activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	744,824	'	'
Granted (in shares)	0	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-211,956	'	'
Expired or forfeited (in shares)	-20,546	'	'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	512,322	744,824	'
Exercisable (in shares)	199,880	'	'
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$37.76	'	'
Granted, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$0	'	'
Exercised, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$35.54	'	'
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$39.08	'	'
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, end of period (in dollars per share)	$38.62	$37.76	'
Exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$38.43	'	'
Outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'1 year 4 months 24 days	'	'
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	2,699	'	'
Exercisable, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'1 year 4 months 24 days	'	'
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	1,091	'	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	1,653,000	294,000	57,000
Non-vested options activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)	331,755	'	'
Granted (in shares)	0	'	'
Vested (in shares)	0	'	'
Expired or forfeited (in shares)	-19,313	'	'
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)	312,442	331,755	'
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$11.29	'	'
Granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$0	'	'
Vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$0	'	'
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$12.65	'	'
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share)	$11.21	$11.29	'
Director Fee Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	150,000	'	'
Director Fee Plan, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee directors	60,000	'	'
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee Chairman of the Board	130,000	'	'
Shares deferred under the Director Fee Plan (in shares)	17,005	'	'
Value of annual stock-based grant	$100,000	'	'
Total stock options granted to date (in shares)	22,300	'	'
Option awards outstanding and vested (in shares)	0	'	'
Total restricted stock awards granted to date (in shares)	120,503	'	'
Restricted stock awards unvested (in shares)	37,457	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders allocated to participating securities	$5,164	$19,263	$11,333	$7,914	$14,450	$17,991	$14,192	$8,255	$43,674	$54,888	$55,843
Less: dividends and undistributed earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	121	583	861
Net income available to Matthews shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$43,553	$54,305	$54,982
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic shares (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	28,209	27,255	27,753
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	274	168	86
Diluted shares (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	28,483	27,423	27,839
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	271,075	782,942

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	$131,753	$123,713	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	131,753	123,713	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	131,753	123,713	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	106,940	93,964	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	106,940	93,964	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	106,940	93,964	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	10,483	10,807	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	10,483	10,807	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	10,483	10,807	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	14,330	18,942	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,330	18,942	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,330	18,942	'
Equity Securities - Stocks [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	35,310	36,127	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	35,310	36,127	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	35,310	36,127	'
Equity Securities - Stocks [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	35,310	36,127	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	35,310	36,127	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	35,310	36,127	'
Equity Securities - Stocks [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Equity Securities - Stocks [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	31,674	31,827	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	31,674	31,827	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	31,674	31,827	'
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	30,694	30,507	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	30,694	30,507	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	30,694	30,507	'
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	980	1,320	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	980	1,320	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	980	1,320	'
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	29,545	27,399	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	29,545	27,399	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	29,545	27,399	'
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	20,042	17,912	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	20,042	17,912	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	20,042	17,912	'
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	9,503	9,487	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	9,503	9,487	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	9,503	9,487	'
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	14,796	9,418	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,796	9,418	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,796	9,418	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	14,796	9,418	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,796	9,418	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,796	9,418	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	20,428	18,942	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	20,428	18,942	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	20,428	18,942	'
Other Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	6,098	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	6,098	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	6,098	0	'
Other Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Other Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, end of year	14,330	18,942	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,330	18,942	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,330	18,942	'
Principal Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Contributions during fiscal 2013:	'	'	'
Pension contributions	3,000	'	'
Other postretirement contributions	0	'	'
Supplemental Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Contributions during fiscal 2013:	'	'	'
Pension contributions	725	'	'
Other postretirement contributions	0	'	'
Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	186,077	195,860	'
Acquisitions	0	9,437	'
Service cost	6,150	7,160	5,852
Interest cost	8,927	8,024	7,842
Actuarial (gain) loss	18,412	-27,179	'
Exchange (gain) loss	-703	0	'
Benefit payments	-7,827	-7,225	'
Benefit obligation, end of year	211,036	186,077	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, beginning of year	123,713	116,577	'
Acquisitions	0	9,437	'
Actual return	10,792	10,838	'
Benefit payments	-7,827	-7,225	'
Employer contributions	5,075	3,523	'
Fair value, end of year	131,753	123,713	'
Funded status	-79,283	-62,363	'
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	69,153	56,148	'
Unrecognized prior service cost	-1,411	-1,935	'
Net amount recognized	-11,541	-8,150	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:	'	'	'
Current liability	-733	-721	'
Noncurrent benefit liability	-78,550	-61,642	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	67,742	54,213	'
Net amount recognized	-11,541	-8,150	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (income)	69,153	56,148	'
Prior service cost	-1,411	-1,935	'
Net amount recognized	67,742	54,213	'
Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	180,265	156,661	'
Projected benefit obligation	211,036	186,077	'
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	6,150	7,160	5,852
Interest cost	8,927	8,024	7,842
Expected return on plan assets	-9,666	-9,071	-7,836
Amortization:	'	'	'
Prior service cost	-206	-206	-45
Net actuarial loss	3,927	7,903	6,814
Net benefit cost	9,132	13,810	12,627
Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	6,258	'	'
Prior service cost	-180	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.25%	5.00%	4.00%
Return on plan assets (in hundredths)	7.75%	8.00%	8.00%
Compensation increase (in hundredths)	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Equity securities	66,984	67,954	'
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents	44,341	36,817	'
Other investments	20,428	18,942	'
Fair value of plan assets	131,753	123,713	'
Target allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Equity securities (in hundredths)	55.00%	'	'
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents (in hundredths)	30.00%	'	'
Other investments (in hundredths)	15.00%	'	'
Total target asset allocation (in hundredths)	100.00%	'	'
Cash included in plan assets (in hundredths)	2.00%	2.00%	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	131,753	123,713	'
Benefit payments expected to be paid [Abstract]	'	'	'
2015	7,747	'	'
2016	8,116	'	'
2017	8,550	'	'
2018	9,039	'	'
2019	9,611	'	'
2020-2024	57,292	'	'
Total benefits expected to be paid	100,355	'	'
Effect of one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]	'	'	'
Withdrawal liability	30,423	'	'
Expected annual payments of multi-employer pension obligation	1,973	'	'
Pension Plans [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, beginning of year	18,942	18,173	'
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Dispositions	-5,439	0	'
Realized Gains (Losses)	1,118	48	'
Unrealized Gains	-291	721	'
Fair value, end of year	14,330	18,942	'
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,330	18,942	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,330	18,942	'
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	18,881	28,831	'
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Service cost	436	796	730
Interest cost	919	1,129	1,283
Actuarial (gain) loss	1,929	-11,124	'
Exchange (gain) loss	0	0	'
Benefit payments	-807	-751	'
Benefit obligation, end of year	21,358	18,881	'
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value, beginning of year	0	0	'
Acquisitions	0	0	'
Actual return	0	0	'
Benefit payments	-807	-751	'
Employer contributions	807	751	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	'
Funded status	-21,358	-18,881	'
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	-987	-3,001	'
Unrecognized prior service cost	-1,306	-1,502	'
Net amount recognized	-23,651	-23,384	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:	'	'	'
Current liability	-1,007	-925	'
Noncurrent benefit liability	-20,351	-17,956	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,293	-4,503	'
Net amount recognized	-23,651	-23,384	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (income)	-987	-3,001	'
Prior service cost	-1,306	-1,502	'
Net amount recognized	-2,293	-4,503	'
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	436	796	730
Interest cost	919	1,129	1,283
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization:	'	'	'
Prior service cost	-195	-272	-451
Net actuarial loss	-87	439	535
Net benefit cost	1,073	2,092	2,097
Contributions during fiscal 2013:	'	'	'
Pension contributions	0	'	'
Other postretirement contributions	807	'	'
Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	0	'	'
Prior service cost	-195	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.25%	5.00%	4.00%
Return on plan assets (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average asset allocation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	'
Benefit payments expected to be paid [Abstract]	'	'	'
2015	1,007	'	'
2016	1,098	'	'
2017	1,205	'	'
2018	1,282	'	'
2019	1,347	'	'
2020-2024	6,847	'	'
Total benefits expected to be paid	12,786	'	'
Assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]	'	'	'
Per capita cost of health care benefits assumed for next fiscal year (in hundredths)	7.00%	'	'
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	'	'
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	'2069	'	'
Effect of one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]	'	'	'
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	1,053	'	'
Effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest cost components	71	'	'
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	926	'	'
Effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest cost components	62	'	'
Other Retirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Contributions during fiscal 2013:	'	'	'
Pension contributions	$1,350	'	'

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	($26,940)		'	'
Net current-period OCI	-39,762		38,225	-6,454
Balance	-66,817		-26,940	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'	'
Interest expense	-12,628		-12,925	-11,476
Total before tax	67,796		81,436	83,921
Tax provision (benefit)	-23,476		-26,664	-28,717
Net of tax	44,320		54,772	55,204
Matthews [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	-26,940		'	'
OCI before reclassification	-44,609		'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	4,732		'	'
Net current-period OCI	-39,877		38,143	-6,425
Balance	-66,817		-26,940	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net of tax	43,674		54,888	55,843
Non-controlling Interests [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	401		'	'
OCI before reclassification	115		'	'
Net current-period OCI	115		82	-29
Balance	516		401	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net of tax	646		-116	-639
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'	'
Prior service (cost) credit	401	[1]	'	'
Actuarial losses	-3,840	[1]	'	'
Total before tax	-3,439	[2]	'	'
Tax provision (benefit)	-1,341		'	'
Net of tax	-2,098		'	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Matthews [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	-30,100		'	'
OCI before reclassification	-11,649		'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	2,098	[3]	'	'
Net current-period OCI	-9,551		'	'
Balance	-39,651		'	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Non-controlling Interests [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	0		'	'
OCI before reclassification	0		'	'
Net current-period OCI	0		'	'
Balance	0		'	'
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] | Matthews [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	3,714		'	'
OCI before reclassification	-31,081		'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	[3]	'	'
Net current-period OCI	-31,081		'	'
Balance	-27,367		'	'
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] | Non-controlling Interests [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	401		'	'
OCI before reclassification	115		'	'
Net current-period OCI	115		'	'
Balance	516		'	'
Derivatives [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'	'
Interest expense	-4,318		'	'
Total before tax	-4,318	[2]	'	'
Tax provision (benefit)	-1,684		'	'
Net of tax	-2,634		'	'
Derivatives [Member] | Matthews [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	-554		'	'
OCI before reclassification	-1,879		'	'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	2,634	[4]	'	'
Net current-period OCI	755		'	'
Balance	201		'	'
Derivatives [Member] | Non-controlling Interests [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Balance	0		'	'
OCI before reclassification	0		'	'
Net current-period OCI	0		'	'
Balance	$0		'	'
[1]	Amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses. For additional information, see Note 11.
[2]	For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.
[3]	Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 11).
[4]	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 7).

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	$7,371	$15,703	$14,060
State	3,612	3,423	2,483
Foreign	10,427	4,804	6,437
Total provision for income taxes, current	21,410	23,930	22,980
Deferred	2,066	2,734	5,737
Total	23,476	26,664	28,717
Reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction (in hundredths)	3.80%	2.70%	2.10%
Foreign taxes less than federal statutory rate (in hundredths)	-2.10%	-3.10%	-0.60%
Other (in hundredths)	-2.10%	-1.90%	-2.30%
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	34.60%	32.70%	34.20%
Foreign subsidiaries income before income taxes	23,835	23,662	24,654
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	259,354	'	'
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefits	34,309	26,780	'
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible	28,090	20,939	'
Income tax credit carryforward	9,839	0	'
Operating and capital loss carryforwards	25,419	3,733	'
Stock options	8,366	10,691	'
Other	16,175	3,791	'
Total deferred tax assets	122,198	65,934	'
Valuation allowances	-24,540	-2,234	'
Net deferred tax assets	97,658	63,700	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	-7,651	-3,693	'
Goodwill and intangible assets	-183,685	-67,012	'
Other	-18,590	-1,630	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-209,926	-72,335	'
Net deferred tax asset	-112,268	-8,635	'
Changes in the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	4,516	4,501	4,721
Increase from acquisition	385	0	0
Increases for tax positions of prior years	369	0	742
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	-863	-124	-74
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	623	708	137
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	-12	-250	-602
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation	-707	-319	-423
Balance, end of year	4,311	4,516	4,501
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	4,311	4,516	'
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	801	'	'
Total penalties and interest accrued	2,135	2,401	'
Tax attributes acquired in acquisition	6,346	'	'
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	3,120	'	'
Valuation allowance	689	'	'
Net carrying value of tax credit forwards	2,431	'	'
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of tax credit carryforward	25,862	'	'
U.S. State [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of operating loss carryforwards	70,130	'	'
Amount of tax credit carryforward	5,260	'	'
Foreign [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of operating loss carryforwards	66,688	'	'
Amount of tax credit carryforward	$4,579	'	'
United States - Federal [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Years By Jurisdiction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Years subject to examination	'2011 and forward	'	'
United States - State [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Years By Jurisdiction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Years subject to examination	'2010 and forward	'	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Years By Jurisdiction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Years subject to examination	'2009 and forward	'	'
Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Years By Jurisdiction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Years subject to examination	'2008 and forward	'	'
United Kingdom [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Years By Jurisdiction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Years subject to examination	'2012 and forward	'	'
Australia [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Years By Jurisdiction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Years subject to examination	'2010 and forward	'	'
Asia [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Years By Jurisdiction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Years subject to examination	'2008 and forward	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENT_LIA1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES [Abstract]	'	'	'
Annual rental expense under operating leases	$21,849	$17,664	$16,908
Future minimum rental commitments under operating leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fiscal year 2015	21,410	'	'
Fiscal year 2016	15,788	'	'
Fiscal year 2017	11,411	'	'
Fiscal year 2018	6,885	'	'
Fiscal year 2019	5,009	'	'
Employment Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate commitment amount for salaries	$13,397	'	'

ENVIRONMENTAL_MATTERS_Details

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS [Abstract]	'
Environmental remediation accrual	$4,873
Environmental remediation accrual classified in other current liabilities	$1,088

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Current assets:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	($13,492)	($2,786)	($5,175)
Inventories	4,429	3,827	-3,463
Other current assets	-9,531	1,350	-7,034
Total change in current assets	-18,594	2,391	-15,672
Current liabilities:	'	'	'
Trade accounts payable	5,720	-1,205	1,024
Accrued compensation	-2,504	7,143	-1,476
Accrued income taxes	1,330	-2,278	-2,649
Other current liabilities	7,883	-9,054	2,370
Total change in current liabilities	12,429	-5,394	-731
Net change	($6,165)	($3,003)	($16,403)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
									Business
									Segment
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of principal businesses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	$349,832	$279,983	$246,837	$229,945	$252,706	$250,652	$256,390	$225,609	$1,106,597	$985,357	$900,317
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,251	2,115	1,052
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,864	37,865	28,821
Operating profit	14,811	32,192	20,892	14,996	23,463	30,760	25,070	16,499	82,891	95,792	93,577
Total assets	2,031,735	'	'	'	1,215,900	'	'	'	2,031,735	1,215,900	1,128,042
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29,237	24,924	33,236
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,475	1,246	1,201
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Total assets	69,782	'	'	'	69,782	'	'	'	69,782	69,782	78,645
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	921	1,268	3,787
Operating Segments [Member] | Cemetery Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	221,992	226,586	215,943
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	166	39	262
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,835	4,034	3,255
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,165	32,571	33,195
Total assets	202,126	'	'	'	210,242	'	'	'	202,126	210,242	211,205
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,900	8,415	3,811
Operating Segments [Member] | Funeral Home Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	234,583	242,803	230,943
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	234	172	4
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,162	6,267	6,416
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	28,025	37,263	26,525
Total assets	312,619	'	'	'	286,576	'	'	'	312,619	286,576	299,248
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,040	2,399	2,540
Operating Segments [Member] | Cremation [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	51,845	48,522	45,981
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,223	951	60
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	489	351	396
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,116	3,097	3,869
Total assets	42,344	'	'	'	40,072	'	'	'	42,344	40,072	41,099
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,317	174	396
Operating Segments [Member] | Graphics Imaging [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	398,223	294,571	259,865
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	134	416	2
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,303	21,968	14,175
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,617	9,724	14,843
Total assets	1,202,360	'	'	'	426,796	'	'	'	1,202,360	426,796	356,458
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,455	9,027	18,693
Operating Segments [Member] | Merchandising Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	99,105	79,370	72,964
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	463	527	702
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,397	2,324	2,330
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,153	4,275	5,084
Total assets	76,509	'	'	'	69,012	'	'	'	76,509	69,012	66,170
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,279	737	1,496
Operating Segments [Member] | Marking and Fulfillment Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,849	93,505	74,621
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31	10	22
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,203	1,675	1,048
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,049	8,862	10,061
Total assets	115,470	'	'	'	113,420	'	'	'	115,470	113,420	75,217
Capital expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,325	$2,904	$2,513

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Revenues_f

SEGMENT INFORMATION, Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
									Segment
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reporting segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	$349,832	$279,983	$246,837	$229,945	$252,706	$250,652	$256,390	$225,609	$1,106,597	$985,357	$900,317
Long-lived assets	1,410,644	'	'	'	770,384	'	'	'	1,410,644	770,384	679,245
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	676,764	617,371	569,435
Long-lived assets	918,996	'	'	'	421,697	'	'	'	918,996	421,697	395,565
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Central and South America [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,272	0	0
Long-lived assets	10,739	'	'	'	3,731	'	'	'	10,739	3,731	4,743
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,471	12,014	11,967
Long-lived assets	36,543	'	'	'	483	'	'	'	36,543	483	507
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	380,229	328,266	290,283
Long-lived assets	391,944	'	'	'	324,731	'	'	'	391,944	324,731	260,809
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Australia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,994	13,534	13,778
Long-lived assets	21,300	'	'	'	6,338	'	'	'	21,300	6,338	7,041
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Asia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales to external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,867	14,172	14,854
Long-lived assets	$31,122	'	'	'	$13,404	'	'	'	$31,122	$13,404	$10,580

ACQUISITIONS_Details

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 29, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 29, 2014

Jul. 29, 2014

Jul. 29, 2014

Jul. 29, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Customer Relationships [Member]

Product Technology [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Schawk Inc [Member]

Schawk Inc [Member]

Schawk Inc [Member]

Schawk Inc [Member]

Schawk Inc [Member]

Schawk Inc [Member]

Schawk Inc [Member]

Kroma Pre-Press Preparation Systems Industry & Trade, Inc. [Member]

Kroma Pre-Press Preparation Systems Industry & Trade, Inc. [Member]

Pyramid Control Systems [Member]

Wetzel Holding AG [Member]

Wetzel Holding AG [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Customer Relationships [Member]

Product Technology [Member]

Trade Names and Other [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Location

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Country

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,398,829

'

'

'

'

'

0.20582

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition cash price per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Closing price per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20.74

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total service revenue

349,832,000

279,983,000

246,837,000

229,945,000

252,706,000

250,652,000

256,390,000

225,609,000

1,106,597,000

985,357,000

900,317,000

'

'

'

'

'

442,640,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Service deliverable locations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

155

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of service deliverable countries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

382,104,000

73,959,000

12,541,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest acquired (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38.50%

61.50%

'

'

'

Purchase price of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

309,524,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,178,000

54,748,000

42,600,000

Additional purchase price of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,703,000

'

'

Weighted average amortization period for intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'19 years 8 months 12 days

'

'

'20 years

'5 years

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition transaction-related costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,401,000

'

5,627,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition write-off of inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,537,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Price [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

309,524,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,178,000

54,748,000

42,600,000

Treasury stock (5,398,829 shares issued, $43.45 per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

234,579,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash for debt repayment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83,882,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,299,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Purchase Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

616,686,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Assets Acquired [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trade receivables

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

91,407,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,459,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,537,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43,236,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Definite-lived intangible assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Definite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

203,270,000

2,890,000

1,610,000

'

'

'

'

'

Indefinite-lived intangible assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

119,650,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

819,467,000

'

'

'

524,551,000

'

'

'

819,467,000

524,551,000

476,181,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

312,558,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,864,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trade accounts payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,088,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-50,265,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Multi-employer plan withdrawal liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-30,622,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-current liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-107,820,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total net assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

616,686,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock shares issued (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,398,829

'

'

'

'

'

0.20582

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock price per share (in dollars per share)

$43.45

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$43.45

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,458,277,000

1,430,843,000

'

'

'

'

'

75,060,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

91,499,000

42,528,000

'

'

'

'

'

-8,453,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$64,635,000

$30,237,000

'

'

'

'

'

($5,888,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.96

$0.92

'

'

'

'

'

($0.21)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross	$535,303		$486,933		'
Accumulated impairment losses	-10,752		-10,752		'
Goodwill	524,551		476,181		'
Additions during period	312,691		42,420		'
Translation and other adjustments	-17,775		5,950		'
Goodwill, gross	830,219		535,303		486,933
Accumulated impairment losses	-10,752		-10,752		-10,752
Goodwill	819,467		524,551		476,181
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'		'		'
Carrying amount	419,973		96,707		'
Accumulated amortization	-36,490		-29,987		'
Impairment Loss	-1,621		-1,618		'
Net	381,862		65,102		'
Net change in intangible assets	12,027		'		'
Amortization expense on intangible assets	7,318		4,156		3,886
Future amortization expense [Abstract]	'		'		'
Future amortization expense 2015	20,517		'		'
Future amortization expense 2016	19,654		'		'
Future amortization expense 2017	18,671		'		'
Future amortization expense 2018	17,513		'		'
Future amortization expense 2019	16,513		'		'
Trade names not subject to amortization [Member]	'		'		'
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'		'		'
Carrying amount	144,150		24,496		'
Accumulated amortization	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Impairment Loss	-1,621		-1,618		'
Net	142,529		22,878		'
Trade names [Member]	'		'		'
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'		'		'
Carrying amount	2,854		3,034		'
Accumulated amortization	-2,121		-2,142		'
Impairment Loss	0		0		'
Net	733		892		'
Customer relationships [Member]	'		'		'
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'		'		'
Carrying amount	258,441		59,061		'
Accumulated amortization	-24,785		-19,099		'
Impairment Loss	0		0		'
Net	233,656		39,962		'
Copyrights/patents/other [Member]	'		'		'
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'		'		'
Carrying amount	14,528		10,116		'
Accumulated amortization	-9,584		-8,746		'
Impairment Loss	0		0		'
Net	4,944		1,370		'
Cemetery Products [Member]	'		'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross	104,295		102,371		'
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,000		-5,000		'
Goodwill	99,295		97,371		'
Additions during period	0		914		'
Translation and other adjustments	-1,908		1,010		'
Goodwill, gross	102,387		104,295		'
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,000		-5,000		'
Goodwill	97,387		99,295		'
Funeral Home Products [Member]	'		'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross	163,208		162,876		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	163,208		162,876		'
Additions during period	0		199		'
Translation and other adjustments	0		133		'
Goodwill, gross	163,208		163,208		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	163,208		163,208		'
Cremation [Member]	'		'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross	12,823		12,558		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	12,823		12,558		'
Additions during period	0		269		'
Translation and other adjustments	-136		-4		'
Goodwill, gross	12,687		12,823		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	12,687		12,823		'
Graphics Imaging [Member]	'		'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross	195,193		169,174		'
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,752		-5,752		'
Goodwill	189,441		163,422		'
Additions during period	312,403		21,361		'
Translation and other adjustments	-15,684		4,658		'
Goodwill, gross	491,912		195,193		'
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,752		-5,752		'
Goodwill	486,160		189,441		'
Merchandising Solutions [Member]	'		'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross	9,138		9,138		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	9,138		9,138		'
Additions during period	0		0		'
Translation and other adjustments	0		0		'
Goodwill, gross	9,138		9,138		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	9,138		9,138		'
Marking and Fulfillment Systems [Member]	'		'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Goodwill, gross	50,646		30,816		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	50,646		30,816		'
Additions during period	288		19,677		'
Translation and other adjustments	-47		153		'
Goodwill, gross	50,887		50,646		'
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0		'
Goodwill	$50,887		$50,646		'
[1]	Not subject to amortization.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 17, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Settlement agreement amount from Batesville	$17,000
Receivables from attorney fees	1,750
Settlement amount	$18,750

SUPPLEMENTARY_FINANCIAL_INFORM2

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	$349,832	$279,983	$246,837	$229,945	$252,706	$250,652	$256,390	$225,609	$1,106,597	$985,357	$900,317
Gross profit	116,708	104,230	90,182	81,376	90,287	91,391	94,866	79,974	392,496	356,518	336,570
Operating profit	14,811	32,192	20,892	14,996	23,463	30,760	25,070	16,499	82,891	95,792	93,577
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$5,164	$19,263	$11,333	$7,914	$14,450	$17,991	$14,192	$8,255	$43,674	$54,888	$55,843
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.70	$0.41	$0.29	$0.53	$0.65	$0.51	$0.30	$1.54	$1.99	$1.98
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.16	$0.70	$0.41	$0.29	$0.52	$0.65	$0.51	$0.30	$1.53	$1.98	$1.98

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of period	$10,009		$11,177		$10,736
Additions charged to expense	2,223		595		1,558
Additions charged to other Accounts	883	[1]	306	[1]	0	[1]
Deductions	-2,178	[2]	-2,069	[2]	-1,117	[2]
Balance at end of period	10,937		10,009		11,177
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of period	2,234		1,627		1,061
Additions charged to expense	1,224	[3]	512	[3]	484	[3]
Additions charged to other Accounts	22,098	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Deductions	-1,016	[5]	95	[5]	82	[5]
Balance at end of period	24,540		2,234		1,627
Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Additions charged to other Accounts	1,332		'		'
Purchase Accounting Adjustments [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Additions charged to other Accounts	$23,430		'		'
[1]	Amount comprised principally of acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments in connection with acquisitions.
[2]	Amounts determined not to be collectible (including direct write-offs), net of recoveries.
[3]	Amounts relate primarily to the adjustments in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from use.
[4]	Amounts comprised of reductions in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from use of $1,332 and purchase accounting adjustments of $23,430.
[5]	Consists principally of adjustments related to foreign exchange.