Matthews International (MATW) 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	63296
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	32,963,427
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$63,075	$75,604
Accounts receivable, net	261,922	282,730
Inventories	146,558	152,842
Deferred income taxes	13,549	13,283
Other current assets	55,570	49,456
Total current assets	540,674	573,915
Investments	27,309	23,130
Property, plant and equipment: Cost	454,866	459,388
Less accumulated depreciation	-256,678	-250,073
Property, plant, and equipment, net	198,188	209,315
Deferred income taxes	5,074	4,019
Other assets	17,549	20,027
Goodwill	783,375	819,467
Other intangible assets, net	348,944	381,862
Total assets	1,921,113	2,031,735
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt, current maturities	12,618	15,228
Trade accounts payable	59,995	72,040
Accrued compensation	52,707	60,690
Accrued income taxes	4,371	7,079
Deferred income tax	215	235
Other current liabilities	98,482	98,011
Total current liabilities	228,388	253,283
Long-term debt	684,007	714,027
Accrued pension	78,924	78,550
Postretirement benefits	20,312	20,351
Deferred income taxes	124,905	129,335
Other liabilities	55,869	53,296
Total liabilities	1,192,405	1,248,842
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:
Common stock	36,334	36,334
Additional paid-in capital	112,056	113,225
Retained earnings	821,957	806,040
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-134,804	-66,817
Treasury stock, at cost	-110,467	-109,950
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews	725,076	778,832
Noncontrolling interests	3,632	4,061
Total shareholders' equity	728,708	782,893
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,921,113	$2,031,735

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Sales	$349,394	$246,837	$692,978	$476,782
Cost of sales	-221,699	-156,657	-440,613	-305,226
Gross profit	127,695	90,180	252,365	171,556
Selling and administrative expenses	-108,420	-69,637	-207,505	-136,334
Operating profit	19,275	20,543	44,860	35,222
Investment income	702	353	973	1,227
Interest expense	-4,934	-2,554	-10,267	-5,455
Other income (deductions), net	-1,238	-441	-1,673	-1,106
Income before income taxes	13,805	17,901	33,893	29,888
Income taxes	-4,377	-6,650	-9,629	-10,731
Net income	9,428	11,251	24,264	19,157
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	148	82	263	90
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$9,576	$11,333	$24,527	$19,247
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.41	$0.74	$0.71
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.41	$0.74	$0.70

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income (loss):	$9,428	$11,251	$24,264	$19,157
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-41,709	26	-68,001	2,715
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	965	529	1,890	1,057
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	-1,744	-1,049	-3,212	-472
Net amount reclassified to earnings	608	643	1,265	1,299
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	-1,136	-406	-1,947	827
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-41,880	149	-68,058	4,599
Comprehensive income (loss)	-32,452	11,400	-43,794	23,756
Matthews [Member]
Net income (loss):	9,576	11,333	24,527	19,247
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-41,648	223	-67,930	2,769
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	965	529	1,890	1,057
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	-1,744	-1,049	-3,212	-472
Net amount reclassified to earnings	608	643	1,265	1,299
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	-1,136	-406	-1,947	827
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-41,819	346	-67,987	4,653
Comprehensive income (loss)	-32,243	11,679	-43,460	23,900
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Net income (loss):	-148	-82	-263	-90
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-61	-197	-71	-54
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	0	0	0	0
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	0	0	0	0
Net amount reclassified to earnings	0	0	0	0
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	0			0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-61	-197	-71	-54
Comprehensive income (loss)	($209)	($279)	($334)	($144)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$36,334	$47,315	$775,762	($26,940)	($283,006)	$3,465	$552,930
Net income	0	0	19,247	0	0	-90	19,157
Minimum pension liability	0	0	0	1,057	0	0	1,057
Translation adjustment	0	0	0	2,769	0	-54	2,715
Fair value of derivatives	0	0	0	827	0	0	827
Comprehensive income (loss)							23,756
Stock-based compensation	0	3,239	0	0		0	3,239
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	-4,467	0	-4,467
Issuance of treasury stock	0	-6,799	0	0	8,770	0	1,971
Cancellation of treasury stock		3,156			-3,156
Dividends	0	0	-6,043	0	0	0	-6,043
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	-165	-165
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	36,334	46,911	788,966	-22,287	-281,859	3,156	571,221
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	36,334	113,225	806,040	-66,817	-109,950	4,061	782,893
Net income	0	0	24,527	0	0	-263	24,264
Minimum pension liability	0	0	0	1,890	0	0	1,890
Translation adjustment	0	0	0	-67,930	0	-71	-68,001
Fair value of derivatives	0	0	0	-1,947	0	0	-1,947
Comprehensive income (loss)							-43,794
Stock-based compensation	0	4,564	0	0		0	4,564
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	-9,890	0	-9,890
Issuance of treasury stock	0	-6,934	0	0	10,574	0	3,640
Cancellation of treasury stock		1,201			-1,201
Dividends	0	0	-8,610	0	0	0	-8,610
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	-95	-95
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$36,334	$112,056	$821,957	($134,804)	($110,467)	$3,632	$728,708

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Purchase of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	212,626	108,605
Issuance of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	328,927	281,231
Cancellation of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	32,739	77,417
Dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.26	$0.22

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$24,264	$19,157
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	31,888	18,921
Stock-based compensation expense	4,564	3,239
Change in deferred taxes	-10,962	-651
Gain on sale of assets	-65	-632
Unrealized gain on investments	-500	-875
Trade name write-offs	4,842	0
Changes in working capital items	10,175	-18,371
Decrease (Increase) in other assets	345	-805
Decrease in other liabilities	-4,607	-580
Increase in pension and postretirement benefits	3,273	4,369
Other, net	-9,101	-164
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,116	23,608
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-19,598	-9,859
Proceeds from sale of assets	690	29
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	10,418	0
Restricted cash	-12,925	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-21,415	-9,830
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	27,388	15,335
Payments on long-term debt	-52,815	-14,484
Payments of contingent consideration	0	-3,703
Proceeds from the sale of treasury stock	3,778	1,828
Purchases of treasury stock	-9,890	-4,267
Dividends	-8,610	-6,043
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-95	-165
Net cash used in financing activities	-40,244	-11,499
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,986	352
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-12,529	2,631
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of equipment under capital lease	$0	$949

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Note 1.   Nature of Operations
	Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company"), founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a provider principally of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial products.   Brand solutions include brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of brand management, printing plates and cylinders, pre-media services and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).  Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  Industrial products include 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, Central and South America, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 2.   Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information for commercial and industrial companies and the instructions to Form 10‑Q and Rule 10‑01 of Regulation S‑X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the six months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended September 30, 2014.  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.
	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 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.
	Reclassifications and Revision:
	Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of the prior year have been revised to conform to the current period's presentation.  These revisions are not material to the prior year presentation.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 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.  A three level fair value hierarchy is used 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.
	The fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:
		31-Mar-15								30-Sep-14
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-		-		-	$	-	$	-	$	2,457		-	$	2,457
	Trading	$	19,538		-		-	$	19,538	$	19,038		-		-	$	19,038
	securities
	Total assets at	$	19,538		-		-	$	19,538	$	19,038	$	2,457		-	$	21,495
	fair value
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-	$	2,862		-	$	2,862	$	-	$	2,127		-	$	2,127
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	2,862		-	$	2,862	$	-	$	2,127		-	$	2,127
	at fair value
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 4.   Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-15		30-Sep-14
	Raw Materials	$	46,042	$	46,152
	Work in process		35,742		38,631
	Finished goods		64,774		68,059
		$	146,558	$	152,842

Debt

Debt

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

Note 5.   Debt

The Company has a domestic Revolving Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions.  In connection with the acquisition of Schawk, Inc. ("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 March 31, 2015) 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 March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 were $660,425 and $680,000, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 was 2.50%.

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:

Effective Date

Amount

Fixed Interest Rate

Interest Rate Spread at March 31, 2015

Maturity Date

Oct-11

$25,000

1.67%

1.75%

Oct-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

Nov-14

$25,000

1.26%

1.75%

Jun-18

Mar-15

$25,000

1.49%

1.75%

Mar-19

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 loss of $2,862 ($1,746 after tax) at March 31, 2015 and an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $330 ($201 after tax) at September 30, 2014. The net unrealized gain and loss are included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at March 31, 2015, a loss (net of tax) of approximately $830 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

At March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Derivatives

31-Mar-15

30-Sep-14

Current assets:

Other current assets

$

-

$

324

Long-term assets:

Other assets

-

2,133

Current liabilities:

Other current liabilities

(1,360

)

(1,808

)

Long-term liabilities:

Other liabilities

(1,502

)

(319

)

Total derivatives

$

(2,862

)

$

330

The loss recognized on derivatives was as follows:

Location of

Derivatives in

Loss

Amount of

Amount of

Cash Flow

Recognized in

Loss Recognized

Loss Recognized

Hedging

Income on

in Income

in Income

Relationships

Derivative

on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Three Months ended March 31,

Six Months ended March 31,

2015

2014

2015

2014

Interest rate swaps

Interest expense

($996)

($1,054)

($2,073)

($2,130)

The Company recognized the following gains or losses in AOCI:

Location of

Gain or

(Loss)

Amount of Loss

Reclassified

Reclassified from

Amount of

From

AOCI into

Derivatives in

(Loss) Recognized in

AOCI into

Income

Cash Flow

AOCI on Derivatives

Income

(Effective Portion*)

Hedging Relationships

March 31,2015

March 31,2014

(EffectivePortion*)

31-Mar-15

31-Mar-14

Interest rate swaps

($3,212)

($472)

Interest expense

($1,265)

($1,299)

*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 borrowing available under this facility was 25.0 million Euros ($26,838).  Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled 14.1 million Euros ($15,171) and 17.5 million Euros ($22,055) at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 1.74% and 1.48%, respectively.

The Company, through its German subsidiary, Saueressig GmbH & Co. KG ("Saueressig"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings under these loans totaled 1.0 million Euros ($1,073) and 1.2 million Euros ($1,576) at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Saueressig at March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 4.05% 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 2.6 million Euros ($2,749) and 2.9 million Euros ($3,624) at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Wetzel at March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 5.84% and 7.75%, 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 4.8 million Euros ($5,118) and 5.5 million Euros ($6,922) at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  Matthews International S.p.A. also has three lines of credit totaling 11.3 million Euros ($12,163) with the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 4.2 million Euros ($4,496) and 4.8 million Euros ($6,063) at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowings at March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 3.18% and 3.12%, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of $12,925 was filed with respect to a project for a customer.  In January 2015, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit.  Pursuant to an action initiated by the Company, a court order has been issued requiring these funds to ultimately be remitted to the court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties.  While it is possible the resolution of this matter could be unfavorable to the Company, management has assessed the customer's claim to be without merit and, based on information available as of this filing, expects that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on Matthews' financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.  As of March 31, 2015, the Company has presented the funded letter of credit within other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

As of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, approximated the carrying value included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-Based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Note 6.   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 March 31, 2015, there were 1,476,798 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 and after 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 three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, total stock-based compensation cost totaled $2,039 and $1,665, respectively.  For the six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, total stock-based compensation cost totaled $4,564 and $3,239, respectively.  The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $795 and $649 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1,780 and $1,263 for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $51 and $173, respectively. For the six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $3,778 and $1,828, respectively. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company were $6 and $8 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $321 and $185 for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The transactions for restricted stock for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
					Weighted-
					average
					grant-date
		Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014		575,150			$33.83
	Granted		215,370			40.07
	Vested		(158,992	)		34.42
	Expired or forfeited		(34,244	)		24.92
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015		597,284			36.44
	As of March 31, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $11,867 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
	The transactions for shares under options for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
								Weighted-
					Weighted-			average		Aggregate
					average			remaining		intrinsic
		Shares			exercise price			contractual term		value
	Outstanding, September 30, 2014		512,322			$38.62
	Exercised		(99,144	)		38.11
	Expired or forfeited		(68,557	)		36.52
	Outstanding, March 31, 2015		344,621			39.19			1.2		$4,246
	Exercisable, March 31, 2015		100,633			38.76			1.1		$1,284
	No options vested during the three-month and six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $856 and $509, respectively.
	The transactions for non-vested options for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
					Weighted-average
					grant-date
	Non-vested shares	Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014		312,442			$11.21
	Expired or forfeited		(68,454	)		11.7
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015		243,988			11.07
	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 periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Expected volatility		22.2	%		26.6	%
	Dividend yield		1	%		1.1	%
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.7	%		1.4	%
	Average expected term (years)		1.8			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 and the 2014 Director Fee Plan (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  Since adoption of the 2014 Director Fee Plan, there have been 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 for fiscal 2015, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $75.  The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2015 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $175.  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 March 31, 2015.  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 $110 for fiscal 2015.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At March 31, 2015, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 136,568 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 33,418 of which were unvested at March 31, 2015.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the 2014 Director Fee Plan.

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders	Note 7.   Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders
	The information used to compute earnings per share attributable to Matthews' common shareholders was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$	9,576	$	11,333	$	24,527	$	19,247
	Less: dividends and undistributed earnings		1		23		5		74
	allocated to participating securities
	Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$	9,575	$	11,310	$	24,522	$	19,173
	Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic shares		32,970		27,276		32,940		27,193
	Effect of dilutive securities		212		194		244		231
	Diluted shares		33,182		27,470		33,184		27,424
	There were no anti-dilutive securities for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	Note 8.   Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:
		Three months ended March 31,
		Pension						Other Postretirement
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	1,655		$	1,582		$	114		$	109
	Interest cost		2,145			2,213			221			230
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,470	)		(2,396	)		-			-
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		(45	)		(52	)		(49	)		(21	)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)		1,564			991			-			(49	)
	Net benefit cost	$	2,849		$	2,338		$	286		$	269
		Six months ended March 31,
		Pension						Other Postretirement
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	3,310		$	3,164		$	228		$	218
	Interest cost		4,290			4,426			442			460
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,940	)		(4,792	)		-			-
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		(90	)		(104	)		(98	)		(43	)
	Net actuarial loss		3,128			1,982			-			(98	)
	Net benefit cost	$	5,698		$	4,676		$	572		$	537
	Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the postretirement benefit plan are made from the Company's operating funds.  Under IRS regulations, the Company is not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal year 2015.
	Contributions made and anticipated for fiscal year 2015 are as follows:
	Contributions	Pension			Other Postretirement
	Contributions during the six months ended March 31, 2015:
	Supplemental retirement plan	$	362		$	-
	Other postretirement plan		-			775
	Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2015:
	Supplemental retirement plan		371			-
	Other postretirement plan		-			232

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 9.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, December 31, 2014			$	(38,726	)		$	(53,649	)		$	(610	)	$	(92,985	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				(41,648	)			(1,744	)		(43,392	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			965				-		(b)		608			1,573
	Net current-period OCI				965				(41,648	)			(1,136	)		(41,819	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015			$	(37,761	)		$	(95,297	)		$	(1,746	)	$	(134,804	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, December 31, 2014				-			$	506				-		$	506
	OCI before reclassification				-				(61	)			-			(61	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(61	)			-			(61	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015				-			$	445				-		$	445
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, December 31, 2013			$	(29,572	)		$	6,260			$	679		$	(22,633	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				223				(1,049	)		(826	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			529				-		(b)		643			1,172
	Net current-period OCI				529				223				(406	)		346
	Balance, March 31, 2014			$	(29,043	)		$	6,483			$	273		$	(22,287	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, December 31, 2013				-			$	544				-		$	544
	OCI before reclassification				-				(197	)			-			(197	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(197	)			-			(197	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014				-			$	347				-		$	347
	(a)	Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see note 8).
	(b)	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see note 5).
	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the six month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, September 30, 2014			$	(39,651	)		$	(27,367	)		$	201		$	(66,817	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				(67,930	)			(3,212	)		(71,142	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			1,890				-		(b)		1,265			3,155
	Net current-period OCI				1,890				(67,930	)			(1,947	)		(67,987	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015			$	(37,761	)		$	(95,297	)		$	(1,746	)	$	(134,804	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, September 30, 2014				-			$	516				-		$	516
	OCI before reclassification				-				(71	)			-			(71	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(71	)			-			(71	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015				-			$	445				-		$	445
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, September 30, 2013			$	(30,100	)		$	3,714			$	(554	)	$	(26,940	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				2,769				(472	)		2,297
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			1,057				-		(b)		1,299			2,356
	Net current-period OCI				1,057				2,769				827			4,653
	Balance, March 31, 2014			$	(29,043	)		$	6,483			$	273		$	(22,287	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, September 30, 2013				-			$	401				-		$	401
	OCI before reclassification				-				(54	)			-			(54	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(54	)			-			(54	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014				-			$	347				-		$	347
	(a)	Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see note 8).
	(b)	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see note 5).
	Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			Three months ended March 31, 2015				Six months ended March 31, 2015			Affected line item in the Statement of income
	Details about AOCI Components
	Postretirement benefit plans
	Prior service (cost) credit		$	94		(a)	$	188
	Actuarial losses			(1,564	)	(a)		(3,128	)
				(1,470	)	(b)		(2,940	)	Total before tax
				(505	)			(1,050	)	Tax provision (benefit)
		$	(965	)		$	(1,890	)	Net of tax
Derivatives
Interest rate swap contracts		$	(996	)		$	(2,073	)	Interest expense
			(996	)	(b)		(2,073	)	Total before tax
			(388	)			(808	)	Tax provision (benefit)
		$	(608	)		$	(1,265	)	Net of tax
Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Amount reclassified from AOCI
		Three months ended March 31, 2014				Six months ended March 31, 2014			Affected line item in the Statement of income
Details about AOCI Components
Postretirement benefit plans
Prior service (cost) credit		$	73		(a)	$	147
Actuarial losses			(942	)	(a)		(1,884	)
			(869	)	(b)		(1,737	)	Total before tax
			(340	)			(680	)	Tax provision (benefit)
		$	(529	)		$	(1,057	)	Net of tax
Derivatives
Interest rate swap contracts		$	(1,054	)		$	(2,130	)	Interest expense
			(1,054	)	(b)		(2,130	)	Total before tax
			(411	)			(831	)	Tax provision (benefit)
		$	(643	)		$	(1,299	)	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 8.
(b)	For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 10.   Income Taxes
	Income tax provisions for the Company's interim periods are based on the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. The Company's effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2015 was 28.4%, compared to 35.9% for the first half of fiscal 2014.  The decrease in the effective tax rate for the first six months of fiscal 2015 primarily reflected the benefit of the utilization of certain tax attributes as a result of legal structure reorganization in foreign jurisdictions.  The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected the impact of state taxes, offset by lower foreign income taxes.
	The Company had unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) of $4,318 and $4,311 on March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, all of which, if recorded, would impact the 2015 annual effective tax rate.
	The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes. The Company included $88 in interest and penalties in the provision for income taxes for the first six months of fiscal 2015. Total penalties and interest accrued were $2,046 and $2,135 at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, 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 limitations expires for those tax jurisdictions.  As of March 31, 2015, 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	2009 and forward
	United Kingdom	2013 and forward
	Australia	2010 and forward
	Asia	2008 and forward

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 11.   Segment Information
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company changed its segment reporting to reflect a realignment of its operations, and changes in the management of its business.  The Company is now managing and reporting its businesses under three segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial. The SGK Brand Solutions segment is comprised of graphics imaging products and services, including Schawk, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services. 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. Prior periods have been restated to conform with the current presentation.  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 minority interest.
	Information about the Company's segments follows:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,
		2015			2014		2015		2014
	Sales to external customers:
	SGK Brand Solutions	$	191,722		$	98,341	$	392,556	$	189,403
	Memorialization		130,255			125,651		246,478		243,011
	Industrial		27,417			22,845		53,944		44,368
		$	349,394		$	246,837	$	692,978	$	476,782
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,
		2015			2014		2015		2014
	Operating profit:
	SGK Brand Solutions	$	(1,600	)	$	1,287	$	250	$	2,605
	Memorialization		18,173			17,426		39,659		29,647
	Industrial		2,702			1,830		4,951		2,970
		$	19,275		$	20,543	$	44,860	$	35,222

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 12.   Acquisitions
	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 delivers its services through more than 155 locations in over 20 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.  The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Schawk acquisition is not finalized as of March 31, 2015, 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 following information presents a summary of the consolidated results of Matthews combined with Schawk as if the acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2013:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Sales	$	349,394	$	348,723	$	692,978	$	692,948
	Income before income taxes		13,805		18,178		33,893		34,846
	Net income		9,576		13,444		24,527		23,750
	Earnings per share		$0.29		$0.41		$0.74		$0.72
	The unaudited pro forma results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 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.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 13.   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 combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  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 rates.  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 rates used in the discounted cash flow analyses were developed with the assistance of valuation experts and management believes the discount rates appropriately reflect 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 2015 and determined that the estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value so no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary at March 31, 2015.
	Trade names with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually in the second quarter. In connection with the integration of Schawk, the Company discontinued the use of certain trade names and recognized write-offs of approximately $4,842 in the SGK Brand Solutions segment during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
	A summary of the carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each segment as well as the changes in such amounts are as follows:
		SGK Brand Solutions			Memorialization			Industrial			Consolidated
	Goodwill	$	501,050		$	278,282		$	50,887		$	830,219
	Accumulated impairment losses		(5,752	)		(5,000	)		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		495,298			273,282			50,887			819,467
	Translation and other  adjustments		(31,301	)		(4,673	)		(118	)		(36,092	)
	Goodwill		469,749			273,609			50,769			794,127
	Accumulated impairment losses		(5,752	)		(5,000	)		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	463,997		$	268,609		$	50,769		$	783,375
	The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
		Carrying			Accumulated
		Amount			Amortization			Net
	March 31, 2015:
	Trade names	$	137,927		$	-	*	$	137,927
	Trade names		1,762			(1,621	)		141
	Customer relationships		241,856			(32,528	)		209,328
	Copyrights/patents/other		11,309			(9,761	)		1,548
		$	392,854		$	(43,910	)	$	348,944
	September 30, 2014:
	Trade names	$	142,529		$	-	*	$	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
		$	418,352		$	(36,490	)	$	381,862
	* Not subject to amortization
	The net change in intangible assets during the six months ended March 31, 2015 included the impact of foreign currency fluctuations during the period, additional amortization, and trade name write-offs of approximately $4,842 in the SGK Brand Solutions segment.  In addition, the Company completed the sale of a majority ownership in its Schawk Digital Solutions business, which was acquired in 2014 as part of the Schawk acquisition.  Net proceeds from this transaction totaled approximately $10,400, and the sale primarily resulted in the disposal of working capital and intangible assets, and the recognition of a cost-basis investment in this business.  No gain or loss was recognized on the sale.
	Amortization expense on intangible assets was $4,571 and $1,165 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  For the six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense was $9,221 and $2,340, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be $9,986 for the remainder of 2015, $18,128 in 2016, $17,157 in 2017, $16,018 in 2018 and $15,131 in 2019.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis	The fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:
		31-Mar-15								30-Sep-14
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-		-		-	$	-	$	-	$	2,457		-	$	2,457
	Trading	$	19,538		-		-	$	19,538	$	19,038		-		-	$	19,038
	securities
	Total assets at	$	19,538		-		-	$	19,538	$	19,038	$	2,457		-	$	21,495
	fair value
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives (1)	$	-	$	2,862		-	$	2,862	$	-	$	2,127		-	$	2,127
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	2,862		-	$	2,862	$	-	$	2,127		-	$	2,127
	at fair value
	(1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-15		30-Sep-14
	Raw Materials	$	46,042	$	46,152
	Work in process		35,742		38,631
	Finished goods		64,774		68,059
		$	146,558	$	152,842

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Debt [Abstract]

Interest rate swaps

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:

Effective Date

Amount

Fixed Interest Rate

Interest Rate Spread at March 31, 2015

Maturity Date

Oct-11

$25,000

1.67%

1.75%

Oct-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

Nov-14

$25,000

1.26%

1.75%

Jun-18

Mar-15

$25,000

1.49%

1.75%

Mar-19

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

At March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Derivatives

31-Mar-15

30-Sep-14

Current assets:

Other current assets

$

-

$

324

Long-term assets:

Other assets

-

2,133

Current liabilities:

Other current liabilities

(1,360

)

(1,808

)

Long-term liabilities:

Other liabilities

(1,502

)

(319

)

Total derivatives

$

(2,862

)

$

330

Loss recognized on derivatives

The loss recognized on derivatives was as follows:

Location of

Derivatives in

Loss

Amount of

Amount of

Cash Flow

Recognized in

Loss Recognized

Loss Recognized

Hedging

Income on

in Income

in Income

Relationships

Derivative

on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Three Months ended March 31,

Six Months ended March 31,

2015

2014

2015

2014

Interest rate swaps

Interest expense

($996)

($1,054)

($2,073)

($2,130)

The Company recognized the following gains or losses in AOCI:

Location of

Gain or

(Loss)

Amount of Loss

Reclassified

Reclassified from

Amount of

From

AOCI into

Derivatives in

(Loss) Recognized in

AOCI into

Income

Cash Flow

AOCI on Derivatives

Income

(Effective Portion*)

Hedging Relationships

March 31,2015

March 31,2014

(EffectivePortion*)

31-Mar-15

31-Mar-14

Interest rate swaps

($3,212)

($472)

Interest expense

($1,265)

($1,299)

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

ShareBased_Payments_Tables

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-Based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted stock activity	The transactions for restricted stock for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
					Weighted-
					average
					grant-date
		Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014		575,150			$33.83
	Granted		215,370			40.07
	Vested		(158,992	)		34.42
	Expired or forfeited		(34,244	)		24.92
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015		597,284			36.44
Stock option activity	The transactions for shares under options for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
								Weighted-
					Weighted-			average		Aggregate
					average			remaining		intrinsic
		Shares			exercise price			contractual term		value
	Outstanding, September 30, 2014		512,322			$38.62
	Exercised		(99,144	)		38.11
	Expired or forfeited		(68,557	)		36.52
	Outstanding, March 31, 2015		344,621			39.19			1.2		$4,246
	Exercisable, March 31, 2015		100,633			38.76			1.1		$1,284
Non-vested options activity	The transactions for non-vested options for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
					Weighted-average
					grant-date
	Non-vested shares	Shares			fair value
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014		312,442			$11.21
	Expired or forfeited		(68,454	)		11.7
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015		243,988			11.07
Assumptions used in estimating fair value	The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value of restricted stock for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Expected volatility		22.2	%		26.6	%
	Dividend yield		1	%		1.1	%
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.7	%		1.4	%
	Average expected term (years)		1.8			2

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl1

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders [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:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$	9,576	$	11,333	$	24,527	$	19,247
	Less: dividends and undistributed earnings		1		23		5		74
	allocated to participating securities
	Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$	9,575	$	11,310	$	24,522	$	19,173
	Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic shares		32,970		27,276		32,940		27,193
	Effect of dilutive securities		212		194		244		231
	Diluted shares		33,182		27,470		33,184		27,424

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost	The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:
		Three months ended March 31,
		Pension						Other Postretirement
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	1,655		$	1,582		$	114		$	109
	Interest cost		2,145			2,213			221			230
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,470	)		(2,396	)		-			-
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		(45	)		(52	)		(49	)		(21	)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)		1,564			991			-			(49	)
	Net benefit cost	$	2,849		$	2,338		$	286		$	269
		Six months ended March 31,
		Pension						Other Postretirement
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	3,310		$	3,164		$	228		$	218
	Interest cost		4,290			4,426			442			460
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,940	)		(4,792	)		-			-
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		(90	)		(104	)		(98	)		(43	)
	Net actuarial loss		3,128			1,982			-			(98	)
	Net benefit cost	$	5,698		$	4,676		$	572		$	537
Contributions made and anticipated for the current fiscal year	Contributions made and anticipated for fiscal year 2015 are as follows:
	Contributions	Pension			Other Postretirement
	Contributions during the six months ended March 31, 2015:
	Supplemental retirement plan	$	362		$	-
	Other postretirement plan		-			775
	Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2015:
	Supplemental retirement plan		371			-
	Other postretirement plan		-			232

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in AOCI by component	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, December 31, 2014			$	(38,726	)		$	(53,649	)		$	(610	)	$	(92,985	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				(41,648	)			(1,744	)		(43,392	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			965				-		(b)		608			1,573
	Net current-period OCI				965				(41,648	)			(1,136	)		(41,819	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015			$	(37,761	)		$	(95,297	)		$	(1,746	)	$	(134,804	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, December 31, 2014				-			$	506				-		$	506
	OCI before reclassification				-				(61	)			-			(61	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(61	)			-			(61	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015				-			$	445				-		$	445
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, December 31, 2013			$	(29,572	)		$	6,260			$	679		$	(22,633	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				223				(1,049	)		(826	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			529				-		(b)		643			1,172
	Net current-period OCI				529				223				(406	)		346
	Balance, March 31, 2014			$	(29,043	)		$	6,483			$	273		$	(22,287	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, December 31, 2013				-			$	544				-		$	544
	OCI before reclassification				-				(197	)			-			(197	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(197	)			-			(197	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014				-			$	347				-		$	347
	(a)	Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see note 8).
	(b)	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see note 5).
	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the six month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, September 30, 2014			$	(39,651	)		$	(27,367	)		$	201		$	(66,817	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				(67,930	)			(3,212	)		(71,142	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			1,890				-		(b)		1,265			3,155
	Net current-period OCI				1,890				(67,930	)			(1,947	)		(67,987	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015			$	(37,761	)		$	(95,297	)		$	(1,746	)	$	(134,804	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, September 30, 2014				-			$	516				-		$	516
	OCI before reclassification				-				(71	)			-			(71	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(71	)			-			(71	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015				-			$	445				-		$	445
				Post-retirement benefit plans				Currency translation adjustment				Derivatives			Total
	Attributable to Matthews:
	Balance, September 30, 2013			$	(30,100	)		$	3,714			$	(554	)	$	(26,940	)
	OCI before reclassification				-				2,769				(472	)		2,297
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)			1,057				-		(b)		1,299			2,356
	Net current-period OCI				1,057				2,769				827			4,653
	Balance, March 31, 2014			$	(29,043	)		$	6,483			$	273		$	(22,287	)
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
	Balance, September 30, 2013				-			$	401				-		$	401
	OCI before reclassification				-				(54	)			-			(54	)
	Net current-period OCI				-				(54	)			-			(54	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014				-			$	347				-		$	347
	(a)	Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see note 8).
	(b)	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see note 5).
Reclassifications out of AOCI	Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			Three months ended March 31, 2015				Six months ended March 31, 2015			Affected line item in the Statement of income
	Details about AOCI Components
	Postretirement benefit plans
	Prior service (cost) credit		$	94		(a)	$	188
	Actuarial losses			(1,564	)	(a)		(3,128	)
				(1,470	)	(b)		(2,940	)	Total before tax
				(505	)			(1,050	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(965	)		$	(1,890	)	Net of tax
	Derivatives
	Interest rate swap contracts		$	(996	)		$	(2,073	)	Interest expense
				(996	)	(b)		(2,073	)	Total before tax
				(388	)			(808	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(608	)		$	(1,265	)	Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
			Amount reclassified from AOCI
			Three months ended March 31, 2014				Six months ended March 31, 2014			Affected line item in the Statement of income
	Details about AOCI Components
	Postretirement benefit plans
	Prior service (cost) credit		$	73		(a)	$	147
	Actuarial losses			(942	)	(a)		(1,884	)
				(869	)	(b)		(1,737	)	Total before tax
				(340	)			(680	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(529	)		$	(1,057	)	Net of tax
	Derivatives
	Interest rate swap contracts		$	(1,054	)		$	(2,130	)	Interest expense
				(1,054	)	(b)		(2,130	)	Total before tax
				(411	)			(831	)	Tax provision (benefit)
			$	(643	)		$	(1,299	)	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 8.
	(b)	For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Tax years subject to examination	As of March 31, 2015, 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	2009 and forward
	United Kingdom	2013 and forward
	Australia	2010 and forward
	Asia	2008 and forward

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Information about the segments	Information about the Company's segments follows:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,
		2015			2014		2015		2014
	Sales to external customers:
	SGK Brand Solutions	$	191,722		$	98,341	$	392,556	$	189,403
	Memorialization		130,255			125,651		246,478		243,011
	Industrial		27,417			22,845		53,944		44,368
		$	349,394		$	246,837	$	692,978	$	476,782
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,
		2015			2014		2015		2014
	Operating profit:
	SGK Brand Solutions	$	(1,600	)	$	1,287	$	250	$	2,605
	Memorialization		18,173			17,426		39,659		29,647
	Industrial		2,702			1,830		4,951		2,970
		$	19,275		$	20,543	$	44,860	$	35,222

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Summary of Unaudited Pro-Forma Information	The following information presents a summary of the consolidated results of Matthews combined with Schawk as if the acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2013:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Sales	$	349,394	$	348,723	$	692,978	$	692,948
	Income before income taxes		13,805		18,178		33,893		34,846
	Net income		9,576		13,444		24,527		23,750
	Earnings per share		$0.29		$0.41		$0.74		$0.72

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill attributable to each segment	A summary of the carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each segment as well as the changes in such amounts are as follows:
		SGK Brand Solutions			Memorialization			Industrial			Consolidated
	Goodwill	$	501,050		$	278,282		$	50,887		$	830,219
	Accumulated impairment losses		(5,752	)		(5,000	)		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		495,298			273,282			50,887			819,467
	Translation and other  adjustments		(31,301	)		(4,673	)		(118	)		(36,092	)
	Goodwill		469,749			273,609			50,769			794,127
	Accumulated impairment losses		(5,752	)		(5,000	)		-			(10,752	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	463,997		$	268,609		$	50,769		$	783,375
Other intangible assets	The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
		Carrying			Accumulated
		Amount			Amortization			Net
	March 31, 2015:
	Trade names	$	137,927		$	-	*	$	137,927
	Trade names		1,762			(1,621	)		141
	Customer relationships		241,856			(32,528	)		209,328
	Copyrights/patents/other		11,309			(9,761	)		1,548
		$	392,854		$	(43,910	)	$	348,944
	September 30, 2014:
	Trade names	$	142,529		$	-	*	$	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
		$	418,352		$	(36,490	)	$	381,862
	* Not subject to amortization

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives	$0	[1]	$2,457	[1]
Trading securities	19,538		19,038
Total assets at fair value	19,538		21,495
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	2,862	[1]	2,127	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	2,862		2,127
Level 1 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Trading securities	19,538		19,038
Total assets at fair value	19,538		19,038
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	0		0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	[1]	2,457	[1]
Trading securities	0		0
Total assets at fair value	0		2,457
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	2,862	[1]	2,127	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	2,862		2,127
Level 3 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Trading securities	0		0
Total assets at fair value	0		0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total liabilities at fair value	$0		$0
[1]	Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates.

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, net [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$46,042	$46,152
Work in process	35,742	38,631
Finished goods	64,774	68,059
Inventories	$146,558	$152,842

Debt_Details

Debt (Details)

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

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]

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]

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]

Letter of Credit [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]

Saueressig [Member]

Wetzel GmbH [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]

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 (€)

USD ($)

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]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

Credit Facility With European Bank [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Interest Expense [Member]

Interest Expense [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

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Maximum amount of borrowings available

$900,000

$500,000

$26,838

€ 25,000

$12,163

€ 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%

Interest rate on borrowings (in hundredths)

1.75%

Annual commitment fee range on unused portion

.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

660,425

680,000

15,171

14,100

22,055

17,500

4,496

4,200

6,063

4,800

5,118

4,800

6,922

5,500

1,073

1,000

1,576

1,200

2,749

2,600

3,624

2,900

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

2.50%

2.50%

1.74%

1.74%

1.48%

3.18%

3.12%

4.05%

4.05%

4.04%

5.84%

5.84%

7.75%

Number of lines of credit

3

3

Other current assets

55,570

49,456

12,925

Derivative [Line Items]

Effective Date

Oct-11

Jun-12

Aug-12

Sep-12

Sep-12

Nov-12

May-14

Nov-14

Mar-15

Amount

25,000

40,000

35,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

Fixed Interest Rate (in hundredths)

1.67%

1.88%

1.74%

3.03%

1.24%

1.33%

1.35%

1.26%

1.49%

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

Oct-15

Jun-22

Jun-22

Dec-15

Mar-17

Nov-15

May-18

Jun-18

Mar-19

Interest rate cash flow hedges [Abstract]

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

-2,862

-330

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

-1,746

-201

Unrealized loss expected to be recognized over the next 12 months

-830

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Assets derivatives

0

324

0

2,133

Liability derivatives

-1,360

-1,808

-1,502

-319

Total derivatives

-2,862

330

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Amount of loss recognized in income (loss) on derivatives

-966

-1,054

-2,073

-2,130

Amount of (loss) recognized in AOCI on derivatives

-3,212

-472

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

($1,265)

[1]

($1,299)

[1]

[1]

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

ShareBased_Payments_Details

Share-Based Payments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation cost	$2,039	$1,665	$4,564	$3,239
Future income tax benefit from compensation expense recognized	795	649	1,780	1,263
Cash received from stock options exercised	51	173	3,778	1,828
Tax benefit realized from options exercised	6	8	321	185
2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Term of plan	10 years
Maximum number of shares available for grants or awards (in shares)	2,500,000		2,500,000
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	1,476,798		1,476,798
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)			575,150
Granted (in shares)			215,370
Vested (in shares)			-158,992
Expired or forfeited (in shares)			-34,244
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)	597,284		597,284
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$33.83
Granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)			$40.07
Vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)			$34.42
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)			$24.92
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share)	$36.44		$36.44
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards	11,867		11,867
Weighted average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards			1 year 10 months 24 days
Fair value assumptions [Abstract]
Expected volatility (in hundredths)			22.20%	26.60%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)			1.00%	1.10%
Average risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)			1.70%	1.40%
Average expected term			1 year 9 months 18 days	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., 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.
Stock option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)			512,322
Exercised (in shares)			-99,144
Expired or forfeited (in shares)			-68,557
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	344,621		344,621
Exercisable (in shares)	100,633		100,633
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$38.62
Exercised, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)			$38.11
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)			$36.52
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, end of period (in dollars per share)	$39.19		$39.19
Exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$38.76		$38.76
Outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term			1 year 2 months 12 days
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	4,246		4,246
Exercisable, weighted-average remaining contractual term			1 year 1 month 6 days
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	1,284		1,284
Intrinsic value of options exercised	856	509
Non-vested options activity [Roll Forward]
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)			312,442
Expired or forfeited (in shares)			-68,454
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)	243,988		243,988
Non-vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$11.21
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)			$11.70
Non-vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share)	$11.07		$11.07
Director Fee Plan, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Option awards outstanding (in shares)	344,621		344,621
Director Fee Plan [Member]
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	150,000		150,000
Stock option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	0		0
Director Fee Plan, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee directors	75
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee Chairman of the Board	175
Shares deferred under the Director Fee Plan (in shares)	17,005		17,005
Value of annual stock based grant	$110
Total stock options granted to date (in shares)	22,300		22,300
Option awards outstanding (in shares)	0		0
Total restricted stock awards granted to date (in shares)	136,568		136,568
Restricted stock awards unvested (in shares)	33,418		33,418

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl2

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$9,576	$11,333	$24,527	$19,247
Less: dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	1	23	5	74
Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$9,575	$11,310	$24,522	$19,173
Weighted-average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Basic shares (in shares)	32,970,000	27,276,000	32,940,000	27,193,000
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	212,000	194,000	244,000	231,000
Diluted shares (in shares)	33,182,000	27,470,000	33,184,000	27,424,000
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)	0	0	0	0

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$1,655	$1,582	$3,310	$3,164
Interest cost	2,145	2,213	4,290	4,426
Expected return on plan assets	-2,470	-2,396	-4,940	-4,792
Amortization [Abstract]
Prior service cost	-45	-52	-90	-104
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,564	991	3,128	1,982
Net benefit cost	2,849	2,338	5,698	4,676
Other Postretirement [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	114	109	228	218
Interest cost	221	230	442	460
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization [Abstract]
Prior service cost	-49	-21	-98	-43
Net actuarial loss (gain)	0	-49	0	-98
Net benefit cost	286	269	572	537
Benefit plan contributions [Abstract]
Other postretirement plan			775
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2015			232
Supplemental Retirement Plan [Member]
Benefit plan contributions [Abstract]
Supplemental retirement plan			362
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2015			$371

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance					($66,817)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-41,880		149		-68,058		4,599
Balance	-134,804				-134,804
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	-4,934		-2,554		-10,267		-5,455
Total before tax	13,805		17,901		33,893		29,888
Income taxes	-4,377		-6,650		-9,629		-10,731
Net income	9,428		11,251		24,264		19,157
Matthews [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-92,985		-22,633		-66,817		-26,940
OCI before reclassification	-43,392		-826		-71,142		2,297
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,573		1,172		3,155		2,356
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-41,819		346		-67,987		4,653
Balance	-134,804		-22,287		-134,804		-22,287
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	9,576		11,333		24,527		19,247
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	506		544		516		401
OCI before reclassification	-61		-197		-71		-54
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-61		-197		-71		-54
Balance	445		347		445		347
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	-148		-82		-263		-90
Post-retirement 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	94	[1]	73	[1]	188	[1]	147	[1]
Actuarial losses	-1,564	[1]	-942	[1]	-3,128	[1]	-1,884	[1]
Total before tax	-1,470	[2]	-869	[2]	-2,940	[2]	-1,737	[2]
Income taxes	-505		-340		-1,050		-680
Net income	-965		-529		-1,890		-1,057
Post-retirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Matthews [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-38,726		-29,572		-39,651		-30,100
OCI before reclassification	0		0		0		0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	965	[3]	529	[3]	1,890	[3]	1,057	[3]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	965		529		1,890		1,057
Balance	-37,761		-29,043		-37,761		-29,043
Post-retirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	0		0		0		0
OCI before reclassification	0		0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0		0		0		0
Balance	0		0		0		0
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] | Matthews [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-53,649		6,260		-27,367		3,714
OCI before reclassification	-41,648		223		-67,930		2,769
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0		0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-41,648		223		-67,930		2,769
Balance	-95,297		6,483		-95,297		6,483
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	506		544		516		401
OCI before reclassification	-61		-197		-71		-54
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-61		-197		-71		-54
Balance	445		347		445		347
Derivatives [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	-996		-1,054		-2,073		-2,130
Total before tax	-996	[2]	-1,054	[2]	-2,073	[2]	-2,130	[2]
Income taxes	-388		-411		-808		-831
Net income	-608		-643		-1,265		-1,299
Derivatives [Member] | Matthews [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-610		679		201		-554
OCI before reclassification	-1,744		-1,049		-3,212		-472
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	608	[4]	643	[4]	1,265	[4]	1,299	[4]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,136		-406		-1,947		827
Balance	-1,746		273		-1,746		273
Derivatives [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	0		0		0		0
OCI before reclassification	0		0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0		0		0		0
Balance	$0		$0		$0		$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 8.
[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 8).
[4]	Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see note 5).

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	28.40%	35.90%
Federal statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$4,318		$4,311
Interest and penalties on tax uncertainties	88
Total penalties and interest accrued	$2,046		$2,135
United States - Federal [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Years under examination	2011 and forward
United States - State [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Years under examination	2010 and forward
Canada [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Years under examination	2009 and forward
Europe [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Years under examination	2009 and forward
United Kingdom [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Years under examination	2013 and forward
Australia [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Years under examination	2010 and forward
Asia [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Years under examination	2008 and forward

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
			Segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments			3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	$349,394	$246,837	$692,978	$476,782
Operating profit	19,275	20,543	44,860	35,222
Reporting Segments [Member] | SGK Brand Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	191,722	98,341	392,556	189,403
Operating profit	-1,600	1,287	250	2,605
Reporting Segments [Member] | Memorialization [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	130,255	125,651	246,478	243,011
Operating profit	18,173	17,426	39,659	29,647
Reporting Segments [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers	27,417	22,845	53,944	44,368
Operating profit	$2,702	$1,830	$4,951	$2,970

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jul. 29, 2014
Indefinite-lived intangible assets [Abstract]
Sales	$349,394,000	$348,723,000	$692,978,000	$692,948,000
Income before income taxes	13,805,000	18,178,000	33,893,000	34,846,000
Net income	9,576,000	13,444,000	24,527,000	23,750,000
Earnings per share	$0.29	$0.41	$0.74	$0.72
Schawk, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price payable for each SGK share in cash (in dollars per share)					$11.80
Purchase price payable for each SGK share in common stock (in shares)					0.20582
Implied price of entity's common stock (in dollars per share)					$20.74
Total enterprise value					$616,686,000,000
Number of service deliverable locations					155
Number of service deliverable countries					20

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross	$830,219
Accumulated impairment losses	-10,752
Goodwill	819,467
Translation and other adjustments	-36,092
Goodwill, gross	794,127
Accumulated impairment losses	-10,752
Goodwill	783,375
SGK Brand Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross	501,050
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,752
Goodwill	495,298
Translation and other adjustments	-31,301
Goodwill, gross	469,749
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,752
Goodwill	463,997
Memorialization [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross	278,282
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,000
Goodwill	273,282
Translation and other adjustments	-4,673
Goodwill, gross	273,609
Accumulated impairment losses	-5,000
Goodwill	268,609
Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross	50,887
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Goodwill	50,887
Translation and other adjustments	-118
Goodwill, gross	50,769
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Goodwill	$50,769

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	$392,854			$392,854			$418,352
Accumulated Amortization	-43,910			-43,910			-36,490
Net	348,944			348,944			381,862
Net proceeds from acquisition				10,400
Amortization expense on intangible assets	4,571		1,165	9,221		2,340
Future amortization expense [Abstract]
Future amortization expense for the remainder 2015	9,986			9,986
Future amortization expense 2016	18,128			18,128
Future amortization expense 2017	17,157			17,157
Future amortization expense 2018	16,018			16,018
Future amortization expense 2019	15,131			15,131
Trade Names Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	137,927			137,927			142,529
Accumulated Amortization	0	[1]		0	[1]		0	[1]
Net	137,927			137,927			142,529
Trade Names [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	1,762			1,762			2,854
Accumulated Amortization	-1,621			-1,621			-2,121
Net	141			141			733
Customer Relationships [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	241,856			241,856			258,441
Accumulated Amortization	-32,528			-32,528			-24,785
Net	209,328			209,328			233,656
Copyrights/Patents/Other [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	11,309			11,309			14,528
Accumulated Amortization	-9,761			-9,761			-9,584
Net	1,548			1,548			4,944
SGK Brand Solutions [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Impairment Loss	$4,842			$4,842
[1]	Not subject to amortization