Matthews International (MATW) 10-Q 29 Jul 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	63,296
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	32,113,063

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 74,483	$ 72,196
Accounts receivable, net	285,184	283,963
Inventories	166,723	171,423
Other current assets	73,328	77,319
Total current assets	599,718	604,901
Investments	27,218	25,517
Property, plant and equipment: Cost	521,116	501,595
Less accumulated depreciation	(298,796)	(274,187)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	222,320	227,408
Deferred income taxes	1,324	1,284
Other assets	22,130	13,773
Goodwill	854,409	855,728
Other intangible assets, net	399,703	415,000
Total assets	2,126,822	2,143,611
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt, current maturities	21,246	11,737
Trade accounts payable	58,104	68,896
Accrued compensation	65,179	63,931
Accrued income taxes	21,311	11,448
Other current liabilities	100,077	92,731
Total current liabilities	265,917	248,743
Long-term debt	898,177	891,217
Accrued pension	100,349	95,753
Postretirement benefits	19,267	19,415
Deferred income taxes	115,500	125,298
Other liabilities	32,219	29,139
Total liabilities	1,431,429	1,409,565
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:
Common stock	36,334	36,334
Additional paid-in capital	113,698	115,890
Retained earnings	872,466	843,955
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(168,230)	(150,326)
Treasury stock, at cost	(160,164)	(115,033)
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews	694,104	730,820
Noncontrolling interests	1,289	3,226
Total shareholders' equity	695,393	734,046
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,126,822	$ 2,143,611

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 382,061	$ 364,752	$ 1,103,469	$ 1,057,730
Cost of sales	(236,764)	(229,316)	(693,845)	(669,929)
Gross profit	145,297	135,436	409,624	387,801
Selling and administrative expenses	(104,627)	(108,031)	(330,481)	(315,536)
Operating profit	40,670	27,405	79,143	72,265
Investment income	524	58	1,460	1,031
Interest expense	(6,257)	(4,849)	(18,146)	(15,116)
Other income (deductions), net	460	9,845	(606)	6,420
Income before income taxes	35,397	32,459	61,851	64,600
Income taxes	(11,605)	(9,245)	(19,290)	(18,314)
Net income	23,792	23,214	42,561	46,286
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	123	(74)	325	189
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$ 23,915	$ 23,140	$ 42,886	$ 46,475
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.73	$ 0.70	$ 1.31	$ 1.41
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.73	$ 0.70	$ 1.30	$ 1.40

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Net income (loss):	$ 23,792	$ 23,214	$ 42,561	$ 46,286
Other comprehensive (loss) income (OCI), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(23,749)	8,274	(18,460)	(59,727)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	1,098	876	3,258	2,766
Unrecognized loss on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	(2,074)	664	(4,292)	(2,548)
Net amount reclassified to earnings	518	581	1,479	1,846
Net change in unrecognized loss on derivatives	(1,556)	1,245	(2,813)	(702)
OCI, net of tax	(24,207)	10,395	(18,015)	(57,663)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(415)	33,609	24,546	(11,377)
Matthews
Net income (loss):	23,915	23,140	42,886	46,475
Other comprehensive (loss) income (OCI), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(23,692)	8,283	(18,349)	(59,647)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	1,098	876	3,258	2,766
Unrecognized loss on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	(2,074)	664	(4,292)	(2,548)
Net amount reclassified to earnings	518	581	1,479	1,846
Net change in unrecognized loss on derivatives	(1,556)	1,245	(2,813)	(702)
OCI, net of tax	(24,150)	10,404	(17,904)	(57,583)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(235)	33,544	24,982	(11,108)
Noncontrolling Interest
Net income (loss):	(123)	74	(325)	(189)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (OCI), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	0	0	0	0
Unrecognized 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 loss on derivatives	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (180)	$ 65	$ (436)	$ (269)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Treasury Stock	Non- controlling interests
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 775,206	$ 36,334	$ 113,225	$ 798,353	$ (66,817)	$ (109,950)	$ 4,061
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	46,286			46,475			(189)
Minimum pension liability	2,766				2,766
Translation adjustment	(59,727)				(59,647)		(80)
Fair value of derivatives	(702)				(702)		0
Comprehensive (loss) income	(11,377)						(269)
Stock-based compensation expense	6,838		6,838
Purchase of 1,130,875 shares of treasury stock	(9,897)					(9,897)
Issuance of 374,108 shares of treasury stock	3,761		(6,919)			10,680
Cancellations of 5,237 shares of treasury stock			1,284			(1,284)
Dividends, $.45 per share	(12,914)			(12,914)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(95)						(95)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	751,522	36,334	114,428	831,914	(124,400)	(110,451)	3,697
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	734,046	36,334	115,890	843,955	(150,326)	(115,033)	3,226
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	42,561			42,886			(325)
Minimum pension liability	3,258				3,258
Translation adjustment	(18,460)				(18,349)		(111)
Fair value of derivatives	(2,813)				(2,813)		0
Comprehensive (loss) income	24,546						(436)
Stock-based compensation expense	7,940
Stock-based compensation	7,940		7,940
Purchase of 1,130,875 shares of treasury stock	(57,903)					(57,903)
Issuance of 374,108 shares of treasury stock	5,367		(7,649)			13,016
Cancellations of 5,237 shares of treasury stock			244			(244)
Dividends, $.45 per share	(14,375)			(14,375)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(4,228)		(2,727)				(1,501)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 695,393	$ 36,334	$ 113,698	$ 872,466	$ (168,230)	$ (160,164)	$ 1,289

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHA6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	1,130,875	212,783
Issuance of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	374,108	332,183
Cancellation of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,237	34,789
Dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.39

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 42,561	$ 46,286
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	49,278	47,071
Stock-based compensation expense	7,940	6,838
Change in deferred taxes	(995)	(12,528)
Gain on sale of assets	(176)	(153)
Unrealized gain on investments	(819)	(617)
Trade name write-offs	0	4,842
Changes in working capital items	6,585	22,242
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(4,443)	2,792
Decrease in other liabilities	(1,573)	(14,416)
Increase in pension and postretirement benefits	9,778	6,199
Other, net	(9,731)	(6,217)
Net cash provided by operating activities	98,405	102,339
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(32,697)	(34,665)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(6,936)	(1,703)
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,344	912
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	0	10,418
Restricted cash	0	(12,925)
Net cash used in investing activities	(38,289)	(37,963)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	77,713	47,421
Payments on long-term debt	(61,295)	(82,325)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	5,181	3,907
Purchases of treasury stock	(57,903)	(9,897)
Dividends	(14,375)	(12,914)
Transaction with noncontrolling interests	(4,228)	(95)
Other financing activities	(2,318)	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(57,225)	(53,903)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(604)	(3,688)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,287	$ 6,785

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company"), founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a global provider of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial technologies. 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 primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. Industrial technologies 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 production and marketing facilities in the United States, Central and South America, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") 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 GAAP for complete financial statements. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016 . 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, 2015 . 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. New Accounting Pronouncements: Issued In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which provides new guidance intended to improve the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which provides new guidance on how an entity should account for leases and recognize associated lease assets and liabilities. This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities that arise from financing and operating leases on the consolidated balance sheet. The implementation of this standard will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, once adopted. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020, and does allow for early adoption. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Note 2. Basis of Presentation (continued) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principle versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which coincides with ASU 2014-09 and provides additional guidance in the determination of principles versus agents. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact this ASU, along with ASU 2014-09, will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which provides new guidance intended to simplify the accounting surrounding share-based compensation. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2018. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In April and May 2016, the FASB issued ASU Nos. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, and 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , respectively. Both of these ASUs coincide with ASU 2014-09 and provide additional guidance in the determination of performance obligations and implementation expedients. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact these ASUs, along with ASU 2014-09, will have on its consolidated financial statements. Adopted In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Income Taxes – Topic 740), which provides new guidance intended to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes in a classified statement of financial position. The new deferred income tax guidance requires that all deferred income tax balances be classified as non-current assets and liabilities on the classified statement of financial position. The Company adopted this standard in the quarter ended December 31, 2015, and retrospectively adjusted the prior period presentation to conform to the new standard. The adoption resulted in a $19,753 decrease in current deferred tax assets and a $340 decrease in current deferred tax liabilities, and a corresponding increase to non-current deferred tax assets of $346 and a decrease to non-current deferred tax liabilities of $19,067 in the September 30, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-7, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, which provides new guidance intended to simplify equity method accounting. Investments that qualify for equity method accounting will no longer apply the equity method retrospectively to previously recorded cost investments. The adoption of this ASU in the second quarter ended March 31, 2016, had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April and August 2015, the FASB issued ASU Nos. 2015-3, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , and 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Lines-of-Credit Arrangements , respectively. The new guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt, consistent with debt discounts. The guidance also allows for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements to be presented as an asset, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangements. The adoption of this guidance in the third quarter ended June 30, 2016, had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	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. Note 3. Fair Value Measurements (continued) The fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are categorized as follows: June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Derivatives (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Trading securities 19,263 — — 19,263 18,444 — — 18,444 Total assets at fair value $ 19,263 $ — $ — $ 19,263 $ 18,444 $ — $ — $ 18,444 Liabilities: Derivatives (1) $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 3,686 $ — $ 3,686 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 3,686 $ — $ 3,686 (1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consisted of the following: June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Raw materials $ 31,606 $ 48,636 Work in process 52,456 32,567 Finished goods 82,661 90,220 $ 166,723 $ 171,423

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that was amended and restated in April 2016 to increase the total borrowing capacity from $900,000 to $1,150,000 . The Company incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $2,318 in connection with the amended and restated agreement, which will be deferred and amortized over the term of the facility. The amended and restated agreement includes a $900,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250,000 senior secured term loan. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of 5.0% of the outstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and 10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments. The balance of the revolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of April 26, 2021 . Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% ( 1.75% at June 30, 2016) based on the Company's leverage ratio. The leverage ratio is defined as net indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The amended and restated agreement requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35,000 ) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility at June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 were $645,000 and $857,425 , respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at June 30, 2016 was $249,551 . The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility at June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015 was 2.55% and 2.51% , respectively. Note 5. Debt (continued) The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps: Effective Date Amount Fixed Interest Rate Interest Rate Spread at June 30, 2016 Maturity Date June 2012 $ 40,000 1.88% 1.75% June 2022 August 2012 35,000 1.74% 1.75% June 2022 September 2012 25,000 1.24% 1.75% March 2017 May 2014 25,000 1.35% 1.75% May 2018 November 2014 25,000 1.26% 1.75% June 2018 March 2015 25,000 1.49% 1.75% March 2019 September 2015 25,000 1.39% 1.75% September 2020 November 2015 25,000 1.32% 1.75% November 2020 December 2015 25,000 1.59% 1.75% December 2020 February 2016 25,000 0.99% 1.75% February 2020 February 2016 25,000 1.03% 1.75% February 2022 June 2016 51,563 0.77% 1.75% April 2021 June 2016 25,781 0.77% 1.75% April 2021 June 2016 25,781 0.78% 1.75% April 2021 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 domestic 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 $8,297 ( $5,061 after tax) at June 30, 2016 and an unrealized loss, net of unrealized gains, of $3,686 ( $2,248 after tax) at September 30, 2015 . The net unrealized loss is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at June 30, 2016 , a loss (net of tax) of approximately $1,244 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months. At June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: Derivatives June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Current assets: Other current assets $ — $ — Long-term assets: Other assets — — Current liabilities: Other current liabilities (2,040 ) (1,165 ) Long-term liabilities: Other liabilities (6,257 ) (2,521 ) Total derivatives $ (8,297 ) $ (3,686 ) Note 5. Debt (continued) The losses recognized on derivatives were as follows: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Location of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps Interest expense $ (848 ) $ (953 ) $ (2,424 ) $ (3,026 ) The Company recognized the following gains or losses in AOCI: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Interest rate swaps $ (4,292 ) $ (2,548 ) Interest expense $ (1,479 ) $ (1,846 ) *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 is 35.0 million Euros ( $38,863 ). Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled 7.7 million Euros ( $8,574 ) and 23.9 million Euros ( $26,829 ) at June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 1.75% and 1.50% , 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 527,262 Euros ( $585 ) and 734,452 Euros ( $824 ) at June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Saueressig at June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 4.07% and 3.85% , respectively. The Company, through its German subsidiary, Wetzel GmbH ("Wetzel"), has several loans with various European banks. Outstanding borrowings under these loans totaled 1.1 million Euros ( $1,252 ) and 1.9 million Euros ( $2,110 ) at June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Wetzel at June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 6.12% and 5.82% , respectively. The Company, through its Italian subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks. Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 3.5 million Euros ( $3,871 ) and 4.3 million Euros ( $4,772 ) at June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. Matthews International S.p.A. also has four lines of credit totaling 11.3 million Euros ( $12,581 ) with the same Italian banks. Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 5.0 million Euros ( $5,525 ) and 4.6 million Euros ( $5,166 ) at June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowings at June 30, 2016 and 2015 was 3.44% and 3.21% , respectively. Note 5. Debt (continued) In September 2014, a claim was filed seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8,570,000 ( $11,475 at June 30, 2016 ) with respect to a performance guarantee on a project for a customer in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's claim to be without merit and initiated an action with the court. Pursuant to this action, a court order was issued in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, as the customer has not yet remitted the funds, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. As of June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , the Company has presented the funded letter of credit within other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	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 June 30, 2016 , there were 1,022,548 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 Class A 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 vested 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 generally issues restricted shares from treasury shares. For the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , stock-based compensation cost totaled $2,673 and $2,274 , respectively. For the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , stock-based compensation cost totaled $7,940 and $6,838 , respectively. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $1,042 and $887 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $3,097 and $2,667 for the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. For the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $3,383 and $129 , respectively. For the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $5,181 and $3,907 , respectively. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company were $524 and $16 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $747 and $337 for the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Note 6. Share-Based Payments (continued) The transactions for restricted stock for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Shares Weighted- average grant-date fair value Non-vested at September 30, 2015 570,567 $ 33.66 Granted 227,125 51.89 Vested (266,950 ) 30.56 Expired or forfeited (4,665 ) 45.71 Non-vested at June 30, 2016 526,077 $ 45.16 As of June 30, 2016 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $11,143 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The transactions for shares under options for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Shares Weighted- average exercise price Weighted- average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, September 30, 2015 337,938 $ 39.19 Exercised (131,261 ) 39.47 Expired or forfeited (98,745 ) 37.33 Outstanding, June 30, 2016 107,932 40.56 0.37 $ 1,628 Exercisable, June 30, 2016 30,766 $ 40.56 0.37 $ 464 No options vested during the three-month and nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , 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 nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $2,087 and $897 , respectively. The transactions for non-vested options for the nine -months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Weighted-average grant-date Shares fair value Non-vested at September 30, 2015 166,406 $ 12.43 Expired or forfeited (89,240 ) 12.56 Non-vested at June 30, 2016 77,166 $ 12.29 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 the fair value of restricted stock granted during the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 . Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 Expected volatility 20.7 % 22.2 % Dividend yield 1.0 % 1.0 % Average risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 1.7 % Average expected term (years) 2.1 1.8 Note 6. Share-Based Payments (continued) 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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 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"). There will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the 1994 Director Fee Plan. Under the 2014 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2016, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $75 . The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2016 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 as of June 30, 2016 . Additionally, non-employee directors 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 2016. A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans. At June 30, 2016 , there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 152,290 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 49,140 of which were issued under the 2014 Director Fee Plan. 31,787 share of restricted stock are unvested at June 30, 2016 . A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the 2014 Director Fee Plan.

Earnings Per Share Attributable

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders	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 Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders $ 23,915 $ 23,140 $ 42,886 $ 46,475 Less: dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities — 2 — 8 Net income available to Matthews shareholders $ 23,915 $ 23,138 $ 42,886 $ 46,467 Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): Basic shares 32,542 32,962 32,795 32,947 Effect of dilutive securities 207 234 254 258 Diluted shares 32,749 33,196 33,049 33,205 There were no anti-dilutive securities for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016 or 2015 .

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	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 June 30, Pension Other Postretirement 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 1,813 $ 1,655 $ 101 $ 114 Interest cost 2,406 2,145 211 221 Expected return on plan assets (2,407 ) (2,470 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (46 ) (45 ) (49 ) (49 ) Net actuarial loss 1,866 1,564 — — Net benefit cost $ 3,632 $ 2,849 $ 263 $ 286 Nine months ended June 30, Pension Other Postretirement 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 5,439 $ 4,965 $ 303 $ 342 Interest cost 7,218 6,435 633 663 Expected return on plan assets (7,221 ) (7,410 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (138 ) (135 ) (147 ) (147 ) Net actuarial loss 5,598 4,692 — — Net benefit cost $ 10,896 $ 8,547 $ 789 $ 858 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 2016 . Contributions made and anticipated for fiscal year 2016 are as follows: Contributions Pension Other Postretirement Contributions during the nine months ended June 30, 2016: Supplemental retirement plan $ 543 $ — Other postretirement plan — 1,018 Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2016: Supplemental retirement plan $ 206 $ — Other postretirement plan — 252

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, March 31, 2016 $ (41,314 ) $ (99,261 ) $ (3,505 ) $ (144,080 ) OCI before reclassification — (23,692 ) (2,074 ) (25,766 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 1,098 — (b) 518 1,616 Net current-period OCI 1,098 (23,692 ) (1,556 ) (24,150 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 $ (40,216 ) $ (122,953 ) $ (5,061 ) $ (168,230 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, March 31, 2016 — $ 312 — $ 312 OCI before reclassification — (57 ) — (57 ) Net current-period OCI — (57 ) — (57 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 — $ 255 — $ 255 Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, March 31, 2015 $ (37,761 ) $ (95,297 ) $ (1,746 ) $ (134,804 ) OCI before reclassification — 8,283 664 8,947 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 876 — (b) 581 1,457 Net current-period OCI 876 8,283 1,245 10,404 Balance, June 30, 2015 $ (36,885 ) $ (87,014 ) $ (501 ) $ (124,400 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, March 31, 2015 — $ 445 — $ 445 OCI before reclassification — (9 ) — (9 ) Net current-period OCI — (9 ) — (9 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 — $ 436 — $ 436 (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). Note 9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued) The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (43,474 ) $ (104,604 ) $ (2,248 ) $ (150,326 ) OCI before reclassification — (18,349 ) (4,292 ) (22,641 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 3,258 — (b) 1,479 4,737 Net current-period OCI 3,258 (18,349 ) (2,813 ) (17,904 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 $ (40,216 ) $ (122,953 ) $ (5,061 ) $ (168,230 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2015 — $ 366 — $ 366 OCI before reclassification — (111 ) — (111 ) Net current-period OCI — (111 ) — (111 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 — $ 255 — $ 255 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 — (59,647 ) (2,548 ) (62,195 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 2,766 — (b) 1,846 4,612 Net current-period OCI 2,766 (59,647 ) (702 ) (57,583 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 $ (36,885 ) $ (87,014 ) $ (501 ) $ (124,400 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2014 — $ 516 — $ 516 OCI before reclassification — (80 ) — (80 ) Net current-period OCI — (80 ) — (80 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 — $ 436 — $ 436 (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). Note 9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued) Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 95 (a) $ 285 Actuarial losses (1,866 ) (a) (5,598 ) (1,771 ) (b) (5,313 ) Total before tax (673 ) (2,055 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (1,098 ) $ (3,258 ) Net of tax Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ (848 ) $ (2,424 ) Interest expense (848 ) (b) (2,424 ) Total before tax (330 ) (945 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (518 ) $ (1,479 ) Net of tax Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine -month periods ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 94 (a) $ 282 Actuarial losses (1,564 ) (a) (4,692 ) (1,470 ) (b) (4,410 ) Total before tax (594 ) (1,644 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (876 ) $ (2,766 ) Net of tax Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ (953 ) $ (3,026 ) Interest expense (953 ) (b) (3,026 ) Total before tax (372 ) (1,180 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (581 ) $ (1,846 ) 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	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	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 nine months ended June 30, 2016 was 31.2% , compared to 28.3% for the nine months ended 2015 . Fiscal 2015 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 fiscal 2016 third quarter effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected lower foreign income taxes, offset by the impact of state taxes. The Company had unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) of $3,522 and $4,086 on June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively, all of which, if recorded, would impact the 2016 annual effective tax rate. The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes. Total penalties and interest accrued were $1,980 and $2,010 at June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , 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 June 30, 2016 , the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are: United States – Federal 2013 and forward United States – State 2011 and forward Canada 2011 and forward Europe 2009 and forward United Kingdom 2013 and forward Australia 2011 and forward Asia 2009 and forward

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company manages its businesses under three segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies. The SGK Brand Solutions segment includes 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). The Memorialization segment consists primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. The previously titled Industrial segment was renamed in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and is now referred to as the Industrial Technologies segment. The Company believes this new segment name provides a better representation of the nature of business conducted within this segment. The Industrial Technologies segment includes marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products. Management evaluates segment performance based on operating profit (before income taxes) and does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, interest expense, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interest amongst the segments. Note 11. Segment Information (continued) Information about the Company's segments is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Sales: SGK Brand Solutions $ 199,633 $ 205,082 $ 562,308 $ 597,638 Memorialization 152,815 125,598 457,802 372,076 Industrial Technologies 29,613 34,072 83,359 88,016 $ 382,061 $ 364,752 $ 1,103,469 $ 1,057,730 Operating profit: SGK Brand Solutions $ 17,853 $ 5,286 $ 26,108 $ 5,536 Memorialization 20,900 17,715 48,059 57,374 Industrial Technologies 1,917 4,404 4,976 9,355 $ 40,670 $ 27,405 $ 79,143 $ 72,265

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions On February 1, 2016, the Company acquired certain net assets of Digital Design, Inc. ("DDI") for $7,659 (net of cash acquired and holdback amount). DDI is a manufacturer and seller of ink jet printing systems and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the DDI acquisition is not finalized as of June 30, 2016 , and is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information related to working capital items and fixed assets. On August 19, 2015, the Company acquired Aurora Products Group, LLC ("Aurora") for $210,026 (net of cash acquired). Aurora provides burial, cremation, and technology products to funeral home clients and distributors in the United States and Canada. The acquisition is designed to expand the Company's memorialization product offerings and geographic distribution footprint in the United States. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Aurora acquisition is not finalized as of June 30, 2016 , 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.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 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 Technologies Consolidated Goodwill $ 466,647 $ 346,946 $ 52,887 $ 866,480 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 460,895 341,946 52,887 855,728 Additions during period — — 3,958 3,958 Translation and other adjustments (4,084 ) (977 ) (216 ) (5,277 ) Goodwill 462,563 345,969 56,629 865,161 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 456,811 $ 340,969 $ 56,629 $ 854,409 Note 13. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued) The Company performed its annual impairment review in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and determined that estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary. The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net June 30, 2016: Trade names $ 168,467 $ — * $ 168,467 Trade names 1,803 (1,773 ) 30 Customer relationships 287,276 (56,705 ) 230,571 Copyrights/patents/other 11,123 (10,488 ) 635 $ 468,669 $ (68,966 ) $ 399,703 September 30, 2015 : Trade names $ 168,467 $ — * $ 168,467 Trade names 1,815 (1,718 ) 97 Customer relationships 296,689 (51,393 ) 245,296 Copyrights/patents/other 11,389 (10,249 ) 1,140 $ 478,360 $ (63,360 ) $ 415,000 * Not subject to amortization The net change in intangible assets during the nine months ended June 30, 2016 included the impact of foreign currency fluctuations during the period, additional amortization, and additions related to the DDI acquisition. Amortization expense on intangible assets was $5,235 and $4,651 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. For the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , amortization expense was $15,641 and $13,872 , respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be $5,232 for the remainder of 2016 , $20,494 in 2017 , $19,189 in 2018 , $18,146 in 2019 and $17,020 in 2020 .

Related Party Transaction

Related Party Transaction	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transaction	Related Party Transaction In May 2016, the Company purchased 970,000 common shares from members of the Schawk family, including David A. Schawk (who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company's President, SGK Brand Solutions) and certain family members of Mr. Schawk and/or trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Schawk or his family members. The purchase price for the shares purchase was $50.6921625 per share, which was equal to 96.76% of the average of the high and low trading prices for the common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on May 12, 2016.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [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: June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Derivatives (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Trading securities 19,263 — — 19,263 18,444 — — 18,444 Total assets at fair value $ 19,263 $ — $ — $ 19,263 $ 18,444 $ — $ — $ 18,444 Liabilities: Derivatives (1) $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 3,686 $ — $ 3,686 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 8,297 $ — $ 3,686 $ — $ 3,686 (1)Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Raw materials $ 31,606 $ 48,636 Work in process 52,456 32,567 Finished goods 82,661 90,220 $ 166,723 $ 171,423

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Swaps	The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps: Effective Date Amount Fixed Interest Rate Interest Rate Spread at June 30, 2016 Maturity Date June 2012 $ 40,000 1.88% 1.75% June 2022 August 2012 35,000 1.74% 1.75% June 2022 September 2012 25,000 1.24% 1.75% March 2017 May 2014 25,000 1.35% 1.75% May 2018 November 2014 25,000 1.26% 1.75% June 2018 March 2015 25,000 1.49% 1.75% March 2019 September 2015 25,000 1.39% 1.75% September 2020 November 2015 25,000 1.32% 1.75% November 2020 December 2015 25,000 1.59% 1.75% December 2020 February 2016 25,000 0.99% 1.75% February 2020 February 2016 25,000 1.03% 1.75% February 2022 June 2016 51,563 0.77% 1.75% April 2021 June 2016 25,781 0.77% 1.75% April 2021 June 2016 25,781 0.78% 1.75% April 2021
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	At June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: Derivatives June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Current assets: Other current assets $ — $ — Long-term assets: Other assets — — Current liabilities: Other current liabilities (2,040 ) (1,165 ) Long-term liabilities: Other liabilities (6,257 ) (2,521 ) Total derivatives $ (8,297 ) $ (3,686 )
Loss Recognized on Derivatives	The Company recognized the following gains or losses in AOCI: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Interest rate swaps $ (4,292 ) $ (2,548 ) Interest expense $ (1,479 ) $ (1,846 ) *There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing. The losses recognized on derivatives were as follows: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Location of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps Interest expense $ (848 ) $ (953 ) $ (2,424 ) $ (3,026 )

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Activity	The transactions for restricted stock for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Shares Weighted- average grant-date fair value Non-vested at September 30, 2015 570,567 $ 33.66 Granted 227,125 51.89 Vested (266,950 ) 30.56 Expired or forfeited (4,665 ) 45.71 Non-vested at June 30, 2016 526,077 $ 45.16
Stock Option Activity	The transactions for shares under options for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Shares Weighted- average exercise price Weighted- average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, September 30, 2015 337,938 $ 39.19 Exercised (131,261 ) 39.47 Expired or forfeited (98,745 ) 37.33 Outstanding, June 30, 2016 107,932 40.56 0.37 $ 1,628 Exercisable, June 30, 2016 30,766 $ 40.56 0.37 $ 464
Non-vested Options Activity	The transactions for non-vested options for the nine -months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Weighted-average grant-date Shares fair value Non-vested at September 30, 2015 166,406 $ 12.43 Expired or forfeited (89,240 ) 12.56 Non-vested at June 30, 2016 77,166 $ 12.29
Assumptions used in Estimating Fair Value	The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of restricted stock granted during the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 . Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 Expected volatility 20.7 % 22.2 % Dividend yield 1.0 % 1.0 % Average risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 1.7 % Average expected term (years) 2.1 1.8

Earnings Per Share Attributab26

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Information used to compute earnings per share attributable to Matthews' common shareholders	The information used to compute earnings per share attributable to Matthews' common shareholders was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders $ 23,915 $ 23,140 $ 42,886 $ 46,475 Less: dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities — 2 — 8 Net income available to Matthews shareholders $ 23,915 $ 23,138 $ 42,886 $ 46,467 Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): Basic shares 32,542 32,962 32,795 32,947 Effect of dilutive securities 207 234 254 258 Diluted shares 32,749 33,196 33,049 33,205

Pension and Other Postretirem27

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost	Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following: Three months ended June 30, Pension Other Postretirement 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 1,813 $ 1,655 $ 101 $ 114 Interest cost 2,406 2,145 211 221 Expected return on plan assets (2,407 ) (2,470 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (46 ) (45 ) (49 ) (49 ) Net actuarial loss 1,866 1,564 — — Net benefit cost $ 3,632 $ 2,849 $ 263 $ 286 Nine months ended June 30, Pension Other Postretirement 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 5,439 $ 4,965 $ 303 $ 342 Interest cost 7,218 6,435 633 663 Expected return on plan assets (7,221 ) (7,410 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (138 ) (135 ) (147 ) (147 ) Net actuarial loss 5,598 4,692 — — Net benefit cost $ 10,896 $ 8,547 $ 789 $ 858
Contributions made and anticipated for the current fiscal year	Contributions made and anticipated for fiscal year 2016 are as follows: Contributions Pension Other Postretirement Contributions during the nine months ended June 30, 2016: Supplemental retirement plan $ 543 $ — Other postretirement plan — 1,018 Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2016: Supplemental retirement plan $ 206 $ — Other postretirement plan — 252

Accumulated Other Comprehensi28

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes in AOCI by Component	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, March 31, 2016 $ (41,314 ) $ (99,261 ) $ (3,505 ) $ (144,080 ) OCI before reclassification — (23,692 ) (2,074 ) (25,766 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 1,098 — (b) 518 1,616 Net current-period OCI 1,098 (23,692 ) (1,556 ) (24,150 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 $ (40,216 ) $ (122,953 ) $ (5,061 ) $ (168,230 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, March 31, 2016 — $ 312 — $ 312 OCI before reclassification — (57 ) — (57 ) Net current-period OCI — (57 ) — (57 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 — $ 255 — $ 255 Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, March 31, 2015 $ (37,761 ) $ (95,297 ) $ (1,746 ) $ (134,804 ) OCI before reclassification — 8,283 664 8,947 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 876 — (b) 581 1,457 Net current-period OCI 876 8,283 1,245 10,404 Balance, June 30, 2015 $ (36,885 ) $ (87,014 ) $ (501 ) $ (124,400 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, March 31, 2015 — $ 445 — $ 445 OCI before reclassification — (9 ) — (9 ) Net current-period OCI — (9 ) — (9 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 — $ 436 — $ 436 (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). Note 9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued) The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (43,474 ) $ (104,604 ) $ (2,248 ) $ (150,326 ) OCI before reclassification — (18,349 ) (4,292 ) (22,641 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 3,258 — (b) 1,479 4,737 Net current-period OCI 3,258 (18,349 ) (2,813 ) (17,904 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 $ (40,216 ) $ (122,953 ) $ (5,061 ) $ (168,230 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2015 — $ 366 — $ 366 OCI before reclassification — (111 ) — (111 ) Net current-period OCI — (111 ) — (111 ) Balance, June 30, 2016 — $ 255 — $ 255 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 — (59,647 ) (2,548 ) (62,195 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 2,766 — (b) 1,846 4,612 Net current-period OCI 2,766 (59,647 ) (702 ) (57,583 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 $ (36,885 ) $ (87,014 ) $ (501 ) $ (124,400 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2014 — $ 516 — $ 516 OCI before reclassification — (80 ) — (80 ) Net current-period OCI — (80 ) — (80 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 — $ 436 — $ 436 (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 nine -month periods ended June 30, 2016 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 95 (a) $ 285 Actuarial losses (1,866 ) (a) (5,598 ) (1,771 ) (b) (5,313 ) Total before tax (673 ) (2,055 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (1,098 ) $ (3,258 ) Net of tax Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ (848 ) $ (2,424 ) Interest expense (848 ) (b) (2,424 ) Total before tax (330 ) (945 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (518 ) $ (1,479 ) Net of tax Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine -month periods ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 94 (a) $ 282 Actuarial losses (1,564 ) (a) (4,692 ) (1,470 ) (b) (4,410 ) Total before tax (594 ) (1,644 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (876 ) $ (2,766 ) Net of tax Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ (953 ) $ (3,026 ) Interest expense (953 ) (b) (3,026 ) Total before tax (372 ) (1,180 ) Tax provision (benefit) $ (581 ) $ (1,846 ) 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)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax years subject to examination	As of June 30, 2016 , the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are: United States – Federal 2013 and forward United States – State 2011 and forward Canada 2011 and forward Europe 2009 and forward United Kingdom 2013 and forward Australia 2011 and forward Asia 2009 and forward

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information about the segments	Information about the Company's segments is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Sales: SGK Brand Solutions $ 199,633 $ 205,082 $ 562,308 $ 597,638 Memorialization 152,815 125,598 457,802 372,076 Industrial Technologies 29,613 34,072 83,359 88,016 $ 382,061 $ 364,752 $ 1,103,469 $ 1,057,730 Operating profit: SGK Brand Solutions $ 17,853 $ 5,286 $ 26,108 $ 5,536 Memorialization 20,900 17,715 48,059 57,374 Industrial Technologies 1,917 4,404 4,976 9,355 $ 40,670 $ 27,405 $ 79,143 $ 72,265

Goodwill and Other Intangible31

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [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 Technologies Consolidated Goodwill $ 466,647 $ 346,946 $ 52,887 $ 866,480 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 460,895 341,946 52,887 855,728 Additions during period — — 3,958 3,958 Translation and other adjustments (4,084 ) (977 ) (216 ) (5,277 ) Goodwill 462,563 345,969 56,629 865,161 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 456,811 $ 340,969 $ 56,629 $ 854,409
Other intangible assets	The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net June 30, 2016: Trade names $ 168,467 $ — * $ 168,467 Trade names 1,803 (1,773 ) 30 Customer relationships 287,276 (56,705 ) 230,571 Copyrights/patents/other 11,123 (10,488 ) 635 $ 468,669 $ (68,966 ) $ 399,703 September 30, 2015 : Trade names $ 168,467 $ — * $ 168,467 Trade names 1,815 (1,718 ) 97 Customer relationships 296,689 (51,393 ) 245,296 Copyrights/patents/other 11,389 (10,249 ) 1,140 $ 478,360 $ (63,360 ) $ 415,000 * Not subject to amortization

Basis of Presentation (Details)

Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes	$ 1,324	$ 1,284
Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent	$ (115,500)	(125,298)
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets current		19,753
Deferred tax liabilities current		340
Deferred income taxes		346
Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent		$ 19,067

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Assets:
Derivatives	$ 0	$ 0
Trading securities	19,263	18,444
Total assets at fair value	19,263	18,444
Liabilities:
Derivatives	8,297	3,686
Total liabilities at fair value	8,297	3,686
Level 1
Assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Trading securities	19,263	18,444
Total assets at fair value	19,263	18,444
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 2
Assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities:
Derivatives	8,297	3,686
Total liabilities at fair value	8,297	3,686
Level 3
Assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventories, net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 31,606	$ 48,636
Work in process	52,456	32,567
Finished goods	82,661	90,220
Inventories	$ 166,723	$ 171,423

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)LinesofCredit	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016EUR (€)LinesofCredit	Apr. 26, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Other current assets			$ 73,328,000	$ 77,319,000
Matthews International S.p.A
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings			3.44%		3.44%				3.21%
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Interest rate cash flow hedges [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps, before tax			$ 8,297,000	3,686,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps, after tax			5,061,000	2,248,000
Unrealized gain (loss) expected to be recognized over the next 12 months			$ 1,244,000
April 2016 Debt Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost		$ 2,318,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	Apr. 26, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual commitment fee range on unused portion	0.15%
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual commitment fee range on unused portion	0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio			0.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio			2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | April 2016 Debt Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	$ 900,000,000	900,000,000
Domestic Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	$ 1,150,000,000	$ 1,150,000,000					$ 900,000
Outstanding borrowings				857,425,000
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings			2.55%		2.55%				2.51%
Domestic Revolving Credit Facility | April 2016 Debt Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum available for issuance of trade and standby letters of credit			$ 35,000,000
Outstanding borrowings			$ 645,000,000
Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 1	5.00%	5.00%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 2	7.50%	7.50%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 3	10.00%	10.00%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 4						10.00%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 5						10.00%
Term Loan | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate during period			1.75%
Term Loan | LIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio			0.75%
Term Loan | LIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio			2.00%
Term Loan | April 2016 Debt Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Outstanding borrowings			$ 249,551,000
Credit Facility With European Bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available			38,863,000		€ 35,000,000
Outstanding borrowings			$ 8,574,000	26,829,000	€ 7,700,000			€ 23,900,000
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings			1.75%		1.75%				1.50%
Credit Facility With European Bank | Saueressig
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings			$ 585,000	824,000	€ 527,262			734,452
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings			4.07%		4.07%				3.85%
Credit Facility With European Bank | Wetzel GmbH
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings			$ 1,252,000	2,110,000	€ 1,100,000			1,900,000
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings			6.12%		6.12%				5.82%
Lines of Credit with Italian Banks
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings			$ 5,525,000	5,166,000	€ 5,000,000			4,600,000
Lines of Credit with Italian Banks | Matthews International S.p.A
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available			12,581,000		11,300,000
Outstanding borrowings			$ 3,871,000	$ 4,772,000	€ 3,500,000			€ 4,300,000
Number of lines of credit | LinesofCredit			4		4
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Other current assets			$ 11,475,000		€ 8,570,000

Debt - Interest Rate Swaps (Det

Debt - Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Interest Rate Swap 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 40,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.88%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 35,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.74%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 3
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.24%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 4
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.35%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 5
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.26%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 6
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.49%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 7
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.39%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 8
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.32%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 9
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.59%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 10
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	0.99%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 11
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.03%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 12
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 51,563
Fixed Interest Rate	0.77%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 13
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,781
Fixed Interest Rate	0.77%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%
Interest Rate Swap 14
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount	$ 25,781
Fixed Interest Rate	0.78%
Interest Rate Spread	1.75%

Debt - Derivatives (Details)

Debt - Derivatives (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - Interest Rate Swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives	$ (8,297)	$ (3,686)
Current assets: Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets derivatives	0	0
Long-term assets: Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets derivatives	0	0
Current Liabilities: Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	(2,040)	(1,165)
Long-Term Liabilities: Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	$ (6,257)	$ (2,521)

Debt - Gain (Loss) on Derivativ

Debt - Gain (Loss) on Derivatives (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging - Interest Rate Swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives			$ (4,292)	$ (2,548)
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ (848)	$ (953)	(2,424)	(3,026)
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)			$ (1,479)	$ (1,846)

Share-Based Payments - Narrativ

Share-Based Payments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards unvested (in shares)	31,787			31,787
2012 Equity Incentive Plan | Stock Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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)	1,022,548			1,022,548
All Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation cost	$ 2,673	$ 2,274		$ 7,940	$ 6,838
Future income tax benefit from compensation expense recognized	1,042	887		3,097	2,667
Cash received from stock options exercised	3,383	129		5,181	3,907
Tax benefit realized from options exercised	$ 524	$ 16		$ 747	337
All Plans | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting increment				33.00%
Expiration period				10 years
Intrinsic value of options exercised				$ 2,087	$ 897
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	107,932			107,932		337,938
All Plans | Employee Stock Option | After 3 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				3 years
Vesting increment				33.00%
All Plans | Employee Stock Option | After 4 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				4 years
Vesting increment				33.00%
All Plans | Employee Stock Option | After 5 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				5 years
Vesting increment				33.00%
All Plans | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period				5 years
Unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards	$ 11,143			$ 11,143
Weighted average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards			1 year 8 months 12 days
All Plans | Restricted Stock | After 3 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				3 years
Vesting increment				50.00%
2014 Director Fee Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	150,000			150,000
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee directors				$ 75
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee Chairman of the Board				$ 175
Director Fee Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares deferred under stock based compensation plan	17,005			17,005
Value of annual stock based grant				$ 110
Total stock options granted to date (in shares)	22,300			22,300
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	0			0
Total restricted stock awards granted to date (in shares)	152,290			152,290
Restricted stock awards unvested (in shares)	49,140			49,140
Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | All Plans | Restricted Stock | After 3 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period				3 years
Vesting increment				50.00%
Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | All Plans | Restricted Stock | Attainment of Pre-Defined Levels of Appreciation in Market Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting increment				8.33%
Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | All Plans | Restricted Stock | Attainment of Pre-Defined Levels of Adjusted Earnings Per Share
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting increment				8.33%

Share-Based Payments - Restrict

Share-Based Payments - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - All Plans - Restricted Stock	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Restricted stock activity [Roll Forward]
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	570,567
Granted (in shares) | shares	227,125
Vested (in shares) | shares	(266,950)
Expired or forfeited (in shares) | shares	(4,665)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares) | shares	526,077
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 33.66
Granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	51.89
Vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	30.56
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	45.71
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 45.16

Share-Based Payments - Stock Op

Share-Based Payments - Stock Option Activity (Details) - All Plans - Employee Stock Option $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	337,938
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(131,261)
Expired or forfeited (in shares) | shares	(98,745)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares) | shares	107,932
Exercisable (in shares) | shares	30,766
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 39.19
Exercised, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	39.47
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	37.33
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	40.56
Exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 40.56
Outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 months 13 days
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 1,628
Exercisable, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 months 13 days
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 464

Share-Based Payments - Non-vest

Share-Based Payments - Non-vested Options Activity (Details) - All Plans - Employee Stock Option	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	166,406
Expired or forfeited (in shares) | shares	(89,240)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares) | shares	77,166
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.43
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	12.56
Non-vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.29

Share-Based Payments - Assumpti

Share-Based Payments - Assumptions used in Estimating Fair Value (Details) - All Plans - Restricted Stock	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility (as a percent)	20.70%	22.20%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Average risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.70%	1.70%
Average expected term (in years)	2 years 1 month 6 days	1 year 9 months 18 days

Earnings Per Share Attributab44

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$ 23,915	$ 23,140	$ 42,886	$ 46,475
Less: dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	0	2	0	8
Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$ 23,915	$ 23,138	$ 42,886	$ 46,467
Weighted-average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Basic shares (in shares)	32,542,000	32,962,000	32,795,000	32,947,000
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	207,000	234,000	254,000	258,000
Diluted shares (in shares)	32,749,000	33,196,000	33,049,000	33,205,000
Employee Stock Option
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 Postretirem45

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Pension
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 1,813	$ 1,655	$ 5,439	$ 4,965
Interest cost	2,406	2,145	7,218	6,435
Expected return on plan assets	(2,407)	(2,470)	(7,221)	(7,410)
Amortization [Abstract]
Prior service cost	(46)	(45)	(138)	(135)
Net actuarial loss	1,866	1,564	5,598	4,692
Net benefit cost	3,632	2,849	10,896	8,547
Other Postretirement
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	101	114	303	342
Interest cost	211	221	633	663
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization [Abstract]
Prior service cost	(49)	(49)	(147)	(147)
Net actuarial loss	0	0	0	0
Net benefit cost	$ 263	$ 286	789	$ 858
Benefit plan contributions [Abstract]
Other postretirement plan			1,018
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2016:			252
Supplemental Retirement Plan
Benefit plan contributions [Abstract]
Supplemental retirement plan			543
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2016:			$ 206

Accumulated Other Comprehensi46

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Changes in AOCI by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Beginning balance			$ 730,820
OCI, net of tax	$ (24,207)	$ 10,395	(18,015)	$ (57,663)
Ending balance	694,104		694,104
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning balance			3,226
OCI, net of tax	(24,207)	10,395	(18,015)	(57,663)
Ending balance	1,289		1,289
Post-retirement benefit plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Beginning balance	(41,314)	(37,761)	(43,474)	(39,651)
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,098	876	3,258	2,766
OCI, net of tax	1,098	876	3,258	2,766
Ending balance	(40,216)	(36,885)	(40,216)	(36,885)
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,098	876	3,258	2,766
OCI, net of tax	1,098	876	3,258	2,766
Currency translation adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Beginning balance	(99,261)	(95,297)	(104,604)	(27,367)
OCI before reclassification	(23,692)	8,283	(18,349)	(59,647)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	(23,692)	8,283	(18,349)	(59,647)
Ending balance	(122,953)	(87,014)	(122,953)	(87,014)
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	(23,692)	8,283	(18,349)	(59,647)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	(23,692)	8,283	(18,349)	(59,647)
Derivatives
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Beginning balance	(3,505)	(1,746)	(2,248)	201
OCI before reclassification	(2,074)	664	(4,292)	(2,548)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	518	581	1,479	1,846
OCI, net of tax	(1,556)	1,245	(2,813)	(702)
Ending balance	(5,061)	(501)	(5,061)	(501)
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	(2,074)	664	(4,292)	(2,548)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	518	581	1,479	1,846
OCI, net of tax	(1,556)	1,245	(2,813)	(702)
Parent
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Beginning balance	(144,080)	(134,804)	(150,326)	(66,817)
OCI before reclassification	(25,766)	8,947	(22,641)	(62,195)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,616	1,457	4,737	4,612
OCI, net of tax	(24,150)	10,404	(17,904)	(57,583)
Ending balance	(168,230)	(124,400)	(168,230)	(124,400)
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	(25,766)	8,947	(22,641)	(62,195)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,616	1,457	4,737	4,612
OCI, net of tax	(24,150)	10,404	(17,904)	(57,583)
Post-retirement benefit plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	0	0	0	0
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning balance	0	0	0	0
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	0	0	0	0
Currency translation adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
OCI, net of tax	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning balance	312	445	366	516
OCI before reclassification	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
OCI, net of tax	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
Ending balance	255	436	255	436
Derivatives
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	0	0	0	0
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning balance	0	0	0	0
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	0	0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
OCI before reclassification	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
OCI, net of tax	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Beginning balance	312	445	366	516
OCI before reclassification	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
OCI, net of tax	(57)	(9)	(111)	(80)
Ending balance	$ 255	$ 436	$ 255	$ 436

Accumulated Other Comprehensi47

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivatives
Interest expense	$ (6,257)	$ (4,849)	$ (18,146)	$ (15,116)
Total before tax	35,397	32,459	61,851	64,600
Tax provision (benefit)	11,605	9,245	19,290	18,314
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	23,915	23,140	42,886	46,475
Prior service (cost) credit
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior service (cost) credit	95	94	285	282
Actuarial losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior service (cost) credit	1,866	1,564	5,598	4,692
Post-retirement benefit plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior service (cost) credit	1,771	1,470	5,313	4,410
Tax provision (benefit)	(673)	(594)	(2,055)	(1,644)
Net of tax	(1,098)	(876)	(3,258)	(2,766)
Derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net of tax	(518)	(581)	(1,479)	(1,846)
Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivatives
Total before tax	(848)	(953)	(2,424)	(3,026)
Tax provision (benefit)	(330)	(372)	(945)	(1,180)
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	(518)	(581)	(1,479)	(1,846)
Interest rate swap contracts | Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivatives
Interest expense	$ (848)	$ (953)	$ (2,424)	$ (3,026)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	31.20%	28.30%
Federal statutory rate	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$ 3,522		$ 4,086
Total penalties and interest accrued	$ 1,980		$ 2,010

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)Segment	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | Segment			3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 382,061	$ 364,752	$ 1,103,469	$ 1,057,730
Operating profit (loss)	40,670	27,405	79,143	72,265
Reporting Segments | SGK Brand Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	199,633	205,082	562,308	597,638
Operating profit (loss)	17,853	5,286	26,108	5,536
Reporting Segments | Memorialization
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	152,815	125,598	457,802	372,076
Operating profit (loss)	20,900	17,715	48,059	57,374
Reporting Segments | Industrial Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	29,613	34,072	83,359	88,016
Operating profit (loss)	$ 1,917	$ 4,404	$ 4,976	$ 9,355

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2016	Aug. 19, 2015
DDI
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition	$ 7,659
Aurora
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition		$ 210,026

Goodwill and Other Intangible51

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Goodwill - Goodwill attributable to each segment (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 866,480
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,752)
Goodwill	855,728
Additions during period	3,958
Translation and other adjustments	(5,277)
Goodwill	865,161
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,752)
Goodwill	854,409
SGK Brand Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	466,647
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752)
Goodwill	460,895
Additions during period	0
Translation and other adjustments	(4,084)
Goodwill	462,563
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752)
Goodwill	456,811
Memorialization
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	346,946
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,000)
Goodwill	341,946
Additions during period	0
Translation and other adjustments	(977)
Goodwill	345,969
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,000)
Goodwill	340,969
Industrial Technologies
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	52,887
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Goodwill	52,887
Additions during period	3,958
Translation and other adjustments	(216)
Goodwill	56,629
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Goodwill	$ 56,629

Goodwill and Other Intangible52

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	$ 468,669	$ 478,360
Accumulated Amortization	(68,966)	(63,360)
Net	399,703	415,000
Trade Names Not Subject to Amortization
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	168,467	168,467
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net	168,467	168,467
Trade names
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	1,803	1,815
Accumulated Amortization	(1,773)	(1,718)
Net	30	97
Customer relationships
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	287,276	296,689
Accumulated Amortization	(56,705)	(51,393)
Net	230,571	245,296
Copyrights/patents/other
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	11,123	11,389
Accumulated Amortization	(10,488)	(10,249)
Net	$ 635	$ 1,140

Goodwill and Other Intangible53

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense on intangible assets	$ 5,235	$ 4,651	$ 15,641	$ 13,872
Future amortization expense [Abstract]
Future amortization expense for the remainder 2016	5,232		5,232
Future amortization expense 2017	20,494		20,494
Future amortization expense 2018	19,189		19,189
Future amortization expense 2019	18,146		18,146
Future amortization expense 2020	$ 17,020		$ 17,020

Related Party Transaction - Nar

Related Party Transaction - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares	May 12, 2016	May 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common shares purchased (in shares)			1,130,875	212,783
Director and President
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common shares purchased (in shares)		970,000
Purchase price (in dollars per share)		$ 50.6921625
Average of high/low trading prices (as a percent)	96.76%