Matthews International (MATW) 10-Q 3 May 19 2019 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000063296
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	31,728,614

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37,730	$ 41,572
Accounts receivable, net	318,147	331,463
Inventories, net	187,653	180,451
Other current assets	74,274	61,592
Total current assets	617,804	615,078
Investments	61,356	45,430
Property, plant and equipment, net	243,493	252,775
Deferred income taxes	1,945	1,837
Other assets	46,845	49,820
Goodwill	933,748	948,894
Other intangible assets, net	430,706	443,910
Total assets	2,335,897	2,357,744
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt, current maturities	56,596	31,260
Trade accounts payable	67,656	70,044
Accrued compensation	41,819	51,490
Accrued income taxes	9,869	11,413
Other current liabilities	131,627	122,195
Total current liabilities	307,567	286,402
Long-term debt	919,102	929,342
Accrued pension	84,562	82,035
Postretirement benefits	17,407	17,753
Deferred income taxes	116,793	121,519
Other liabilities	43,005	51,979
Total liabilities	1,488,436	1,489,030
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:
Common stock	36,334	36,334
Additional paid-in capital	135,055	129,252
Retained earnings	1,041,856	1,040,378
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(180,186)	(164,298)
Treasury stock, at cost	(187,391)	(173,315)
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews	845,668	868,351
Noncontrolling interests	1,793	363
Total shareholders' equity	847,461	868,714
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,335,897	$ 2,357,744

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 391,400	$ 414,061	$ 765,577	$ 783,515
Cost of sales	(255,119)	(263,381)	(502,885)	(501,422)
Gross profit	136,281	150,680	262,692	282,093
Selling expense	(34,352)	(37,191)	(69,381)	(74,108)
Administrative expense	(68,156)	(74,024)	(135,259)	(142,490)
Intangible amortization	(9,509)	(8,249)	(17,622)	(14,930)
Operating profit	24,264	31,216	40,430	50,565
Investment (loss) income	2,091	(74)	739	393
Interest expense	(10,259)	(9,262)	(20,560)	(17,063)
Other income (deductions), net	(1,067)	(1,596)	(1,991)	(3,680)
Income before income taxes	15,029	20,284	18,618	30,215
Income tax (provision) benefit	165	(2,212)	(440)	23,015
Net income	15,194	18,072	18,178	53,230
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	223	110	336	132
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$ 15,417	$ 18,182	$ 18,514	$ 53,362
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.57	$ 0.59	$ 1.68
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.57	$ 0.58	$ 1.68

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Net income (loss) attributable to Matthews shareholders	$ 15,417	$ 18,182	$ 18,514	$ 53,362
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(223)	(110)	(336)	(132)
Net income (loss):	15,194	18,072	18,178	53,230
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to Matthews shareholders	(1,152)	15,562	(15,888)	25,773
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	19	90	6	103
OCI, net of tax	(1,133)	15,652	(15,882)	25,876
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Matthews shareholders	14,265	33,744	2,626	79,135
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(204)	(20)	(330)	(29)
Comprehensive (loss) income	14,061	33,724	2,296	79,106
Accumulated Net Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to Matthews shareholders	134	11,413	(12,430)	19,011
Net change from periodic revaluation	134	11,413	(12,430)	19,011
Net amount reclassified to earnings	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	134	11,413	(12,430)	19,011
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	(1,356)	3,260	(3,702)	4,893
Net amount reclassified to earnings	(664)	(133)	(1,219)	(171)
Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to Matthews shareholders	(2,020)	3,127	(4,921)	4,722
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	0	0	0	0
Net amount reclassified to earnings	0	0	0	0
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	19	90	6	103
Net change from periodic revaluation	19	90	6	103
OCI, net of tax	19	90	6	103
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to Matthews shareholders	734	1,022	1,463	2,040
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
OCI, net of tax	734	1,022	1,463	2,040
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
OCI, net of tax	153	11,503	(12,424)	19,114
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	(1,356)	3,260	(3,702)	4,893
Net amount reclassified to earnings	(664)	(133)	(1,219)	(171)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:
OCI, net of tax	$ (2,020)	$ 3,127	$ (4,921)	$ 4,722

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
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 790,259	$ 36,334	$ 123,432	$ 948,830	$ (154,115)	$ (164,774)	$ 552
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	35,158			35,180			(22)
Minimum pension liability	1,018				1,018
Translation adjustment	7,611				7,598		13
Fair value of derivatives	1,595				1,595
Comprehensive (loss) income	45,382
Stock-based compensation	5,474		5,474
Purchase of treasury stock	(4,415)					(4,415)
Issuance of treasury stock	0		(8,922)			8,922
Cancellations of treasury stock	0		310			(310)
Dividends	(6,071)			(6,071)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	830,629	36,334	120,294	977,939	(143,904)	(160,577)	543
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2017	790,259	36,334	123,432	948,830	(154,115)	(164,774)	552
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	53,230
Comprehensive (loss) income	79,106
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018	852,082	36,334	123,835	990,082	(128,342)	(170,350)	523
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	830,629	36,334	120,294	977,939	(143,904)	(160,577)	543
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	18,072			18,182			(110)
Minimum pension liability	1,022				1,022
Translation adjustment	11,503				11,413		90
Fair value of derivatives	3,127				3,127
Comprehensive (loss) income	33,724
Stock-based compensation	2,658		2,658
Purchase of treasury stock	(13,890)					(13,890)
Issuance of treasury stock	5,000		883			4,117
Dividends	(6,039)			(6,039)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018	852,082	36,334	123,835	990,082	(128,342)	(170,350)	523
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2018	868,714	36,334	129,252	1,040,378	(164,298)	(173,315)	363
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	2,984			3,097			(113)
Minimum pension liability	729				729
Translation adjustment	(12,577)				(12,564)		(13)
Fair value of derivatives	(2,901)				(2,901)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(11,765)
Stock-based compensation	3,647		3,647
Purchase of treasury stock	(7,751)					(7,751)
Issuance of treasury stock	0		(115)			115
Cancellations of treasury stock	0		891			(891)
Dividends	(6,414)			(6,414)
Acquisition	1,760						1,760
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	844,015	36,334	133,675	1,032,885	(179,034)	(181,842)	1,997
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2018	868,714	36,334	129,252	1,040,378	(164,298)	(173,315)	363
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	18,178
Comprehensive (loss) income	2,296
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019	847,461	36,334	135,055	1,041,856	(180,186)	(187,391)	1,793
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	844,015	36,334	133,675	1,032,885	(179,034)	(181,842)	1,997
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss):	15,194			15,417			(223)
Minimum pension liability	734				734
Translation adjustment	153				134		19
Fair value of derivatives	(2,020)				(2,020)
Comprehensive (loss) income	14,061
Stock-based compensation	1,366		1,366
Purchase of treasury stock	(5,535)					(5,535)
Cancellations of treasury stock	0		14			(14)
Dividends	(6,446)			(6,446)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 847,461	$ 36,334	$ 135,055	$ 1,041,856	$ (180,186)	$ (187,391)	$ 1,793

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SH_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	143,092	186,417	260,621	75,765
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)		2,822	102,856	223,971
Cancellations of treasury stock (in shares)	41	19,433		5,214
Dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 0.19

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 18,178	$ 53,230
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	40,276	36,986
Stock-based compensation expense	5,013	8,132
Deferred tax benefit	(3,176)	(38,429)
Gain on sale of assets	(128)	(813)
Loss on divestiture		0
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments	806	(199)
Changes in working capital items	(17,552)	(7,818)
Increase in other assets	(406)	(8,192)
Increase in other liabilities	937	9,628
Other operating activities, net	(3,124)	3,745
Net cash provided by operating activities	45,289	56,270
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(19,170)	(21,854)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(11,525)	(119,689)
Proceeds from sale of assets	462	1,731
Proceeds from divestiture	8,254	0
Investments and advances	(11,488)	(11,746)
Net cash used in investing activities	(33,467)	(151,558)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	181,594	627,192
Payments on long-term debt	(167,327)	(495,109)
Purchases of treasury stock	(13,286)	(18,305)
Dividends	(12,860)	(12,110)
Payment of acquisition holdback	(2,050)	0
Other financing activities	(1,436)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(15,365)	101,668
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(299)	936
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(3,842)	7,316
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of long-term asset under financing arrangement	$ 0	$ 14,544

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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 consist of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, imaging services, digital asset management, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily for the consumer packaged goods and retail industries. 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 facilities in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 six months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019 . 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, 2018 . The consolidated financial statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains an ownership interest and has operating control. Investments in certain companies over which the Company exerts significant influence, but does not control the financial and operating decisions, are accounted for as equity method investments. Investments in certain companies over which the Company does not exert significant influence are accounted for as cost method investments. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications are not material to the prior year presentation. New Accounting Pronouncements: Issued In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) , which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement , which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Note 2. Basis of Presentation (continued) In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) , which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. 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. Subsequently, the FASB issued several ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new lease guidance, including ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842) Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, ASU 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, and ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements . These ASUs do not change the core principles in the lease guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2018-11 provides an additional transition method to adopt ASU No. 2016-02. Under the new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date versus at the beginning of the earliest period presented and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company has elected to use this transition method at the adoption date of October 1, 2019. ASU No. 2016-02 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact these ASUs will have on its consolidated financial statements. Adopted In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) , which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost , which provides new guidance intended to improve the disclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost. ASU 2017-07 requires a company to present the service cost components of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs, with the remaining components of net periodic benefit cost presented separately from the service cost components and outside of any subtotal of operating income, if one is presented. The Company adopted this standard on October 1, 2018 applying the presentation requirements retrospectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company reclassified net benefit costs of $ 714 , $ 226 and $ 485 , from cost of sales, selling expense and administrative expense, respectively, to other income (deductions), net. For the six months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company reclassified net benefit costs of $ 1,428 , $ 452 and $ 970 from cost of sales, selling expense and administrative expense, respectively, to other income (deductions), net. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which provides new guidance intended to make the definition of a business more operable and allow for more consistency in application. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740) , which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 on October 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method which resulted in a decrease to retained earnings and other assets of $ 4,176 . In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) , which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Note 2. Basis of Presentation (continued) In January 2016, the FASB issued 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. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), that provides guidance related to implementation issues and corrects or improves certain aspects of the financial instruments guidance. The adoption of these ASUs in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 . This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued six ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842) and ASU 2017-14, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition guidance outlined above. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASUs in the first fiscal quarter of 2019, using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of these ASUs did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements and therefore, there was no cumulative effect adjustment recognized to retained earnings on October 1, 2018. Refer to Note 3, “Revenue Recognition,” for a further discussion.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer and in amounts that the Company expects to collect. The timing of revenue recognition takes into consideration the various delivery terms applicable to the Company’s sales. For substantially all transactions, control passes in accordance with agreed upon delivery terms, including in certain circumstances, customer acceptance. This approach is consistent with the Company’s historical revenue recognition methodology. In limited instances revenue is recognized over time as critical milestones are met and as services are provided. Transaction price, for revenue recognition, is allocated to each performance obligation consisting of the stand alone selling price, estimates of rebates and other sales or contract renewal incentives, and cash discounts and sales returns ("Variable Consideration"). Estimates are made for Variable Consideration based on contract terms and historical experience of actual results and are applied to the performance obligations as they are satisfied. The Company delivers a variety of products and services through its business segments. The SGK Brand Solutions segment delivers brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily to the consumer packaged goods and retail industries. The Memorialization segment produces and delivers bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. The Industrial Technologies segment delivers marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products for the warehousing and industrial industries. Each product or service delivered to a third-party customer is considered to satisfy a performance obligation. Performance obligations generally occur at a point in time and are satisfied when control of the goods passes to the customer. Certain revenue related to mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including cremation and incineration projects, and marking and industrial automation projects, are recognized over time using the input method measuring progress toward completion of such projects. Amounts recognized using the over time method were less than 5 % of the Company's consolidated revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company is entitled to collection of the sales price under normal credit terms in the regions in which it operates. Note 3. Revenue Recognition (continued) The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by geography, as it believes geographic regions best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Disaggregated sales by segment and region for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: SGK Brand Solutions Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 North America $ 79,170 $ 89,609 $ 151,441 $ 156,512 $ 30,988 $ 29,609 $ 261,599 $ 275,730 Central and South America 1,480 1,571 — — — — 1,480 1,571 Europe 96,070 101,703 8,606 9,769 7,035 7,731 111,711 119,203 Australia 2,901 3,007 2,129 2,408 — — 5,030 5,415 Asia 11,030 11,162 — — 550 980 11,580 12,142 Total Sales $ 190,651 $ 207,052 $ 162,176 $ 168,689 $ 38,573 $ 38,320 $ 391,400 $ 414,061 SGK Brand Solutions Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated Six Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 North America $ 158,752 $ 176,562 $ 294,734 $ 289,261 $ 58,702 $ 53,468 $ 512,188 $ 519,291 Central and South America 2,697 3,136 — — — — 2,697 3,136 Europe 186,588 190,573 16,764 19,014 13,372 15,362 216,724 224,949 Australia 5,860 6,010 4,564 5,303 — — 10,424 11,313 Asia 22,054 22,537 — — 1,490 2,289 23,544 24,826 Total Sales $ 375,951 $ 398,818 $ 316,062 $ 313,578 $ 73,564 $ 71,119 $ 765,577 $ 783,515

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 4. Fair Value Measurements (continued) The fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are categorized as follows: March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Derivatives (1) $ — $ 4,791 $ — $ 4,791 $ — $ 11,309 $ — $ 11,309 Equity and fixed income mutual funds — 22,512 — 22,512 — 22,758 — 22,758 Life insurance policies — 4,045 — 4,045 — 5,894 — 5,894 Total assets at fair value $ — $ 31,348 $ — $ 31,348 $ — $ 39,961 $ — $ 39,961 Liabilities: Derivatives (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — (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	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consisted of the following: March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Raw materials $ 36,880 $ 34,880 Work in process 72,210 67,827 Finished goods 78,563 77,744 $ 187,653 $ 180,451

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that includes a $900,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250,000 senior secured amortizing 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% ( 1.50% at March 31, 2019 ) based on the Company's secured leverage ratio. The secured leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as defined within the domestic credit facility agreement. 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 domestic credit facility 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 March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 were $342,500 and $319,500 , respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 were $199,666 and $212,086 , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps) at March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was 3.25% and 2.68% , respectively. The Company has $300,000 of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. Note 6. Debt (continued) The Company has a $115,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions which matures on April 11, 2020. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75% . The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 were $102,200 and $102,250 , respectively. At March 31, 2019 and 2018 , the interest rate on borrowings under this facility was 3.24% and 2.63% , respectively. The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges: March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $ 331,250 $ 343,750 Net unrealized gain $ 4,791 $ 11,309 Weighted-average maturity period (years) 2.2 2.7 Weighted-average received rate 2.49 % 2.26 % Weighted-average pay rate 1.40 % 1.37 % 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 future variable interest payments, which are considered probable of occurring. Based on the Company's assessment, all of the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective. The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain of $4,791 ( $3,617 after tax) at March 31, 2019 and an unrealized gain of $11,309 ( $8,538 after tax) at September 30, 2018 . The unrealized gain is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at March 31, 2019 , a gain (net of tax) of approximately $1,574 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months. At March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows: Derivatives March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Current assets: Other current assets $ 2,085 $ 3,867 Long-term assets: Other assets 2,706 7,442 Current liabilities: Other current liabilities — — Long-term liabilities: Other liabilities — — Total derivatives $ 4,791 $ 11,309 Note 6. Debt (continued) The gains recognized on derivatives were as follows: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Location of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest rate swaps Interest expense $ 880 $ 202 $ 1,615 $ 265 The Company recognized the following (losses) gains in AOCI: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives Location of Gain Reclassified From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) Amount of Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 Interest rate swaps $ (3,702 ) $ 4,893 Interest expense $ 1,219 $ 171 *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, which is guaranteed by Matthews. The maximum amount of borrowing available under this facility is €35.0 million ( $39,270 ). The credit facility matures in December 2019 and the Company intends to continue to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled €9.8 million ( $11,033 ) and €2.8 million ( $3,211 ) at March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at March 31, 2019 and 2018 was 1.25% and 1.75% , respectively. The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, has €15.0 million ( $16,830 ) of senior unsecured notes with European banks. The notes are guaranteed by Matthews and mature in November 2019. A portion of the notes ( €5.0 million ) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40% , and the remainder bear interest at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40% . The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at March 31, 2019 and 2018 was 1.40% . Other debt totaled $3,299 and $5,399 at March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 5.50% and 2.77% at March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. In September 2014, a claim was filed seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8,570,000 ( $11,176 at March 31, 2019 ) with respect to a performance guarantee on an environmental solutions project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the Court 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 neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. The Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has classified the funded letter of credit within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 . The Company will continue to assess collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances evolve. As of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of March 31, 2019 .

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2017 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards. Under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten -year term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 1,700,000 . At March 31, 2019 , there were 1,700,000 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, including 262,200 restricted share units that were granted during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 . The 2017 Equity Incentive plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. With respect to the restricted share grants, 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 three or five years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death. The Company issues restricted shares from treasury shares. With respect to the restricted share unit grants, units generally vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The number of units that vest depend on certain time and performance thresholds. Approximately forty percent of the shares vest based on time, while the remaining vest based on pre-defined performance thresholds. The Company issues common stock from treasury shares once vested. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , stock-based compensation cost totaled $1,366 and $2,658 , respectively. For the six-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , stock-based compensation cost totaled and $5,013 and $8,132 , respectively. The six -month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 included $1,849 and $2,850 of stock-based compensation cost, respectively, that was recognized at the time of grant for retirement-eligible employees. The associated future income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation was $335 and $651 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $870 and $1,521 for the six -month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The transactions for restricted shares and restricted share units for the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows: Shares /Units Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value Non-vested at September 30, 2018 554,233 $ 55.71 Granted 262,200 42.21 Vested (174,816 ) 58.06 Expired or forfeited (19,507 ) 45.91 Non-vested at March 31, 2019 622,110 $ 49.67 As of March 31, 2019 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $10,777 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years. Note 7. Share-Based Payments (continued) The Company maintains the 2019 Director Fee Plan, the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan and the 1994 Director Fee Plan (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans"). The 2019 Director Fee Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 21, 2019. There will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan and the 1994 Director Fee Plan. Under the 2019 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2019 , either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $85 . The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2019 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $185 . 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 total number of shares of stock that have been authorized to be issued under the 2019 Director Fee Plan or credited to a deferred stock compensation account for subsequent issuance is 150,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment upon certain events such as stock dividends or stock splits). The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities. A total of 25,498 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans as of March 31, 2019 . Additionally, non-employee directors each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares or units) with a value of $125 for fiscal 2019 . 196,266 restricted shares and restricted share units have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 23,037 of which were issued under the 2019 Director Fee Plan. 34,542 restricted shares and restricted share units are unvested at March 31, 2019 .

Earnings Per Share Attributable

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders $ 15,417 $ 18,182 $ 18,514 $ 53,362 Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): Basic shares 31,528 31,727 31,563 31,722 Effect of dilutive securities 141 126 135 124 Diluted shares 31,669 31,853 31,698 31,846 Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the dilution calculation were insignificant for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 .

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [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 March 31, Pension Other Postretirement 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 2,000 $ 2,039 $ 61 $ 84 Interest cost * 2,301 2,049 180 158 Expected return on plan assets * (2,596 ) (2,534 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (46 ) (35 ) (49 ) (49 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) * 1,100 1,752 (15 ) — Net benefit cost $ 2,759 $ 3,271 $ 177 $ 193 Six months ended March 31, Pension Other Postretirement 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 4,000 $ 4,078 $ 122 $ 168 Interest cost * 4,602 4,098 360 316 Expected return on plan assets * (5,192 ) (5,068 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (92 ) (70 ) (98 ) (98 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) * 2,161 3,504 (30 ) — Net benefit cost $ 5,479 $ 6,542 $ 354 $ 386 * Non-service components of pension and postretirement expense are included in other income (deductions), net. 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 2019 . Contributions made and anticipated for fiscal year 2019 are as follows: Contributions Pension Other Postretirement Contributions during the six months ended March 31, 2019: Supplemental retirement plan $ 391 $ — Other postretirement plan — 757 Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2019: Supplemental retirement plan $ 466 $ — Other postretirement plan — 318

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, December 31, 2018 $ (37,147 ) $ (147,524 ) $ 5,637 $ (179,034 ) OCI before reclassification — 134 (1,356 ) (1,222 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 734 (a) — (664 ) (b) 70 Net current-period OCI 734 134 (2,020 ) (1,152 ) Balance, March 31, 2019 $ (36,413 ) $ (147,390 ) $ 3,617 $ (180,186 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, December 31, 2018 — $ 454 — $ 454 OCI before reclassification — 19 — 19 Net current-period OCI — 19 — 19 Balance, March 31, 2019 — 473 — 473 Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (42,605 ) $ (105,309 ) $ 4,010 $ (143,904 ) OCI before reclassification — 11,413 3,260 14,673 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,022 (a) — (133 ) (b) 889 Net current-period OCI 1,022 11,413 3,127 15,562 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ (41,583 ) $ (93,896 ) $ 7,137 $ (128,342 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, December 31, 2017 — $ 409 — $ 409 OCI before reclassification — 90 — 90 Net current-period OCI — 90 — 90 Balance, March 31, 2018 — $ 499 — $ 499 (a) Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 9). (b) Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 6). Note 10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued) The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the six -month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, September 30, 2018 $ (37,876 ) $ (134,960 ) $ 8,538 $ (164,298 ) OCI before reclassification — (12,430 ) (3,702 ) (16,132 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,463 (a) — (1,219 ) (b) 244 Net current-period OCI 1,463 (12,430 ) (4,921 ) (15,888 ) Balance, March 31, 2019 $ (36,413 ) $ (147,390 ) $ 3,617 $ (180,186 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2018 — $ 467 — $ 467 OCI before reclassification — 6 — 6 Net current-period OCI — 6 — 6 Balance, March 31, 2019 — 473 — 473 Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (43,623 ) $ (112,907 ) $ 2,415 $ (154,115 ) OCI before reclassification — 19,011 4,893 23,904 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 2,040 (a) — (171 ) (b) 1,869 Net current-period OCI 2,040 19,011 4,722 25,773 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ (41,583 ) $ (93,896 ) $ 7,137 $ (128,342 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2017 — $ 396 — $ 396 OCI before reclassification — 103 — 103 Net current-period OCI — 103 — 103 Balance, March 31, 2018 — $ 499 — $ 499 (a) Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 9). (b) Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 6). Note 10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued) Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six -month periods ended March 31, 2019 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 95 (a) $ 190 Actuarial losses (1,085 ) (a) (2,131 ) (990 ) (b) (1,941 ) Income before income tax 256 478 Income taxes $ (734 ) $ (1,463 ) Net income Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ 880 $ 1,615 Interest expense 880 (b) 1,615 Income before income tax (216 ) (396 ) Income taxes $ 664 $ 1,219 Net income Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six -month periods ended March 31, 2018 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Six Months Ended Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 84 (a) $ 168 Actuarial losses (1,752 ) (a) (3,504 ) (1,668 ) (b) (3,336 ) Income before income tax (646 ) (1,296 ) Income taxes $ (1,022 ) $ (2,040 ) Net income Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ 202 $ 265 Interest expense 202 (b) 265 Income before income tax (69 ) (94 ) Income taxes $ 133 $ 171 Net income (a) Prior service cost 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. Actuarial losses are reported in other income (deductions), net. For additional information, see Note 9. (b) For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 consolidated income taxes for the six months ended March 31, 2019 were an expense of $440 , compared to an income tax benefit of $23,015 for the first six months of fiscal 2018 . The differences between the Company’s fiscal 2019 six month effective tax rate and the fiscal 2018 six month effective tax rate primarily resulted from the implementation of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act”) during fiscal 2018. The Company’s fiscal 2019 six month effective tax rate varied from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to tax planning completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2019 that resulted in a discrete tax benefit. As of December 31, 2018, the Company completed its analysis of the impact of the Tax Act in accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 and the amounts are no longer considered provisional. Foreign tax effects : The Company completed the estimate for its one-time transition tax for all of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in a decrease in income tax expense of $ 300 for the three months ended December 31, 2018. The one-time transition tax was calculated using an estimate of the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (“E&P”) that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings or any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Global intangible low taxed income ("GILTI") : The Tax Act created a new requirement that certain income earned by foreign subsidiaries must be included currently in the gross income of the U.S. shareholder. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company is permitted to make an accounting policy election to either treat taxes due on future inclusions in U.S. taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred or to factor such amounts into the Company's measurement of its deferred taxes. The Company has made the election to treat taxes due on future inclusions related to GILTI as current period expense. The Company was able to make reasonable estimates to calculate a provision that is included in the current period expense. The Company will continue to evaluate and update this provision and the application of ASC 740 - Income Taxes . The Company had unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) of $14,473 and $14,827 on March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively, of which $10,365 and $10,718 would impact the annual effective rate. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $2,092 in the next 12 months primarily due to the completion of audits and the expiration of the statute of limitations. The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes. Total penalties and interest accrued were $2,686 and $2,229 at March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. These accruals may potentially be applicable in the event of an unfavorable outcome of uncertain tax positions. The Company is currently under examination in several tax jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitations expires for those tax jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2019 , the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are: United States – Federal 2015 and forward United States – State 2014 and forward Canada 2015 and forward Germany 2015 and forward United Kingdom 2017 and forward Australia 2014 and forward Singapore 2014 and forward

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 consists of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, imaging services, digital asset management, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily for the consumer packaged goods and retail industries. 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 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. Beginning in fiscal 2019, the Company changed its primary measure of segment profitability from operating profit to adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("adjusted EBITDA"). Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain non-cash and/or non-recurring items that do not contribute directly to management’s evaluation of its operating results. These items include stock-based compensation, the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense, acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges. This presentation is consistent with how the Company's chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) evaluates the results of operations and makes strategic decisions about the business. For these reasons, the Company believes that adjusted EBITDA represents the most relevant measure of segment profit and loss. In addition, the CODM manages and evaluates the operating performance of the segments, as described above, on a pre-corporate cost allocation basis. Accordingly, for segment reporting purposes, the Company has discontinued allocating corporate costs to its reportable segments beginning in fiscal 2019. Corporate costs include management and administrative support to the Company, which consists of certain aspects of the Company’s executive management, legal, compliance, human resources, information technology (including operational support) and finance departments. These costs are included within "Corporate and Non-Operating" in the following table to reconcile to consolidated adjusted EBITDA and are not considered a separate reportable segment. Management does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interest to the segments. Note 12. Segment Information (continued) The following table sets forth information about the Company's segments, including a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income. Segment financial information for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 has been revised to present the prior period information on a comparable basis. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Sales: SGK Brand Solutions $ 190,651 $ 207,052 $ 375,951 $ 398,818 Memorialization 162,176 168,689 316,062 313,578 Industrial Technologies 38,573 38,320 73,564 71,119 Consolidated Sales $ 391,400 $ 414,061 $ 765,577 $ 783,515 Adjusted EBITDA: SGK Brand Solutions $ 29,370 $ 35,099 $ 56,721 $ 65,951 Memorialization 34,965 39,478 65,286 67,921 Industrial Technologies 4,792 4,881 8,387 8,568 Corporate and Non-Operating (12,939 ) (17,003 ) (27,725 ) (33,489 ) Total Adjusted EBITDA $ 56,188 $ 62,455 $ 102,669 $ 108,951 Acquisition costs (1)** (3,374 ) (3,859 ) (5,406 ) (5,790 ) ERP integration costs (2)** (1,805 ) (3,541 ) (3,982 ) (5,568 ) Strategic initiatives and other charges (3)** (2,112 ) (1,568 ) (2,112 ) (2,215 ) Loss on divestiture (4) — — (4,465 ) — Stock-based compensation (1,366 ) (2,658 ) (5,013 ) (8,132 ) Non-service pension and postretirement expense (5) (970 ) (1,425 ) (1,901 ) (2,850 ) Depreciation and amortization * (21,050 ) (19,748 ) (40,276 ) (36,986 ) Interest expense (10,259 ) (9,262 ) (20,560 ) (17,063 ) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (223 ) (110 ) (336 ) (132 ) Income before income taxes 15,029 20,284 18,618 30,215 Income tax (provision) benefit 165 (2,212 ) (440 ) 23,015 Net income $ 15,194 $ 18,072 $ 18,178 $ 53,230 (1) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with recent acquisition activities. (2) Represents costs associated with global ERP system integration efforts. (3) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with productivity and cost-reduction initiatives intended to result in improved operating performance, profitability and working capital levels. (4) Represents a loss on the sale of a controlling interest in a Memorialization business. (5) Non-service pension and postretirement expense includes interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains and losses. These benefit cost components are excluded from adjusted EBITDA since they are primarily influenced by external market conditions that impact investment returns and interest (discount) rates. The service cost and prior service cost components of pension and postretirement expense are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, since they are considered to be a better reflection of the ongoing service-related costs of providing these benefits. Please note that GAAP pension and postretirement expense or the adjustment above are not necessarily indicative of the current or future cash flow requirements related to these employee benefit plans. * Depreciation and amortization was $13,165 and $11,827 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $5,039 and $5,172 for the Memorialization segment, $1,559 and $1,476 for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $1,287 and $1,273 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Depreciation and amortization was $ 24,607 and $22,832 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $10,058 and $9,314 for the Memorialization segment, $3,085 and $2,602 for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $2,526 and $2,238 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. ** Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $2,808 and $1,535 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment and $4,483 and $6,294 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $ 642 for the Memorialization segment and $ 497 for the Industrial Technologies segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $3,409 and $3,185 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment and $8,091 and $8,871 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $ 930 for the Memorialization segment and $ 587 for the Industrial Technologies segment for the six months ended March 31, 2018.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures Fiscal 2019: On November 1, 2018 the Company acquired 80% ownership of Frost Converting Systems, Inc. (“Frost”) for a purchase price of approximately $ 7,183 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital adjustments). Frost is a leading global supplier of high-performance rotary dies for embossing, creasing and cutting of paperboard packaging and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Frost acquisition is not finalized as of March 31, 2019 , and is subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company completed the sale of a 51% ownership interest in a small Memorialization business. Net proceeds from this sale totaled approximately $ 8,254 , and the transaction resulted in the recognition of a $ 4,465 loss, which is included as a component of administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2019 . Immediately following the transaction, the Company retained a non-controlling interest in this business, which will be accounted for as an equity-method investment. During fiscal 2019, the Company completed a smaller acquisition in the Memorialization segment for a purchase price of $ 3,094 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital adjustments). The preliminary purchase price allocation is not finalized as of March 31, 2019 and is subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities. Fiscal 2018: On February 1, 2018, the Company acquired certain net assets of Star Granite and Bronze International, Inc. ("Star Granite") for a total purchase price of $35,961 , consisting of cash of $30,961 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts) and shares of Matthews common stock valued at $5,000 . Star Granite manufactures and distributes granite and other memorialization products to cemetery and other customers across the United States and is included in the Company's Memorialization segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $31,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of the purchase price related to the Star Granite acquisition in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts. On November 28, 2017, the Company acquired Compass Engineering Group, Inc. ("Compass") for $51,887 (net of cash acquired). Compass provides high-quality material handling control solutions and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $24,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of the purchase price related to the Compass acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts. During fiscal 2018, the Company completed several additional smaller acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $39,465 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital adjustments). These additional acquisitions strengthen the Company's operations across the SGK Brand Solutions and Memorialization segments. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to certain of these acquisitions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital amounts. The preliminary purchase price allocations for the remaining acquisitions are not finalized as of March 31, 2019 and are subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 $ 491,070 $ 376,550 $ 92,026 $ 959,646 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 485,318 371,550 92,026 948,894 Additions during period 1,506 3,592 — 5,098 Divestiture during period — (14,970 ) — $ (14,970 ) Translation and other adjustments (5,759 ) 393 92 (5,274 ) Goodwill $ 486,817 $ 365,565 $ 92,118 $ 944,500 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 481,065 $ 360,565 $ 92,118 $ 933,748 The Company performed its annual impairment review in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and determined that estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary. Recent market conditions in the United States have unfavorably impacted the operating results of one of the reporting units in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The estimated fair value of this reporting unit exceeded the carrying value (expressed as a percentage of carrying value) by approximately 10%, resulting in no goodwill impairment for the reporting unit. If the reporting unit's operating results deteriorate further, an impairment charge could be recognized in future periods. The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net March 31, 2019 Trade names $ 33,547 $ — * $ 33,547 Trade names 145,770 (9,071 ) 136,699 Customer relationships 376,843 (123,919 ) 252,924 Copyrights/patents/other 20,701 (13,165 ) 7,536 $ 576,861 $ (146,155 ) $ 430,706 September 30, 2018 : Trade names $ 126,047 $ — * $ 126,047 Trade names 53,523 (5,444 ) 48,079 Customer relationships 372,382 (110,760 ) 261,622 Copyrights/patents/other 20,848 (12,686 ) 8,162 *Not subject to amortization $ 572,800 $ (128,890 ) $ 443,910 The net change in intangible assets during the six months ended March 31, 2019 included the impact of foreign currency fluctuations during the period, additional amortization, additions related to the Frost acquisition, and reductions from the divestiture of a Memorialization business. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company reassessed certain of its trade names and converted them from indefinite-lived to definite-lived, and accordingly, these intangible assets are now subject to amortization. Amortization expense on intangible assets was $9,509 and $8,249 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. For the six-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , amortization expense was $17,622 and $14,930 , respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be $19,565 for the remainder of fiscal 2019 , $37,226 in 2020 , $35,753 in 2021 , $34,112 in 2022 and $32,504 in 2023 .

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On April 1, 2019, subsequent to the end of the second fiscal quarter, the Company made an $ 18,626 investment in a Memorialization business which is being accounted for as an equity method investment.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements: Issued In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) , which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement , which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Note 2. Basis of Presentation (continued) In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) , which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. 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. Subsequently, the FASB issued several ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new lease guidance, including ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842) Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, ASU 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, and ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements . These ASUs do not change the core principles in the lease guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2018-11 provides an additional transition method to adopt ASU No. 2016-02. Under the new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date versus at the beginning of the earliest period presented and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company has elected to use this transition method at the adoption date of October 1, 2019. ASU No. 2016-02 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact these ASUs will have on its consolidated financial statements. Adopted In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) , which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost , which provides new guidance intended to improve the disclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost. ASU 2017-07 requires a company to present the service cost components of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs, with the remaining components of net periodic benefit cost presented separately from the service cost components and outside of any subtotal of operating income, if one is presented. The Company adopted this standard on October 1, 2018 applying the presentation requirements retrospectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company reclassified net benefit costs of $ 714 , $ 226 and $ 485 , from cost of sales, selling expense and administrative expense, respectively, to other income (deductions), net. For the six months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company reclassified net benefit costs of $ 1,428 , $ 452 and $ 970 from cost of sales, selling expense and administrative expense, respectively, to other income (deductions), net. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which provides new guidance intended to make the definition of a business more operable and allow for more consistency in application. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740) , which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 on October 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method which resulted in a decrease to retained earnings and other assets of $ 4,176 . In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) , which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Note 2. Basis of Presentation (continued) In January 2016, the FASB issued 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. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), that provides guidance related to implementation issues and corrects or improves certain aspects of the financial instruments guidance. The adoption of these ASUs in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 . This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued six ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842) and ASU 2017-14, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition guidance outlined above. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASUs in the first fiscal quarter of 2019, using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of these ASUs did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements and therefore, there was no cumulative effect adjustment recognized to retained earnings on October 1, 2018. Refer to Note 3, “Revenue Recognition,” for a further discussion.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Disaggregated sales by segment and region for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: SGK Brand Solutions Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 North America $ 79,170 $ 89,609 $ 151,441 $ 156,512 $ 30,988 $ 29,609 $ 261,599 $ 275,730 Central and South America 1,480 1,571 — — — — 1,480 1,571 Europe 96,070 101,703 8,606 9,769 7,035 7,731 111,711 119,203 Australia 2,901 3,007 2,129 2,408 — — 5,030 5,415 Asia 11,030 11,162 — — 550 980 11,580 12,142 Total Sales $ 190,651 $ 207,052 $ 162,176 $ 168,689 $ 38,573 $ 38,320 $ 391,400 $ 414,061 SGK Brand Solutions Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated Six Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 North America $ 158,752 $ 176,562 $ 294,734 $ 289,261 $ 58,702 $ 53,468 $ 512,188 $ 519,291 Central and South America 2,697 3,136 — — — — 2,697 3,136 Europe 186,588 190,573 16,764 19,014 13,372 15,362 216,724 224,949 Australia 5,860 6,010 4,564 5,303 — — 10,424 11,313 Asia 22,054 22,537 — — 1,490 2,289 23,544 24,826 Total Sales $ 375,951 $ 398,818 $ 316,062 $ 313,578 $ 73,564 $ 71,119 $ 765,577 $ 783,515

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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: March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Derivatives (1) $ — $ 4,791 $ — $ 4,791 $ — $ 11,309 $ — $ 11,309 Equity and fixed income mutual funds — 22,512 — 22,512 — 22,758 — 22,758 Life insurance policies — 4,045 — 4,045 — 5,894 — 5,894 Total assets at fair value $ — $ 31,348 $ — $ 31,348 $ — $ 39,961 $ — $ 39,961 Liabilities: Derivatives (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — (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)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Raw materials $ 36,880 $ 34,880 Work in process 72,210 67,827 Finished goods 78,563 77,744 $ 187,653 $ 180,451

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Contracts	The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges: March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $ 331,250 $ 343,750 Net unrealized gain $ 4,791 $ 11,309 Weighted-average maturity period (years) 2.2 2.7 Weighted-average received rate 2.49 % 2.26 % Weighted-average pay rate 1.40 % 1.37 %
Interest Rate Swap Contracts as Reflected on Balance Sheet	At March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows: Derivatives March 31, 2019 September 30, 2018 Current assets: Other current assets $ 2,085 $ 3,867 Long-term assets: Other assets 2,706 7,442 Current liabilities: Other current liabilities — — Long-term liabilities: Other liabilities — — Total derivatives $ 4,791 $ 11,309
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	The gains recognized on derivatives were as follows: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Location of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest rate swaps Interest expense $ 880 $ 202 $ 1,615 $ 265 The Company recognized the following (losses) gains in AOCI: Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives Location of Gain Reclassified From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) Amount of Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 Interest rate swaps $ (3,702 ) $ 4,893 Interest expense $ 1,219 $ 171 *There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Activity	The transactions for restricted shares and restricted share units for the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows: Shares /Units Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value Non-vested at September 30, 2018 554,233 $ 55.71 Granted 262,200 42.21 Vested (174,816 ) 58.06 Expired or forfeited (19,507 ) 45.91 Non-vested at March 31, 2019 622,110 $ 49.67

Earnings Per Share Attributab_2

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders $ 15,417 $ 18,182 $ 18,514 $ 53,362 Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): Basic shares 31,528 31,727 31,563 31,722 Effect of dilutive securities 141 126 135 124 Diluted shares 31,669 31,853 31,698 31,846

Pension and Other Postretirem_2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [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 March 31, Pension Other Postretirement 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 2,000 $ 2,039 $ 61 $ 84 Interest cost * 2,301 2,049 180 158 Expected return on plan assets * (2,596 ) (2,534 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (46 ) (35 ) (49 ) (49 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) * 1,100 1,752 (15 ) — Net benefit cost $ 2,759 $ 3,271 $ 177 $ 193 Six months ended March 31, Pension Other Postretirement 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 4,000 $ 4,078 $ 122 $ 168 Interest cost * 4,602 4,098 360 316 Expected return on plan assets * (5,192 ) (5,068 ) — — Amortization: Prior service cost (92 ) (70 ) (98 ) (98 ) Net actuarial loss (gain) * 2,161 3,504 (30 ) — Net benefit cost $ 5,479 $ 6,542 $ 354 $ 386 * Non-service components of pension and postretirement expense are included in other income (deductions), net.
Contributions Made and Anticipated for the Current Fiscal Year	Contributions made and anticipated for fiscal year 2019 are as follows: Contributions Pension Other Postretirement Contributions during the six months ended March 31, 2019: Supplemental retirement plan $ 391 $ — Other postretirement plan — 757 Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2019: Supplemental retirement plan $ 466 $ — Other postretirement plan — 318

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, December 31, 2018 $ (37,147 ) $ (147,524 ) $ 5,637 $ (179,034 ) OCI before reclassification — 134 (1,356 ) (1,222 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 734 (a) — (664 ) (b) 70 Net current-period OCI 734 134 (2,020 ) (1,152 ) Balance, March 31, 2019 $ (36,413 ) $ (147,390 ) $ 3,617 $ (180,186 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, December 31, 2018 — $ 454 — $ 454 OCI before reclassification — 19 — 19 Net current-period OCI — 19 — 19 Balance, March 31, 2019 — 473 — 473 Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (42,605 ) $ (105,309 ) $ 4,010 $ (143,904 ) OCI before reclassification — 11,413 3,260 14,673 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,022 (a) — (133 ) (b) 889 Net current-period OCI 1,022 11,413 3,127 15,562 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ (41,583 ) $ (93,896 ) $ 7,137 $ (128,342 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, December 31, 2017 — $ 409 — $ 409 OCI before reclassification — 90 — 90 Net current-period OCI — 90 — 90 Balance, March 31, 2018 — $ 499 — $ 499 (a) Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 9). (b) Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 6). Note 10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued) The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the six -month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, September 30, 2018 $ (37,876 ) $ (134,960 ) $ 8,538 $ (164,298 ) OCI before reclassification — (12,430 ) (3,702 ) (16,132 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,463 (a) — (1,219 ) (b) 244 Net current-period OCI 1,463 (12,430 ) (4,921 ) (15,888 ) Balance, March 31, 2019 $ (36,413 ) $ (147,390 ) $ 3,617 $ (180,186 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2018 — $ 467 — $ 467 OCI before reclassification — 6 — 6 Net current-period OCI — 6 — 6 Balance, March 31, 2019 — 473 — 473 Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total Attributable to Matthews: Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (43,623 ) $ (112,907 ) $ 2,415 $ (154,115 ) OCI before reclassification — 19,011 4,893 23,904 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 2,040 (a) — (171 ) (b) 1,869 Net current-period OCI 2,040 19,011 4,722 25,773 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ (41,583 ) $ (93,896 ) $ 7,137 $ (128,342 ) Attributable to noncontrolling interest: Balance, September 30, 2017 — $ 396 — $ 396 OCI before reclassification — 103 — 103 Net current-period OCI — 103 — 103 Balance, March 31, 2018 — $ 499 — $ 499 (a) Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 9). (b) Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 6).
Reclassifications out of AOCI	Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six -month periods ended March 31, 2019 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 95 (a) $ 190 Actuarial losses (1,085 ) (a) (2,131 ) (990 ) (b) (1,941 ) Income before income tax 256 478 Income taxes $ (734 ) $ (1,463 ) Net income Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ 880 $ 1,615 Interest expense 880 (b) 1,615 Income before income tax (216 ) (396 ) Income taxes $ 664 $ 1,219 Net income Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and six -month periods ended March 31, 2018 were as follows: Amount reclassified from AOCI Details about AOCI Components Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Six Months Ended Affected line item in the Statement of income Postretirement benefit plans Prior service (cost) credit $ 84 (a) $ 168 Actuarial losses (1,752 ) (a) (3,504 ) (1,668 ) (b) (3,336 ) Income before income tax (646 ) (1,296 ) Income taxes $ (1,022 ) $ (2,040 ) Net income Derivatives Interest rate swap contracts $ 202 $ 265 Interest expense 202 (b) 265 Income before income tax (69 ) (94 ) Income taxes $ 133 $ 171 Net income (a) Prior service cost 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. Actuarial losses are reported in other income (deductions), net. For additional information, see Note 9. (b) For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Years Subject to Examination	As of March 31, 2019 , the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are: United States – Federal 2015 and forward United States – State 2014 and forward Canada 2015 and forward Germany 2015 and forward United Kingdom 2017 and forward Australia 2014 and forward Singapore 2014 and forward

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information About the Company's Segments	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Sales: SGK Brand Solutions $ 190,651 $ 207,052 $ 375,951 $ 398,818 Memorialization 162,176 168,689 316,062 313,578 Industrial Technologies 38,573 38,320 73,564 71,119 Consolidated Sales $ 391,400 $ 414,061 $ 765,577 $ 783,515 Adjusted EBITDA: SGK Brand Solutions $ 29,370 $ 35,099 $ 56,721 $ 65,951 Memorialization 34,965 39,478 65,286 67,921 Industrial Technologies 4,792 4,881 8,387 8,568 Corporate and Non-Operating (12,939 ) (17,003 ) (27,725 ) (33,489 ) Total Adjusted EBITDA $ 56,188 $ 62,455 $ 102,669 $ 108,951 Acquisition costs (1)** (3,374 ) (3,859 ) (5,406 ) (5,790 ) ERP integration costs (2)** (1,805 ) (3,541 ) (3,982 ) (5,568 ) Strategic initiatives and other charges (3)** (2,112 ) (1,568 ) (2,112 ) (2,215 ) Loss on divestiture (4) — — (4,465 ) — Stock-based compensation (1,366 ) (2,658 ) (5,013 ) (8,132 ) Non-service pension and postretirement expense (5) (970 ) (1,425 ) (1,901 ) (2,850 ) Depreciation and amortization * (21,050 ) (19,748 ) (40,276 ) (36,986 ) Interest expense (10,259 ) (9,262 ) (20,560 ) (17,063 ) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (223 ) (110 ) (336 ) (132 ) Income before income taxes 15,029 20,284 18,618 30,215 Income tax (provision) benefit 165 (2,212 ) (440 ) 23,015 Net income $ 15,194 $ 18,072 $ 18,178 $ 53,230 (1) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with recent acquisition activities. (2) Represents costs associated with global ERP system integration efforts. (3) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with productivity and cost-reduction initiatives intended to result in improved operating performance, profitability and working capital levels. (4) Represents a loss on the sale of a controlling interest in a Memorialization business. (5) Non-service pension and postretirement expense includes interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains and losses. These benefit cost components are excluded from adjusted EBITDA since they are primarily influenced by external market conditions that impact investment returns and interest (discount) rates. The service cost and prior service cost components of pension and postretirement expense are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, since they are considered to be a better reflection of the ongoing service-related costs of providing these benefits. Please note that GAAP pension and postretirement expense or the adjustment above are not necessarily indicative of the current or future cash flow requirements related to these employee benefit plans. * Depreciation and amortization was $13,165 and $11,827 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $5,039 and $5,172 for the Memorialization segment, $1,559 and $1,476 for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $1,287 and $1,273 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Depreciation and amortization was $ 24,607 and $22,832 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $10,058 and $9,314 for the Memorialization segment, $3,085 and $2,602 for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $2,526 and $2,238 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. ** Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $2,808 and $1,535 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment and $4,483 and $6,294 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $ 642 for the Memorialization segment and $ 497 for the Industrial Technologies segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $3,409 and $3,185 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment and $8,091 and $8,871 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $ 930 for the Memorialization segment and $ 587 for the Industrial Technologies segment for the six months ended March 31, 2018.

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 $ 491,070 $ 376,550 $ 92,026 $ 959,646 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 485,318 371,550 92,026 948,894 Additions during period 1,506 3,592 — 5,098 Divestiture during period — (14,970 ) — $ (14,970 ) Translation and other adjustments (5,759 ) 393 92 (5,274 ) Goodwill $ 486,817 $ 365,565 $ 92,118 $ 944,500 Accumulated impairment losses (5,752 ) (5,000 ) — (10,752 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 481,065 $ 360,565 $ 92,118 $ 933,748
Other Intangible Assets	The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net March 31, 2019 Trade names $ 33,547 $ — * $ 33,547 Trade names 145,770 (9,071 ) 136,699 Customer relationships 376,843 (123,919 ) 252,924 Copyrights/patents/other 20,701 (13,165 ) 7,536 $ 576,861 $ (146,155 ) $ 430,706 September 30, 2018 : Trade names $ 126,047 $ — * $ 126,047 Trade names 53,523 (5,444 ) 48,079 Customer relationships 372,382 (110,760 ) 261,622 Copyrights/patents/other 20,848 (12,686 ) 8,162 *Not subject to amortization $ 572,800 $ (128,890 ) $ 443,910

Basis of Presentation New Accou

Basis of Presentation New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Oct. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net benefit costs reclassified into other income (deductions), net	$ (1,067)	$ (1,596)	$ (1,991)	$ (3,680)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative tax adjustment for intra-entity transfers					$ (4,176)
Cost of Sales | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of ASU 2017-07		714		1,428
Net benefit costs reclassified into other income (deductions), net		714		1,428
Selling Expense | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of ASU 2017-07		226		452
Net benefit costs reclassified into other income (deductions), net		226		452
Administrative Expense | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of ASU 2017-07		485		970
Net benefit costs reclassified into other income (deductions), net		$ 485		$ 970
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-16
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative tax adjustment for intra-entity transfers					(4,176)
Other Assets | Accounting Standards Update 2016-16
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative tax adjustment for intra-entity transfers					$ (4,176)

Revenue Recognition (Details)

Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	$ 391,400	$ 414,061	$ 765,577	$ 783,515
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	261,599	275,730	512,188	519,291
Central and South America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	1,480	1,571	2,697	3,136
Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	111,711	119,203	216,724	224,949
Australia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	5,030	5,415	10,424	11,313
Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	11,580	12,142	23,544	24,826
SGK Brand Solutions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	190,651	207,052	375,951	398,818
SGK Brand Solutions | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	79,170	89,609	158,752	176,562
SGK Brand Solutions | Central and South America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	1,480	1,571	2,697	3,136
SGK Brand Solutions | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	96,070	101,703	186,588	190,573
SGK Brand Solutions | Australia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	2,901	3,007	5,860	6,010
SGK Brand Solutions | Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	11,030	11,162	22,054	22,537
Memorialization
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	162,176	168,689	316,062	313,578
Memorialization | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	151,441	156,512	294,734	289,261
Memorialization | Central and South America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	0	0	0	0
Memorialization | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	8,606	9,769	16,764	19,014
Memorialization | Australia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	2,129	2,408	4,564	5,303
Memorialization | Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	0	0	0	0
Industrial Technologies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	38,573	38,320	73,564	71,119
Industrial Technologies | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	30,988	29,609	58,702	53,468
Industrial Technologies | Central and South America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	0	0	0	0
Industrial Technologies | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	7,035	7,731	13,372	15,362
Industrial Technologies | Australia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	0	0	0	0
Industrial Technologies | Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales	$ 550	$ 980	$ 1,490	$ 2,289

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Assets:
Derivatives	$ 4,791	$ 11,309
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	22,512	22,758
Life insurance policies	4,045	5,894
Total assets at fair value	31,348	39,961
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 1
Assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	0	0
Life insurance policies	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 2
Assets:
Derivatives	4,791	11,309
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	22,512	22,758
Life insurance policies	4,045	5,894
Total assets at fair value	31,348	39,961
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 3
Assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	0	0
Life insurance policies	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	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventories, net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 36,880	$ 34,880
Work in process	72,210	67,827
Finished goods	78,563	77,744
Inventories	$ 187,653	$ 180,451

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) £ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2014GBP (£)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Other debt	$ 3,299,000	$ 5,399,000
Other current assets	74,274,000	61,592,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps, before tax	4,791,000	11,309,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps, after tax	3,617,000	8,538,000
Unrealized gain (loss) expected to be recognized over the next 12 months	$ 1,574,000
Senior Notes | Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	1.40%		1.40%		1.40%
Debt issued amount	$ 16,830,000		€ 15,000,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	1.40%		1.40%
Portion of debt subject to fixed interest rate | €			€ 5,000,000
LIBOR | Senior Notes | Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	1.40%
Senior Notes 2025 | Senior Notes
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issued amount	$ 300,000,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	5.25%		5.25%
Securitization Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	$ 115,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	$ 102,200,000	102,250,000
Interest rate on facility (as a percent)	3.24%		3.24%		2.63%
Securitization Facility | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Securitization Facility | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.35%
Securitization Facility | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	0.75%
Other Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	5.50%		5.50%		2.77%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate during period (as a percent)	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	0.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | April 2016 Debt Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	$ 900,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | April 2016 Debt Amendment | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual commitment fee range on unused portion (as a percent)	0.15%
Revolving Credit Facility | April 2016 Debt Amendment | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual commitment fee range on unused portion (as a percent)	0.25%
Term Loan | April 2016 Debt Amendment
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	$ 250,000,000
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 1 (as a percent)	5.00%		5.00%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 2 (as a percent)	7.50%		7.50%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 3 (as a percent)	10.00%		10.00%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 4 (as a percent)	10.00%		10.00%
Long term debt outstanding principal payment in year 5 (as a percent)	10.00%		10.00%
Outstanding borrowings	$ 199,666,000	212,086,000
Term Loan | April 2016 Debt Amendment | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate during period (as a percent)	1.50%
Term Loan | April 2016 Debt Amendment | LIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	0.75%
Term Loan | April 2016 Debt Amendment | LIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	2.00%
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	$ 342,500,000	319,500,000
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	3.25%		3.25%		2.68%
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 11,176,000					£ 8,570
Foreign Line of Credit | Credit Facility With European Bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	$ 39,270,000		€ 35,000,000
Outstanding borrowings		$ 3,211,000		€ 2,800,000
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	1.25%		1.25%		1.75%

Debt - Interest Rate Contracts

Debt - Interest Rate Contracts (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount	$ 331,250,000	$ 343,750,000
Net unrealized gain	$ 4,791,000	$ 11,309,000
Weighted-average maturity period (years)	2 years 2 months 30 days	2 years 8 months 24 days
Weighted-average received rate (as a percent)	2.49%	2.26%
Weighted-average pay rate (as a percent)	1.40%	1.37%
Securitization Facility
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate on facility (as a percent)	3.24%		2.63%

Debt - Interest Rate Swap Contr

Debt - Interest Rate Swap Contracts as Reflected on Balance Sheet (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - Interest Rate Swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives	$ 4,791	$ 11,309
Current assets: Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets derivatives	2,085	3,867
Long-term assets: Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets derivatives	2,706	7,442
Current Liabilities: Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	0	0
Long-Term Liabilities: Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	$ 0	$ 0

Debt - Gain (Loss) on Derivativ

Debt - Gain (Loss) on Derivatives (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging - Interest Rate Swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives			$ (3,702)	$ 4,893
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ 880	$ 202	1,615	265
Amount of Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)			$ 1,219	$ 171

Share-Based Payments - Narrativ

Share-Based Payments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation cost	$ 1,366	$ 2,658	$ 5,013	$ 8,132
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of shares vested on time			40.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards	$ 10,777		$ 10,777
Weighted average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards			2 years 2 months
Restricted stock awards unvested (in shares)	34,542		34,542
Restricted Stock | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period			3 years
Restricted Stock | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period			5 years
Restricted Stock | After 3 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting increment			50.00%
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			25.00%
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			25.00%
2017 Equity Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted under the 2017 Equity incentive plan			262,200
2017 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)	1,700,000		1,700,000
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	1,700,000		1,700,000
Retirement Eligible Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation cost			$ 1,849	2,850
Future income tax benefit from compensation expense recognized	$ 335	$ 651	870	$ 1,521
2014 Director Fee Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee directors			85
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee Chairman of the Board			$ 185
2019 Director Fee Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for grants or awards (in shares)	150,000		150,000
Director Fee Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares deferred under stock based compensation plan (in shares)	25,498		25,498
Value of annual stock based grant			$ 125
Total restricted stock awards granted to date (in shares)	196,266		196,266
Restricted stock awards unvested (in shares)	23,037		23,037

Share-Based Payments - Restrict

Share-Based Payments - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019$ / sharesshares
Shares /Units
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	554,233
Vested (in shares) | shares	(174,816)
Expired or forfeited (in shares) | shares	(19,507)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares) | shares	622,110
Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 55.71
Granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	42.21
Vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	58.06
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	45.91
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 49.67
2017 Equity Incentive Plan
Shares /Units
Granted (in shares) | shares	262,200

Earnings Per Share Attributab_3

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$ 15,417	$ 18,182	$ 18,514	$ 53,362
Weighted-average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Basic shares (in shares)	31,528	31,727	31,563	31,722
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	141	126	135	124
Diluted shares (in shares)	31,669	31,853	31,698	31,846
Antidilutive securities excluded from dilution calculation (in shares)	0	0	0	0

Pension and Other Postretirem_3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Pension
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 2,000	$ 2,039	$ 4,000	$ 4,078
Interest cost	2,301	2,049	4,602	4,098
Expected return on plan assets	(2,596)	(2,534)	(5,192)	(5,068)
Amortization:
Prior service cost	(46)	(35)	(92)	(70)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,100	1,752	2,161	3,504
Net benefit cost	2,759	3,271	5,479	6,542
Other Postretirement
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	61	84	122	168
Interest cost	180	158	360	316
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization:
Prior service cost	(49)	(49)	(98)	(98)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(15)	0	(30)	0
Net benefit cost	177	$ 193	354	$ 386
Contributions during the six months ended March 31, 2019:
Other Postretirement			757
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2019:
Supplemental retirement plan	318		318
Supplemental retirement plan
Contributions during the six months ended March 31, 2019:
Pension			391
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2019:
Supplemental retirement plan	$ 466		$ 466

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Changes in AOCI by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Attributable to Matthews:
Beginning balance	$ 844,015	$ 830,629	$ 868,714	$ 790,259
OCI, net of tax	(1,133)	15,652	(15,882)	25,876
Ending balance	847,461	852,082	847,461	852,082
Post-retirement benefit plans
Attributable to Matthews:
Beginning balance	(37,147)	(42,605)	(37,876)	(43,623)
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	734	1,022	1,463	2,040
OCI, net of tax	734	1,022	1,463	2,040
Ending balance	(36,413)	(41,583)	(36,413)	(41,583)
Currency translation adjustment
Attributable to Matthews:
Beginning balance	(147,524)	(105,309)	(134,960)	(112,907)
OCI before reclassification	134	11,413	(12,430)	19,011
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
OCI, net of tax	134	11,413	(12,430)	19,011
Ending balance	(147,390)	(93,896)	(147,390)	(93,896)
Derivatives
Attributable to Matthews:
Beginning balance	5,637	4,010	8,538	2,415
OCI before reclassification	(1,356)	3,260	(3,702)	4,893
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(664)	(133)	(1,219)	(171)
OCI, net of tax	(2,020)	3,127	(4,921)	4,722
Ending balance	3,617	7,137	3,617	7,137
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Attributable to Matthews:
Beginning balance	(179,034)	(143,904)	(164,298)	(154,115)
OCI before reclassification	(1,222)	14,673	(16,132)	23,904
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	70	889	244	1,869
OCI, net of tax	(1,152)	15,562	(15,888)	25,773
Ending balance	(180,186)	(128,342)	(180,186)	(128,342)
Post-retirement benefit plans
Attributable to Matthews:
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
Attributable to Matthews:
Beginning balance	454	409	467	396
OCI before reclassification	19	90	6	103
OCI, net of tax	19	90	6	103
Ending balance	473	499	473	499
Derivatives
Attributable to Matthews:
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
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Attributable to Matthews:
Beginning balance	454	409	467	396
OCI before reclassification	19	90	6	103
OCI, net of tax	19	90	6	103
Ending balance	$ 473	$ 499	$ 473	$ 499

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivatives
Interest expense	$ 10,259	$ 9,262	$ 20,560	$ 17,063
Income before income tax	15,029	20,284	18,618	30,215
Income taxes	165	(2,212)	(440)	23,015
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	15,417	18,182	18,514	53,362
Prior service (cost) credit
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income tax	95	84	190	168
Actuarial losses
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income tax	(1,085)	(1,752)	(2,131)	(3,504)
Post-retirement benefit plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income tax	(990)	(1,668)	(1,941)	(3,336)
Income taxes	256	(646)	478	(1,296)
Net income	(734)	(1,022)	(1,463)	(2,040)
Derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	664	133	1,219	171
Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivatives
Income before income tax	880	202	1,615	265
Income taxes	(216)	(69)	(396)	(94)
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	664	133	1,219	171
Derivatives | Interest rate swap contracts | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivatives
Interest expense	$ 880	$ 202	$ 1,615	$ 265

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax (provision) benefit	$ (165)		$ 2,212	$ 440	$ (23,015)
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)				21.00%
Tax expense repatriation of foreign earnings		$ 300
Unrecognized tax benefits	14,473			$ 14,473		$ 14,827
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	10,365			10,365		10,718
Decrease reasonably possible in next 12 months	2,092			2,092
Total penalties and interest accrued	$ 2,686			$ 2,686		$ 2,229

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment					3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 391,400		$ 414,061		$ 765,577	$ 783,515
Reconciliation Of Adjusted EBITDA To Net Income [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA:	56,188		62,455		102,669	108,951
Non-Operating Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Acquisition costs	(3,374)		(3,859)		(5,406)	(5,790)
ERP integration costs	(1,805)		(3,541)		(3,982)	(5,568)
Strategic initiatives and other charges	(2,112)		(1,568)		(2,112)	(2,215)
Loss on divestiture	0		0		(4,465)	0
Stock-based compensation	(1,366)		(2,658)		(5,013)	(8,132)
Non-service pension and postretirement expense	(970)		(1,425)		(1,901)	(2,850)
Depreciation and amortization	(21,050)		(19,748)		(40,276)	(36,986)
Interest expense	(10,259)		(9,262)		(20,560)	(17,063)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(223)		(110)		(336)	(132)
Income before income taxes	15,029		20,284		18,618	30,215
Income tax (provision) benefit	165		(2,212)		(440)	23,015
Net income	15,194	$ 2,984	18,072	$ 35,158	18,178	53,230
SGK Brand Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	190,651		207,052		375,951	398,818
Reconciliation Of Adjusted EBITDA To Net Income [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA:	29,370		35,099		56,721	65,951
Non-Operating Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	(13,165)		(11,827)		(24,607)	(22,832)
Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges	2,808		1,535		3,409	3,185
Memorialization
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	162,176		168,689		316,062	313,578
Reconciliation Of Adjusted EBITDA To Net Income [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA:	34,965		39,478		65,286	67,921
Non-Operating Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	(5,039)		(5,172)		(10,058)	(9,314)
Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges			642			930
Industrial Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	38,573		38,320		73,564	71,119
Reconciliation Of Adjusted EBITDA To Net Income [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA:	4,792		4,881		8,387	8,568
Non-Operating Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	(1,559)		(1,476)		(3,085)	(2,602)
Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges			497			587
Corporate and Non-Operating
Reconciliation Of Adjusted EBITDA To Net Income [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA:	(12,939)		(17,003)		(27,725)	(33,489)
Non-Operating Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	(1,287)		(1,273)		(2,526)	(2,238)
Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges	$ 4,483		$ 6,294		$ 8,091	$ 8,871

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2018	Feb. 01, 2018	Nov. 28, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired				$ 11,525	$ 119,689
Percentage of ownership sold							51.00%
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest				8,254	$ 0
Loss on sale of ownership interest				4,465
Frost Converting Systems
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership acquired	80.00%
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired	$ 7,183
Memorialization Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired				$ 3,094
Star Granite Bronze International, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired		$ 30,961
Total purchase price		35,961
Value of common stock issued in acquisition		5,000
Annual sales of acquired entity, last annual period		$ 31,000
Compass Engineering Group, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired			$ 51,887
Annual sales of acquired entity, last annual period			$ 24,000
Additional Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment to acquire business, net of cash acquired						$ 39,465

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill Attributable to Each Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 959,646
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,752)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	948,894
Additions during period	5,098
Divestiture during period	(14,970)
Translation and other adjustments	(5,274)
Goodwill	944,500
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,752)
Balance at End of Period	933,748
SGK Brand Solutions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	491,070
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	485,318
Additions during period	1,506
Divestiture during period	0
Translation and other adjustments	(5,759)
Goodwill	486,817
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752)
Balance at End of Period	481,065
Memorialization
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	376,550
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,000)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	371,550
Additions during period	3,592
Divestiture during period	(14,970)
Translation and other adjustments	393
Goodwill	365,565
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,000)
Balance at End of Period	360,565
Industrial Technologies
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	92,026
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	92,026
Additions during period	0
Divestiture during period	0
Translation and other adjustments	92
Goodwill	92,118
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Balance at End of Period	$ 92,118

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	$ 576,861	$ 572,800
Accumulated Amortization	(146,155)	(128,890)
Net	430,706	443,910
Trade Names Not Subject to Amortization
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	33,547	126,047
Net	33,547	126,047
Trade names
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	145,770	53,523
Accumulated Amortization	(9,071)	(5,444)
Net	136,699	48,079
Customer relationships
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	376,843	372,382
Accumulated Amortization	(123,919)	(110,760)
Net	252,924	261,622
Copyrights/patents/other
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	20,701	20,848
Accumulated Amortization	(13,165)	(12,686)
Net	$ 7,536	$ 8,162

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense on intangible assets	$ 9,509	$ 8,249	$ 17,622	$ 14,930
Future amortization expense [Abstract]
Future amortization expense for the remainder 2019	19,565		19,565
Future amortization expense 2020	37,226		37,226
Future amortization expense 2021	35,753		35,753
Future amortization expense 2022	34,112		34,112
Future amortization expense 2023	$ 32,504		$ 32,504

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2019USD ($)
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Investment in a less then wholly owned memorialization business	$ 18,626