| Cover Page | Aug. 20, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | PA |
| Entity File Number | 0-09115 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 25-0644320 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Two Northshore Center |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Pittsburgh |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 15212-5851 |
| City Area Code | 412 |
| Local Phone Number | 442-8200 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value |
| Trading Symbol | MATW |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000063296 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
