v3.25.1
Label Element Value
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate Apr. 30, 2025
Matthews China Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:17pt;">Matthews China Fund</span>
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading <span style="color:#927C5E;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:13pt;font-style:italic;">Investment Objective</span>
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Long-term capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading <span style="color:#927C5E;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:13pt;font-style:italic;">Fees and Expenses of the Fund</span>
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of this Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;text-transform:uppercase;">SHAREHOLDER FEES</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-style:italic;">(fees paid directly from your investment)</span>
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;text-transform:uppercase;">ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-style:italic;">(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)</span>
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Portfolio Turnover</span>
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 50% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 50.00%
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Example of Fund Expenses</span>
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading <span style="color:#927C5E;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:13pt;font-style:italic;">Principal Investment Strategy</span>
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock Under normal circumstances, the Matthews China Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in China. China includes its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong.A company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in China, and a security or instrument is deemed to be a Chinese security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to China. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily on one or more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer, whether (i) it is organized under the laws of China; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located, within China; (iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in China; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise headquartered in China; or (v) it is a governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of China; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue, whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in China; (ii) it is issued to finance a project that has at least 50% of its assets or operations in China; (iii) it is at least 50% secured or backed by assets located in China; (iv) it is a component of or its issuer is included in the MSCI China Index, the Fund's primary benchmark index; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of China and addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts, including American, European and Global Depositary Receipts.The Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies; corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews expects that the companies in which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the Fund may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures a company’s size with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in companies in any sector.The Fund may invest in affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs, including the Matthews China Active ETF, a series of the Trust with a substantially similar investment strategy to the Fund, for cash equitization purposes, which allows the Fund to invest in a manner consistent with its investment strategy while managing daily cash flows, including purchases and redemptions by investors.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading <span style="color:#927C5E;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:13pt;font-style:italic;">Principal Risks of Investment</span>
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading <span style="color:#927C5E;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:13pt;font-style:italic;">Past Performance</span>
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The bar chart below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied from year to year. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of time, along with performance its benchmark indices. The information presented below is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com or call 800.789.ASIA (2742).
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:8.4pt;">The bar chart below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied from year to year.</span>
Performance Additional Market Index [Text] rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:7pt;">Secondary benchmark that Matthews believes more closely represents the Fund's investable universe.</span>
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:8.4pt;">800.789.ASIA (2742)</span>
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:8.4pt;">matthewsasia.com</span>
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:8.4pt;">The information presented below is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:8.4pt;">prediction of future results.</span>
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Investor Class:</span> <br/><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Annual Total Returns For years Ended 12/31</span>
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Best QuarterQ3 202427.48%Worst QuarterQ3 2022-25.57%
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2024</span>
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:7pt;">After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.</span>
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred <span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:7pt;">Actual </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:7pt;">after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.</span>
Matthews China Fund | Risk Lose Money [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock The value of your investment in the Fund could go down, meaning you could lose money.
Matthews China Fund | Political Social and Economic Risks of Investing in Asia [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region (including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region); international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth, inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes in global trade.
Matthews China Fund | Geopolitical Events Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Geopolitical Events Risk: The interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, climate change and climate-related events, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, international conflicts, cybersecurity events, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on the global financial markets.
Matthews China Fund | Currency Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S. dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar. While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, China may utilize formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s holdings.
Matthews China Fund | Risks Associated with Emerging Markets [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Risks Associated with Emerging Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging markets. Such markets are often less stable politically and economically than developed markets such as the U.S., and investing in these markets involves different and greater risks due to, among other factors, different accounting standards; variable quality and reliability of financial information and related audits of companies; higher brokerage costs and thinner trading markets as compared to those in developed countries; the possibility of currency transfer restrictions; and the risk of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse political, economic or social developments. There may be less publicly available information about companies in many emerging market countries, and the stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many emerging market countries typically do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the U.S. Securities markets of many emerging market countries are also substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the U.S. Additionally, investors may have substantial difficulties bringing legal actions to enforce or protect investors’ rights, which can increase the risks of loss.
Matthews China Fund | Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through its industrial policies (e.g., allocation of resources and other preferential treatment), monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates, and management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations. Changes in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or companies in China. As its consumer class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment cycles. The Chinese government has been accused of state-sponsored cyberattacks against foreign governments and companies, and responses to such activity, including sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Chinese government or Chinese companies, may negatively affect China’s economy and Chinese securities issuers. In addition, the current political climate has intensified concerns about trade tariffs or trade disputes with China’s major trading partners, including a potential trade war between the U.S. and China. These consequences may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, shortages or oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price increases or decreases of goods, inflationary pressures, and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of the foreign export industry in China with a potentially negative impact on the Fund’s investments. As demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, considerable political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to the interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments.
Matthews China Fund | Risks Associated with Variable Interest Entities [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Risks Associated with Variable Interest Entities: The Fund may invest in certain operating companies in China through legal structures known as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In China, ownership of companies in certain sectors by foreign individuals and entities (including U.S. persons and entities such as the Funds) is prohibited. In order to facilitate foreign investment in these businesses, many Chinese companies have created VIEs, through which foreign investors hold stock in a shell company that has entered into service and other contracts with the China-based operating company, allowing U.S. investors to obtain economic exposure to the China-based company through contractual means rather than through formal equity ownership. VIEs are a longstanding industry practice and well known to officials and regulators in China; however, VIEs are not formally recognized under Chinese law. Recently, the government of China placed restrictions on China-based companies raising capital offshore, including through VIE structures. Investors face uncertainty about future actions by the government of China that could significantly affect an operating company’s financial performance and the enforceability of the shell company’s contractual arrangements. Under extreme circumstances, China might prohibit the existence of VIEs, or sever their ability to transmit economic and governance rights to foreign investors; if so, the market value of the Fund’s associated portfolio holdings would likely decline significantly, which could result in substantial investment losses.
Matthews China Fund | US Trade Policy Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock U.S. Trade Policy Risk: The Trump administration recently enacted and proposed to enact significant new tariffs on imports from certain countries. Additionally, President Trump has directed various federal agencies to further evaluate key aspects of U.S. trade policy and there has been ongoing discussion and commentary regarding potential significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs. There continues to exist significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and other countries with respect to such trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the U.S. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict a portfolio company’s access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or operations, which in turn could negatively impact the Fund.
Matthews China Fund | Growth Stock Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a whole.
Matthews China Fund | Equity Securities Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Equity Securities Risk: Equity securities may include common stock, preferred stock or other securities representing an ownership interest or the right to acquire an ownership interest in an issuer. Equity risk is the risk that stocks and other equity securities generally fluctuate in value more than bonds and may decline in value over short or extended periods. The value of stocks and other equity securities may be affected by changes in an issuer’s financial condition, factors that affect a particular industry or industries, or as a result of changes in overall market, economic and political conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry.
Matthews China Fund | Preferred Stock Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Preferred Stock Risk: Preferred stock normally pays dividends at a specified rate and has precedence over common stock in the event the issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy. However, in the event a company is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock. If interest rates rise, the dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of such stocks to decline.
Matthews China Fund | Depositary Receipts Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying securities listed on an exchange.
Matthews China Fund | Volatility Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this Fund is better suited for long-term investors. If the value of the Fund’s investments declines, the net asset value of the Fund will decline and investors may lose some or all of the value of their investments.
Matthews China Fund | Active Management Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Active Management Risk: The Fund is actively managed by Matthews. There is the risk that Matthews may select securities that underperform the relevant stock market(s), the Fund’s benchmark index or other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies.
Matthews China Fund | Sector Concentration Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector, including the sector(s) described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous sectors.Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2024, 28% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the consumer discretionary sector. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall local and international economies, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success of companies in the consumer discretionary sector depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.Financials Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2024, 22% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the financial sector. Financial companies are subject to extensive government regulation and can be significantly affected by the availability and cost of capital funds, changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, price competition and other sector-specific factors.
Matthews China Fund | Underlying ETF Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Underlying ETF Risk: Because the Fund may invest in affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs, it is subject to additional risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds, including the risks that the market price of ETF shares held by the Fund may trade at a discount to its net asset value, an active secondary trading market may not develop or be maintained, or trading may be halted by the exchange in which an ETF trades, which may impact the Fund’s ability to sell its shares of an ETF.
Matthews China Fund | Cybersecurity Risk [Member]  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs.
Matthews China Fund | Investor Class Shares  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) rr_MaximumAccountFee $ 9
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.71%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Administration and Shareholder Servicing Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.20%
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.54%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.25%
One year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 127
Three year rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 397
Five year rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 686
Ten year rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,511
2015 rr_AnnualReturn2015 2.41%
2016 rr_AnnualReturn2016 (5.17%)
2017 rr_AnnualReturn2017 59.37%
2018 rr_AnnualReturn2018 (21.42%)
2019 rr_AnnualReturn2019 34.56%
2020 rr_AnnualReturn2020 43.05%
2021 rr_AnnualReturn2021 (12.26%)
2022 rr_AnnualReturn2022 (24.40%)
2023 rr_AnnualReturn2023 (19.22%)
2024 rr_AnnualReturn2024 17.87%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel <span style="color:#927C5E;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">Best Quarter</span>
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2024
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 27.48%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel <span style="color:#927C5E;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">Worst Quarter</span>
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2022
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (25.57%)
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 17.87%
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.01%)
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.99%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.60%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 1998
Matthews China Fund | Institutional Class Shares  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) rr_MaximumAccountFee $ 9
Management Fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.71%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Administration and Shareholder Servicing Fees rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.20%
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.41%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.12%
One year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 114
Three year rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 356
Five year rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 617
Ten year rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,363
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 17.95%
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.88%)
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 4.14%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.29% [1]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Oct. 29, 2010
Matthews China Fund | After tax on distributions | Investor Class Shares  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 17.55% [2]
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (3.24%) [2]
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 1.92% [2]
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.18% [2]
Matthews China Fund | After tax on distributions and sale of fund shares | Investor Class Shares  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 11.17% [2]
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.41%) [2]
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.92% [2]
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.31% [2]
Matthews China Fund | MSCI China Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 19.68%
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (3.29%)
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.05%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.24% [3]
Matthews China Fund | MSCI China All Shares Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 16.67% [4]
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.61%) [4]
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 1.40% [4],[5]
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception [4],[5]
[1] Because the inception date of the Institutional Class is later than that of the Index returns shown, the since-inception performance of the Institutional Class is not directly comparable to the performance of the Index.
[2] After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
[3] Calculated from 2/28/98.
[4] Secondary benchmark that Matthews believes more closely represents the Fund's investable universe.
[5] Index launched on 6/26/14.