| Cover Page | May 04, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 4, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MN |
| Entity File Number | 000-02382 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 41-0908057 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 14000 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE |
| Entity Address, City or Town | EDEN PRAIRIE |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 55344 |
| City Area Code | 952 |
| Local Phone Number | 937-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.25 par value |
| Trading Symbol | MTSC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000068709 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
