| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PTC Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000857005 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 0-18059 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MA |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-2866152 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 121 Seaport Boulevard |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02210 |
| City Area Code | (781) |
| Local Phone Number | 370-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PTC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
