Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 21, 2019
Document and Entity Information
Document Transition Report	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Entity Registrant Name	CTS CORPORATION
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, without par value
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	IN
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	CTS
Entity Registrant Name	1-4639
Entity Central Index Key	0000026058
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,601,889
Entity Tax Identification Number	35-0225010
Entity Address, City or Town	Lisle
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
City Area Code	(630)
Local Phone Number	577-8800
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Small Business	false