Cover Page - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 28, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-02382
Entity Registrant Name	MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MN
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.25 par value
Trading Symbol	MTSC
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		19,235,943
Entity Central Index Key	0000068709
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-03
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false