Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MTS Systems Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated. The terms "MTS," "we," "us," "the Company" or "our" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise requires, refer to MTS Systems Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. We have prepared the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information furnished in these consolidated financial statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all adjustments that are, in our opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2019 filed with the SEC. Interim results of operations for the second fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
Fiscal Period	We have a 5-4-4 week, quarterly accounting cycle with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to September 30. Fiscal year 2020 ending on October 3, 2020 will consist of 53 weeks. Fiscal year 2019 ended on September 28, 2019 consisted of 52 weeks.
Leases	Leases As described in Note 2, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), followed by related amendments, on September 29, 2019 under the modified retrospective transition method.
Business Acquisition	Business Acquisitions We expanded our business acquisitions critical accounting policy to include contingent consideration liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, followed by related amendments, which changes the accounting for credit losses on instruments measured at amortized cost by adding an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. An entity will recognize as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which is believed to result in more timely recognition of such losses as the standard eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold. Adoption of the standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that annual period, which is our fiscal year 2021. The new guidance is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period of adoption. We have not yet evaluated the impact the adoption of this guidance may have on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework–Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that annual period, which is our fiscal year 2021. Certain disclosures in the new guidance are to be applied using a retrospective approach while other disclosures are to be applied using a prospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation–Retirement Benefits–Defined Benefit Plans–General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework–Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods ending after December 15, 2020, which is our fiscal year 2021. The new guidance is to be applied using a retrospective approach with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which eliminates certain exceptions to Topic 740's general principles, improves consistent application and simplifies its application. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods ending after December 15, 2020, which is our fiscal year 2021. We have not yet evaluated the impact the adoption of this guidance may have on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures. In April 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides relief for companies preparing for discontinuation of interest rates such as LIBOR. The standard can be applied immediately through December 31, 2022, which is our fiscal year 2023. We have not yet evaluated the impact the adoption of this guidance may have on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures. Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), followed by related amendments (collectively, "the new lease standard"), which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by those leases. We adopted the new lease standard on September 29, 2019 under the modified retrospective transition method and the optional transition method. As a result, we did not adjust our comparative period financial information or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. We elected the package of practical expedients to not reassess prior conclusions related to contracts containing leases, lease classification and initial direct costs. In addition, we did not elect to apply the hindsight practical expedient. See Note 5 for our new lease accounting policy and disclosures related to the new lease standard.
Revenue	The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable (contract assets) and advance payments from customers (contract liabilities). Contract balances are classified as assets or liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Contract liabilities represent payments received from customers at contract inception and at milestones per contract provisions. These payments are recorded in advance payments from customers and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (current and non-current portions, respectively) and are liquidated as revenue is recognized. Conversely, when billing occurs subsequent to revenue recognition for contracts recognized over time, balances are recorded in unbilled accounts receivable, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As customers are billed, unbilled accounts receivable balances are transferred to accounts receivable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring those goods or providing those services. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are known, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account under the revenue recognition standard. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Many of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, not distinct. In situations when our contract includes distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer over time, they are recognized as a series of distinct goods or services. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract's transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect, at contract inception, that the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less. Revenue is recorded net of taxes collected from customers, and taxes collected are recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control of a product has transferred are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following is a description of the product offerings, end markets, typical revenue transactions and payment terms for each of our two reportable segments. See Note 14 for further information on reportable segments. Test & Simulation Our Test & Simulation segment (Test & Simulation) manufactures and sells equipment and related software and services which are used by customers to characterize a product's mechanical properties or performance or to create a desired human experience. Our solutions simulate forces and motions that customers expect their products to encounter in use or are necessary to properly characterize the product's performance. Primary Test & Simulation markets include transportation, infrastructure, energy, aerospace, materials science, medical, flight training and amusement parks. A typical system is a comprehensive solution which includes a platform on which a human or prototype specimen resides or a reaction frame to hold the prototype specimen; a hydraulic or electro-mechanical power source; actuators to create the force or motion; and a computer controller with specialized software to coordinate the actuator movement and to measure, record, analyze and manipulate results. Our portfolio of Test & Simulation solutions includes standard, configurable products; engineered products which combine standard product configurations with a moderate degree of customization per customer specifications; and highly customized, highly engineered solutions built to address the customer's unique business need, which can include development of first-of-a-kind technology. To complement our Test & Simulation products, we provide our customers with a spectrum of services to maximize product performance including installation, product life cycle management, professional training, calibration and metrology, technical consulting and onsite and factory repair and maintenance. In addition, we sell a variety of accessories and spare parts. The manufacturing cycle for a typical system ranges from weeks to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the system and the availability of components, and can be several years for larger, more complex systems. For certain contracts, the order to revenue cycle may extend beyond the manufacturing cycle, such as when the manufacturing start date is driven by the customer's project timeline or when the contract terms require equipment installation and commissioning and customer acceptance prior to point-in-time revenue recognition. Test & Simulation contracts often have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the product life cycle (i.e., equipment design and production, installation and commissioning, extended warranty and software maintenance). The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach under which we forecast our expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then add an appropriate margin for that distinct good or service. Test & Simulation revenue is recognized either over time as work progresses or point-in-time, depending on contract-specific terms and the pattern of transfer of control of the product or service to the customer. Revenue from services is recognized in the period the service is performed or ratably over the period of the related service contract. Equipment revenue is recognized over time when: (i) control is transferred to the customer over time as work progresses; or (ii) contract terms evidence customer control of the work in process or an enforceable right to payment with no alternative use. Equipment revenue is recognized over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying the performance obligation. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Equipment contract costs include materials, component parts, labor and overhead costs. Equipment revenue is recognized point-in-time when either: (i) control is transferred to the customer at a point-in-time when obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied; or (ii) contract terms do not evidence customer control of the work in process or an enforceable right to payment with no alternative use, and consequently revenue is deferred as work progresses. Satisfaction of performance obligations under the terms of the contract occurs either upon product shipment (as evidenced by delivery or shipment terms), completion of equipment installation and commissioning, or customer acceptance. For our Test & Simulation contracts with customers, payment terms vary and are subject to negotiation. Typical payment terms include progress payments based on specified events or milestones. For some contracts, we are entitled to receive an advance payment. Sensors Our Sensors segment (Sensors) manufactures and sells high-performance sensors which provide measurements of vibration, pressure, position, force and sound in a variety of applications. Our Sensors products are used to enable automation, enhance precision and safety, and lower our customers' production costs by improving performance and reducing downtime. Primary Sensors markets include transportation, aerospace and defense, industrial, and research and development. Our Sensors products are sold as configurable, standard units; utilize piezoelectric or magnetostriction technology; and are ideal for use in harsh operating environments to provide accurate and reliable sensor information. To complement our Sensors products, we also provide spare parts and services. The cycle from contract inception to shipment of equipment is typically one to three months, with the exception of certain high-volume contracts which are fulfilled in a series of shipments over an extended period. Our Sensors contracts generally have a single performance obligation which is satisfied at a point in time. The performance obligation is a stand-alone sensor product, accessory, service or software license. Sensors contracts are generally fixed-price purchase order fulfillment contracts, and the transaction price is equal to the observable consideration in the contract. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract with our customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control upon product shipment (as evidenced by shipment or delivery terms) or with the performance of the service. Certain contracts are measured using the as invoiced practical expedient as we have a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of our performance completed to date. For our Sensors contracts with customers, payment terms are generally within 90 days. The timing of satisfying our Sensors performance obligations does not vary significantly from the typical timing of payment. For certain high-volume contracts, we are entitled to receive an advance payment. Contract Estimates For contracts recognized over time, we estimate the profit on a contract as the difference between the total estimated revenue and expected costs to complete a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract. Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that may span several years. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, and internal and subcontractor performance. Pricing is established at or prior to the time of sale with our customers, and we record sales at the agreed-upon selling price. The terms of a contract or the historical business practice can give rise to variable consideration due to but not limited to volume discounts, penalties and early payment discounts. We estimate variable consideration at the most likely amount we will receive from customers. We include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized for such transaction will not occur, or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. In general, variable consideration in our contracts relates to the entire contract. As a result, the variable consideration is allocated proportionately to all performance obligations. Our estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of our anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us at contract inception. There are no significant instances where variable consideration is constrained and not recorded at the initial time of sale. As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts, we review and update our contract-related estimates regularly. We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, we recognize the total loss in the period it is identified. Our review of contract-related estimates has not resulted in adjustments that are significant to our results of operations. Contract Modifications When contracts are modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements, we consider whether the modification either creates new, or changes existing, enforceable rights and obligations. Contract modifications that are for goods or services that are not distinct from the existing contract, due to the significant integration with the original product or service provided, are accounted for as if they were part of that existing contract. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price, and our measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) under the cumulative catch-up method. When the modifications include additional performance obligations that are distinct and at a relative stand-alone selling price, they are accounted for as a new contract and performance obligation and recognized prospectively. Warranties and Returns For both Test & Simulation and Sensors, we provide a manufacturer's warranty on our products and systems which is included in customer contracts. For sales that include installation services, warranty obligations generally extend for a period of 12 to 24 months from the date of either shipment or acceptance based on contract terms. Product obligations generally extend 12 to 24 months from the date of purchase. Certain products offered in our Sensors segment include a lifetime warranty. Under the terms of these warranties, we are obligated to repair or replace any components or assemblies deemed defective due to workmanship or materials. We reserve the right to reject warranty claims where it is determined that failure is due to normal wear, customer modifications, improper maintenance or misuse. At the time a sale is recognized, we record estimated future warranty costs. The percentage applied reflects our historical warranty claims experience over the preceding 12-month period. Both the experience percentage and the warranty liability are evaluated on an ongoing basis for adequacy. Warranty provisions are also recognized for certain unanticipated product claims that are individually significant. We also offer separately-priced extended warranties or service-type contracts on certain products for which revenue is recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered. Our sales terms generally do not allow for a right of return except for situations where the product fails. When the right of return exists, we recognize revenue for the transferred products at the expected amount of consideration for which we will be entitled. Shipping and Handling Freight revenue billed to customers is reported within revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Expenses incurred for shipping products to customers are reported within cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Pre-contract Costs We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer (i.e., pre-contract costs) when costs are considered recoverable. Capitalized pre-contract costs, consisting primarily of Test & Simulation sales commissions, are amortized as the related revenue is recognized.

Basis of Presentation (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 28, 2020

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MTS Systems Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The terms "MTS," "we," "us," "the Company" or "our" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise requires, refer to MTS Systems Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

We have prepared the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information furnished in these consolidated financial statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all adjustments that are, in our opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2019 filed with the SEC. Interim results of operations for the second fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Fiscal Period

We have a 5-4-4 week, quarterly accounting cycle with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to September 30. Fiscal year 2020 ending on October 3, 2020 will consist of 53 weeks. Fiscal year 2019 ended on September 28, 2019 consisted of 52 weeks.

Leases

As described in Note 2, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), followed by related amendments, on September 29, 2019 under the modified retrospective transition method.

Business Acquisition

Business Acquisitions

We expanded our business acquisitions critical accounting policy to include contingent consideration liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, followed by related amendments, which changes the accounting for credit losses on instruments measured at amortized cost by adding an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. An entity will recognize as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which is believed to result in more timely recognition of such losses as the standard eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold. Adoption of the standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that annual period, which is our fiscal year 2021. The new guidance is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period of adoption. We have not yet evaluated the impact the adoption of this guidance may have on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework–Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements for

fair value measurements. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that annual period, which is our fiscal year 2021. Certain disclosures in the new guidance are to be applied using a retrospective approach while other disclosures are to be applied using a prospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation–Retirement Benefits–Defined Benefit Plans–General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework–Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods ending after December 15, 2020, which is our fiscal year 2021. The new guidance is to be applied using a retrospective approach with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which eliminates certain exceptions to Topic 740's general principles, improves consistent application and simplifies its application. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods ending after December 15, 2020, which is our fiscal year 2021. We have not yet evaluated the impact the adoption of this guidance may have on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

In April 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides relief for companies preparing for discontinuation of interest rates such as LIBOR. The standard can be applied immediately through December 31, 2022, which is our fiscal year 2023. We have not yet evaluated the impact the adoption of this guidance may have on our financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), followed by related amendments (collectively, "the new lease standard"), which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by those leases. We adopted the new lease standard on September 29, 2019 under the modified retrospective transition method and the optional transition method. As a result, we did not adjust our comparative period financial information or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. We elected the package of practical expedients to not reassess prior conclusions related to contracts containing leases, lease classification and initial direct costs. In addition, we did not elect to apply the hindsight practical expedient. See Note 5 for our new lease accounting policy and disclosures related to the new lease standard.

Revenue

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable (contract assets) and advance payments from customers (contract liabilities). Contract balances are classified as assets or liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Contract liabilities represent payments received from customers at contract inception and at milestones per contract provisions. These payments are recorded in advance payments from customers and other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (current and non-current portions, respectively) and are liquidated as revenue is recognized. Conversely, when billing occurs subsequent to revenue recognition for contracts recognized over time, balances are recorded in unbilled accounts receivable, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As customers are billed, unbilled accounts receivable balances are transferred to accounts receivable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring those goods or providing those services. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are known, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account under the revenue recognition standard. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Many of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, not distinct. In situations when our contract includes distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer over time, they are recognized as a series of distinct goods or services. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract's transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.

We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect, at contract inception, that the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

Revenue is recorded net of taxes collected from customers, and taxes collected are recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control of a product has transferred are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following is a description of the product offerings, end markets, typical revenue transactions and payment terms for each of our two reportable segments. See Note 14 for further information on reportable segments.

Test & Simulation

Our Test & Simulation segment (Test & Simulation) manufactures and sells equipment and related software and services which are used by customers to characterize a product's mechanical properties or performance or to create a desired human experience. Our solutions simulate forces and motions that customers expect their products to encounter in use or are necessary to properly characterize the product's performance. Primary Test & Simulation markets include transportation, infrastructure, energy, aerospace, materials science, medical, flight training and amusement parks. A typical system is a comprehensive solution which includes a platform on which a human or prototype specimen resides or a reaction frame to hold the prototype specimen; a hydraulic or electro-mechanical power source; actuators to create the force or motion; and a computer controller with specialized software to coordinate the actuator movement and to measure, record, analyze and manipulate results. Our portfolio of Test & Simulation solutions includes standard, configurable products; engineered products which combine standard product configurations with a moderate degree of customization per customer specifications; and highly customized, highly engineered solutions built to address the customer's unique business need, which can include development of first-of-a-kind technology. To complement our Test & Simulation products, we provide our customers with a spectrum of services to maximize product performance including installation, product life cycle management, professional training, calibration and metrology, technical consulting and onsite and factory repair and maintenance. In addition, we sell a variety of accessories and spare parts. The manufacturing cycle for a typical system ranges from weeks to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the system and the availability of components, and can be several years for larger, more complex systems. For certain contracts, the order to revenue cycle may extend beyond the manufacturing cycle, such as when the manufacturing start date is driven by the customer's project timeline or when the contract terms require equipment installation and commissioning and customer acceptance prior to point-in-time revenue recognition.

Test & Simulation contracts often have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the product life cycle (i.e., equipment design and production, installation and commissioning, extended warranty and software maintenance). The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach under which we forecast our expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then add an appropriate margin for that distinct good or service.

Test & Simulation revenue is recognized either over time as work progresses or point-in-time, depending on contract-specific terms and the pattern of transfer of control of the product or service to the customer. Revenue from services is recognized in the period the service is performed or ratably over the period of the related service contract. Equipment revenue is recognized over time when: (i) control is transferred to the customer over time as work progresses; or (ii) contract terms evidence customer control of the work in process or an enforceable right to payment with no alternative use. Equipment revenue is recognized over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying the performance obligation. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Equipment contract costs include materials, component parts, labor and overhead costs.

Equipment revenue is recognized point-in-time when either: (i) control is transferred to the customer at a point-in-time when obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied; or (ii) contract terms do not evidence customer control of the work in process or an enforceable right to payment with no alternative use, and consequently revenue is deferred as work progresses. Satisfaction of performance obligations under the terms of the contract occurs either upon product shipment (as evidenced by delivery or shipment terms), completion of equipment installation and commissioning, or customer acceptance.

For our Test & Simulation contracts with customers, payment terms vary and are subject to negotiation. Typical payment terms include progress payments based on specified events or milestones. For some contracts, we are entitled to receive an advance payment.

Sensors

Our Sensors segment (Sensors) manufactures and sells high-performance sensors which provide measurements of vibration, pressure, position, force and sound in a variety of applications. Our Sensors products are used to enable automation, enhance precision and safety, and lower our customers' production costs by improving performance and reducing downtime. Primary Sensors markets include transportation, aerospace and defense, industrial, and research and development. Our Sensors products are sold as configurable, standard units; utilize piezoelectric or magnetostriction technology; and are ideal for use in harsh operating environments to provide accurate and reliable sensor information. To complement our Sensors products, we also provide spare parts and services. The cycle from contract inception to shipment of equipment is typically one to three months, with the exception of certain high-volume contracts which are fulfilled in a series of shipments over an extended period.

Our Sensors contracts generally have a single performance obligation which is satisfied at a point in time. The performance obligation is a stand-alone sensor product, accessory, service or software license. Sensors contracts are generally fixed-price purchase order fulfillment contracts, and the transaction price is equal to the observable consideration in the contract. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract with our customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control upon product shipment (as evidenced by shipment or delivery terms) or with the performance of the service. Certain contracts are measured using the as invoiced practical expedient as we have a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of our performance completed to date.

For our Sensors contracts with customers, payment terms are generally within 90 days. The timing of satisfying our Sensors performance obligations does not vary significantly from the typical timing of payment. For certain high-volume contracts, we are entitled to receive an advance payment.

Contract Estimates

For contracts recognized over time, we estimate the profit on a contract as the difference between the total estimated revenue and expected costs to complete a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract. Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that may span several years. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, and internal and subcontractor performance.

Pricing is established at or prior to the time of sale with our customers, and we record sales at the agreed-upon selling price. The terms of a contract or the historical business practice can give rise to variable consideration due to but not limited to volume discounts, penalties and early payment discounts. We estimate variable consideration at the most likely amount we will receive from customers. We include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant

reversal of cumulative revenue recognized for such transaction will not occur, or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. In general, variable consideration in our contracts relates to the entire contract. As a result, the variable consideration is allocated proportionately to all performance obligations. Our estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of our anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us at contract inception. There are no significant instances where variable consideration is constrained and not recorded at the initial time of sale.

As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts, we review and update our contract-related estimates regularly. We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, we recognize the total loss in the period it is identified. Our review of contract-related estimates has not resulted in adjustments that are significant to our results of operations.

Contract Modifications

When contracts are modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements, we consider whether the modification either creates new, or changes existing, enforceable rights and obligations. Contract modifications that are for goods or services that are not distinct from the existing contract, due to the significant integration with the original product or service provided, are accounted for as if they were part of that existing contract. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price, and our measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) under the cumulative catch-up method. When the modifications include additional performance obligations that are distinct and at a relative stand-alone selling price, they are accounted for as a new contract and performance obligation and recognized prospectively.

Warranties and Returns

For both Test & Simulation and Sensors, we provide a manufacturer's warranty on our products and systems which is included in customer contracts. For sales that include installation services, warranty obligations generally extend for a period of 12 to 24 months from the date of either shipment or acceptance based on contract terms. Product obligations generally extend 12 to 24 months from the date of purchase. Certain products offered in our Sensors segment include a lifetime warranty.

Under the terms of these warranties, we are obligated to repair or replace any components or assemblies deemed defective due to workmanship or materials. We reserve the right to reject warranty claims where it is determined that failure is due to normal wear, customer modifications, improper maintenance or misuse. At the time a sale is recognized, we record estimated future warranty costs. The percentage applied reflects our historical warranty claims experience over the preceding 12-month period. Both the experience percentage and the warranty liability are evaluated on an ongoing basis for adequacy. Warranty provisions are also recognized for certain unanticipated product claims that are individually significant. We also offer separately-priced extended warranties or service-type contracts on certain products for which revenue is recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered.

Our sales terms generally do not allow for a right of return except for situations where the product fails. When the right of return exists, we recognize revenue for the transferred products at the expected amount of consideration for which we will be entitled.

Shipping and Handling

Freight revenue billed to customers is reported within revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Expenses incurred for shipping products to customers are reported within cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Pre-contract Costs

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer (i.e., pre-contract costs) when costs are considered recoverable. Capitalized pre-contract costs, consisting primarily of Test & Simulation sales commissions, are amortized as the related revenue is recognized.