Employee Benefit Plans (Pretax Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Actuarial net loss	$ 7,770	$ 2,796

The total net actuarial (gain) loss, after tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension plan because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan.

No definition available.

Name:	mtsc_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetActuarialGainLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	mtsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant