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Label Element Value
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Document Type dei_DocumentType 485BPOS
Document Period End Date dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate Aug. 31, 2015
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName PUTNAM FUNDS TRUST
Central Index Key dei_EntityCentralIndexKey 0001005942
Amendment Flag dei_AmendmentFlag false
Trading Symbol dei_TradingSymbol PFT
Document Creation Date dei_DocumentCreationDate Dec. 23, 2015
Document Effective Date dei_DocumentEffectiveDate Dec. 30, 2015
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate Dec. 30, 2015
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 14 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination December 30, 2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 157%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 157.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 14 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock We invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of emerging market companies that we believe have favorable investment potential. For example, we may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in equity securities of emerging market companies. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Emerging markets include countries in the MSCI Emerging Market Index or that we consider to be emerging markets based on our evaluation of their level of economic development or the size and experience of their securities markets. We invest significantly in small and midsize companies.

We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies.

The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation, and may be illiquid.

Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    -14.53%

Best calendar quarter
Q2 2009   33.33%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011    –30.06%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn (14.53%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 33.33%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (30.06%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.96% [2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.82%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.04%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.42%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.62%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 730
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,140
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,574
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,777
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 73.93%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 17.67%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (26.41%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 18.78%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 1.61%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 (1.35%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.02%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.57%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.46%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.96% [2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.82%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.79%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.42%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.37%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 740
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,126
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,638
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,910
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 240
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 826
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,438
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,910
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.96%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.48%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.68%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.96% [2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.82%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.79%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.42%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.37%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 340
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 826
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,438
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,089
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 240
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 826
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,438
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 3,089
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (3.04%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.14%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.67%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.96% [2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.82%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.54%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.42%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.12%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 558
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,075
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,617
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 3,095
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.27%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.61%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.34%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.96% [2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.82%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.29%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.42%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.87%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 190
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 675
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,188
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,594
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.56%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.35%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.18%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.96% [2]
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.82%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.79%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.42%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.37%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 140
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 523
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 931
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,072
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.17%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.85%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.70%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.08%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.28%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.68%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (3.72%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.31%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.96%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | MSCI Emerging Markets Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.19%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.78%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.92%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Global Consumer Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 12-30-2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 70%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 70.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund's prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund's statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies involved in the manufacture, sale or distribution of consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities.
Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. Consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries may be affected by demographic and product trends, competition, economic trends and consumer confidence. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    0.35%

Best calendar quarter
Q3 2010   18.16%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011    –15.43%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn 0.35%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2010
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 18.16%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (15.43%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.72%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.46%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.26%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 696
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,043
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,414
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,452
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 33.67%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 24.40%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (5.41%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 17.55%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 36.11%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 2.11%
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (3.76%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 12.62%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.05%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.47%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.46%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 704
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,026
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,474
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,586
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 204
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 726
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,274
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,586
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (3.08%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 12.86%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.32%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.47%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.46%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 304
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 726
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,274
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,771
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 204
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 726
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,274
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,771
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.43%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.11%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.32%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.22%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.46%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.76%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 523
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 977
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,458
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,780
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.00%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 12.58%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 15.93%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.97%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.46%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.51%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 154
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 574
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,020
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,259
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 1.83%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.68%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.91%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.47%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.46%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 103
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 420
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 759
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,718
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.41%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.25%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 17.50%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.13%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.66%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.18%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (0.38%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.79%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 12.78%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | MSCI World Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.46%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.50%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.70%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Global Energy Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 12-30-2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 172%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 172.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the energy industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the energy industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies engaged in the exploration, production, development and refinement of conventional and alternative sources of energy. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities.
Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the energy industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. The energy industries may be affected by fluctuations in energy prices, energy conservation, exploration and production spending, government regulations, weather, world events and economic conditions. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund's "non-diversified" status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a "diversified fund," can increase the fund's vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    -29.02%

Best calendar quarter
Q3 2010   16.92%

Worst calendar quarter
Q4 2014    –22.44%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn (29.02%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2010
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 16.92%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Dec. 31, 2014
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (22.44%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Global Energy Fund | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.66%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.39%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.27%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 697
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,032
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,391
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,397
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 26.26%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 13.73%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (3.33%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 1.68%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 15.32%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 (19.24%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (23.88%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.38%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.89%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.41%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.39%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 705
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,014
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,450
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,530
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 714
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,250
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,530
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (23.41%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.29%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.13%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.41%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.39%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 305
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 714
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,250
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,717
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 714
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,250
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,717
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (20.57%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.04%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.13%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.16%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.39%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.77%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 524
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 966
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,434
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,726
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (22.44%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.41%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.79%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.91%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.39%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.52%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 155
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 562
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 995
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,201
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (19.45%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.54%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.66%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.39%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 104
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 408
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 734
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,657
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (19.07%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.05%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.18%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (26.42%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.40%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.93%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.29%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.25%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.08%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Energy Fund | MSCI World Energy Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.60%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 3.58%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.00%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Global Financials Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 12-30-2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 39%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 39.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the financial industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the financial services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include commercial and investment banks, savings and loan organizations, brokerage and asset management firms, insurance companies and real estate investment trusts and real estate investment and development companies. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities.
Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the financial industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. Financial services companies may be affected by the availability and cost of capital; changes in interest rates, insurance claims activity, industry consolidation and general economic conditions; and reduced profitability from limitations on loans, proprietary trading and interest rates and fees charged as a result of extensive government regulations. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    -3.93%

Best calendar quarter
Q2 2009   37.18%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011    –27.79%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn (3.93%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 37.18%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (27.79%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Global Financial Fund | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.28%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.00%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.28%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 698
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,156
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,639
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,967
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 33.46%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 2.02%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (20.36%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 30.98%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 29.76%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 (1.80%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.45%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.03%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 9.66%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.03%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.00%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.03%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 706
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,142
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,704
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,099
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 206
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 842
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,504
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 3,099
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.29%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.19%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 9.92%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.03%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.00%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.03%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 306
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 842
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,504
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,276
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 206
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 842
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,504
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 3,276
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (3.29%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.48%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 9.92%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.78%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.00%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.78%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 525
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,091
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,682
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 3,280
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.66%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.00%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 9.54%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.53%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.00%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.53%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 156
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 692
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,256
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,791
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.05%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.02%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.47%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.03%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.00%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.03%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 105
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 540
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,001
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,278
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.51%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.54%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 11.03%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.30%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 3.20%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.85%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.02%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 3.87%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.62%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financial Fund | MSCI World Financials Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.17%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.70%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 11.26%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Global Industrials Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 12-30-2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 179%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 179.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the industrial products, services or equipment industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the industrial products, services or equipment industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies involved in the research, development, manufacture, distribution, supply or sale of industrial products, services or equipment. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities.
Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the industrial products, services or equipment industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. Industrial products, services and equipment industries may be affected by economic trends, commodity prices, technological obsolescence, labor relations, legislation, worldwide competition and liability for environmental damage. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    -5.13%

Best calendar quarter
Q2 2009   21.43%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011    –28.22%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn (5.13%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 21.43%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (28.22%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.97%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.70%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.27%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 697
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,094
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,515
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,686
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 24.67%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 32.52%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (14.67%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 27.01%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 40.45%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 0.60%
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.19%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.85%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.10%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.72%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.70%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 705
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,078
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,578
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,819
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 778
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,378
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,819
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.31%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.16%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.40%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.72%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.70%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 305
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 778
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,378
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,000
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 778
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,378
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 3,000
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.00%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.37%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.39%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.47%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.70%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.77%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 524
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,028
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,559
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 3,007
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (3.40%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.88%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.02%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.22%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.70%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.52%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 155
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 627
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,126
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,500
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.36%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.98%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.99%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.72%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.70%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 104
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 474
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 868
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,972
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.88%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 15.51%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 17.55%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.33%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 11.20%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 13.66%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.61%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.26%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 12.35%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrial Fund | MSCI World Industrials Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.42%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 11.75%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.22%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Global Technology Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 12-30-2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 111%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 111.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the technology industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the technology industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies that have, or will develop, products, processes or services that will provide advances and improvements through technology to consumers, enterprises and governments worldwide. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities.
Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the technology industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. The technology industries may be affected by technological obsolescence, short product cycles, falling prices and profits, competitive pressures and general market conditions. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    -2.44%

Best calendar quarter
Q2 2009   21.85%

Worst calendar quarter
Q2 2010    –11.26%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn (244.00%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 21.85%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2010
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (11.26%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.87%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.74%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.48%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.26%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 696
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,047
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,422
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,471
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 53.49%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 10.51%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (5.95%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 13.12%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 24.27%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 13.51%
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 6.98%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.35%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 15.74%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.87%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.49%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.48%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 704
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,030
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,482
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,605
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 204
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 730
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,282
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,605
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 7.65%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.54%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.00%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.87%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.49%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.48%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 304
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 730
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,282
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,790
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 204
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 730
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,282
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,790
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 11.65%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.80%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.00%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.87%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.24%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.48%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.76%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 523
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 981
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,466
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,799
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 9.00%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.31%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 15.61%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.87%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.99%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.48%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.51%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 154
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 578
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,028
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,278
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.24%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.37%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.59%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.87%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.49%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.48%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 103
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 424
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 768
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,738
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.81%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.91%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 17.17%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.64%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.77%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.87%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.91%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.36%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 12.66%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | MSCI World Information Technology Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 16.06%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 12.77%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 18.55%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Global Telecommunications Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 12-30-2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 64%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 64.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the telecommunications industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the telecommunication industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies that develop, manufacture or sell communications services or communications equipment, and companies that bundle video with communications services. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities.
Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the telecommunications industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. The telecommunications industry may be affected by government regulation, intense competition, equipment incompatibility, changing consumer preferences, technological obsolescence and large capital expenditures and debt burdens. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s ”non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    0.00%

Best calendar quarter
Q3 2010   22.02%

Worst calendar quarter
Q1 2009    –14.45%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn none
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2010
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 22.02%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2009
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (14.45%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.92%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.79%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.53%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.26%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 696
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,057
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,442
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,518
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 13.24%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 21.53%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 3.97%
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 18.57%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 35.50%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 (2.68%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (8.28%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.24%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 13.48%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.92%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.54%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.53%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 704
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,040
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,503
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,651
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 204
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 740
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,303
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,651
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.27%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.49%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 13.73%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.92%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.54%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.53%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 304
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 740
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,303
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,836
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 204
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 740
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,303
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,836
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.20%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.74%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 13.74%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.92%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.29%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.53%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.76%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 523
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 991
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,486
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,844
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.59%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.22%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 13.35%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.92%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.04%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.53%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.51%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 154
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 588
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,049
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,327
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.95%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.31%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.31%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.62%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.92%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.54%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.53%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.01%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 103
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 434
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 789
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,789
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.49%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.88%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.88%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (14.94%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.71%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 11.31%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.81%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.11%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.54%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Telecommunication Fund | MSCI World Telecommunication Services Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.91%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.75%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 9.31%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 seeks current income consistent with what Putnam Investment Management, LLC believes to be prudent risk.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in class A shares or $50,000 in class M shares of Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 26 of the fund's prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund's statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 12-30-2016
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 40%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 40.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in class A shares or $50,000 in class M shares of Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 26 of the fund's prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund's statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Only the first year of each period in the example takes into account the expense reimbursement described above. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock The fund’s asset allocation strategy may be attractive to investors who are in or near retirement, or who otherwise intend to make periodic withdrawals of their investment in the near future. Using qualitative analysis and quantitative techniques, we adjust portfolio allocations between fixed-income and equity investments from time to time within a certain range to try to optimize the fund’s performance consistent with its goal.

The strategic allocation and the range of allowable allocation for the fund are shown below.

Class Strategic allocation Range
Equity 30% 0–40%
Fixed-Income 70% 60–100%


We invest mainly in a combination of bonds and common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies and in Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund, Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund, Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund and Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund, which are other Putnam mutual funds and referred to as underlying funds. We may invest without limit in bonds that are either investment-grade or below-investment-grade in quality (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”) and have short- to long-term maturities. We also invest in other fixed-income securities, such as mortgage-backed investments, and invest in money market securities or affiliated money market or short-term investment funds for cash management. We also invest, to a lesser extent, in equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) of companies of any size. We may consider, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks, as well as general market conditions, when deciding whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments, and, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell equity investments.

We may also select other investments that do not fall within these asset classes. We may use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes.

The typical allocation and the range of allowable allocation of the fund’s assets in the underlying funds that we currently expect are shown below.

Underlying fund Permitted investments Typical allocation Range
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund Fixed-income, derivatives 5% 0–20%
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund Fixed-income, derivatives 12% 0–30%
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund Equities, fixed-income, alternative investments, derivatives 20% 0–40%
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund Equities, fixed-income, alternative investments, derivatives 3% 0–20%


For purposes of measuring the fund’s allocations to fixed-income and equity investments, we regard Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund and Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund as fixed-income investments, Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund as a 50% fixed-income and 50% equity investment, and Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund as an equity investment. The fund’s remaining assets are invested in other securities, as described above.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund. There is no guarantee that the fund will provide adequate income at and through an investor’s retirement.

The fund and the underlying funds bear the following risks. Our allocation of assets among asset classes and the underlying funds may hurt performance. The value of stocks and bonds in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including general financial market conditions, changing market perceptions of the risk of default, changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These factors may also lead to periods of high volatility and reduced liquidity in the bond markets. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies.

Bond investments are subject to interest rate risk, which means the value of the fund’s bond investments is likely to fall if interest rates rise. Bond investments also are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the bond may default on payment of interest or principal. Interest rate risk is generally greater for longer-term bonds, and credit risk is generally greater for below-investment-grade bonds, which may be considered speculative. Mortgage-backed investments, unlike traditional debt investments, are also subject to prepayment risk, which means that they may increase in value less than other bonds when interest rates decline and decline in value more than other bonds when interest rates rise. We may have to invest the proceeds from prepaid investments, including mortgage- and asset-backed investments, in other investments with less attractive terms and yields.

The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Investor profile

The fund is one of a suite of three Putnam Retirement Income Lifestyle Funds designed to offer a choice of potential risk/return profiles for investors in or near retirement or otherwise seeking an investment for use with a periodic withdrawal program. Investors are encouraged to seek the assistance of a financial advisor in selecting a Putnam Retirement Income Lifestyle Fund and in developing a periodic withdrawal program that is appropriate to their personal investment goals and financial circumstances. The fund makes no representations regarding its suitability for any particular investor or periodic withdrawal program. Investors should understand that pursuing higher returns may involve higher volatility and that a fund’s performance results may not be sustainable.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock Year-to-date performance
through 9/30/15    -1.95%

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012   4.84%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2014    -0.79%
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2015
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn (1.95%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 4.84%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2014
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (0.79%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 4.00%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.29%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.34%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.30% [7]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.18%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.18%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.00%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 498
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 946
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,419
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,724
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 8.00%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 7.20%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 4.47%
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.29%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.61%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | Class B  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00% [4]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.29%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.34%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.30% [7]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.93%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.18%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.75%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 678
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,095
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,639
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,989
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 178
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 795
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,439
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 2,989
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.31%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.25%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | Class C  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00% [5]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.29%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.34%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.30% [7]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.93%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.18%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.75%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 278
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 795
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,439
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,168
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 178
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 795
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,439
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 3,168
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.69%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.02%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | Class M  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.25%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.29%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.34%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.30% [7]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.43%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.18%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.25%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 448
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 949
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,475
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,915
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.85%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.59%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | Class R  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.29%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.34%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.30% [7]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.43%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.18%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.25%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 127
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 645
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,189
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,676
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.24%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.55%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | Class Y  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.29%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.34%
Acquired fund fees and expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.30% [7]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.93%
Expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.18%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.75%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 77
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 491
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 932
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 2,158
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.80%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.08%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.18%)
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.52%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.52%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.43%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.97%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.51%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 | S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)  
Risk Return Abstract rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 17.03%
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 13, 2001
[1] Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.
[2] Management fees are subject to a performance adjustment.
[3] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through December 30, 2016. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.
[4] This charge is phased out over six years.
[5] This charge is eliminated after one year.
[6] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through 12/30/2016. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.
[7] Acquired fund fees and expenses are based on projected net expenses of the underlying funds and assume the fund's typical allocations to the underlying funds described in Investments, risks and performance -- Investments and a 4% allocation to Putnam Money Market Fund.