485BPOS

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on

March 15, 2016

Registration No. 333-515

811-07513

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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FORM N-1A

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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / X /

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Pre-Effective Amendment No. /    /

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Post-Effective Amendment No. 230 / X /

and/or --------

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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY / X /

ACT OF 1940 --------

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Amendment No. 231 /X /

(Check appropriate box or boxes) --------

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PUTNAM FUNDS TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code

(617) 292-1000

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It is proposed that this filing will become effective

(check appropriate box)

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/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

/ X / on February 28, 2016 pursuant to paragraph (b)

/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

/ / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

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If appropriate, check the following box:

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/ / this post-effective amendment designates a new

---- effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

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ROBERT T. BURNS, Vice President

PUTNAM FUNDS TRUST

One Post Office Square

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(Name and address of agent for service)

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Copy to:

BRYAN CHEGWIDDEN, Esquire

ROPES & GRAY LLP

1211 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

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This Post-Effective Amendment relates solely to the Registrant's Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund, Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund, Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund, and Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund, each a series of Putnam Funds Trust. Information contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement relating to any other series of the Registrant is neither amended nor superseded hereby.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Boston, and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 15^th day of March, 2016.

Putnam Funds Trust

By: /s/ Jonathan S. Horwitz, Executive Vice President,

Principal Executive Officer and Compliance Liaison

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

Signature Title

Jameson A. Baxter * Chair, Board of Trustees

Robert L. Reynolds* President and Trustee

Jonathan S. Horwitz* Executive Vice President, Principal Executive Officer and Compliance Liaison

Steven D. Krichmar* Vice President and Principal Financial Officer

Janet C. Smith* Vice President, Principal Accounting

Officer and Assistant Treasurer

Liaquat Ahamed* Trustee

Ravi Akhoury* Trustee

Barbara M. Baumann* Trustee

Robert J. Darretta* Trustee

Katinka Domotorffy* Trustee

John A. Hill* Trustee

Paul L. Joskow* Trustee

Kenneth R. Leibler* Trustee

Robert E. Patterson* Trustee

George Putnam, III* Trustee

W. Thomas Stephens* Trustee

By: /s/ Jonathan S. Horwitz, as Attorney-in-Fact

March 15, 2016

*Signed pursuant to power of attorney filed in Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on September 28, 2012.

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Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund

Fund summaries

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 100 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 100 basis points (or 1.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 $500,000 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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees - Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	1.00%		none		none		0.75%	none	none	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	1.00%	[3]	none	none	none	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Management fees	[1]	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%	0.45%	1.00%	0.30%	0.50%
Other expenses		0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.67%	0.87%	1.42%	0.72%	0.92%	0.42%	0.42%

Example

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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expense Example - Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years
Class A	168	312	469	926
Class B	189	278	482	1,015
Class C	245	449	776	1,702
Class M	148	303	473	963
Class R	94	293	509	1,131
Class R6	43	135	235	530
Class Y	43	135	235	530

Expense Example, No Redemption - Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years
Class B	89	278	482	1,015
Class C	145	449	776	1,702

Portfolio turnover

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 105%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return through a broadly diversified portfolio reflecting uncorrelated fixed-income strategies designed to exploit market inefficiencies across global markets and fixed-income sectors. These strategies include investments in the following asset categories: (a) sovereign debt: obligations of governments in developed and emerging markets; (b) corporate credit: investment-grade debt, below-investment-grade debt (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”), bank loans, convertible bonds and structured credit; and (c) securitized assets: asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (which may be backed by non-qualified or “sub-prime” mortgages), commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, short-term debt securities.

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 investments. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Accordingly, we may use derivatives to a significant extent to obtain or enhance exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above, and to hedge against risk.

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund has a lower risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund as a result of decreased exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above. Another distinction between the funds is that Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund may maintain a higher cash position from time to time.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among fixed-income strategies and sectors may hurt performance. The value of 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are seeking cash investments that earn a stable return and income over time, particularly if you are in or near retirement.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  1.71%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011  -2.22%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	(1.51%)		0.35%		0.98%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	(2.18%)		(0.19%)		0.50%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	(0.85%)		0.04%		0.58%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	(1.77%)		0.34%		0.85%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	(2.25%)		(0.20%)		0.38%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	(1.32%)		0.33%		0.95%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	(0.80%)		0.30%		0.87%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	(0.35%)	[1]	0.80%	[1]	1.39%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	(0.26%)		0.79%		1.38%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.09%		0.10%		0.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 100 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.09%		1.10%		1.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.38%		12.57%		15.53%		Dec. 23, 2008
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.55%		3.25%		4.12%		Dec. 23, 2008

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

[1] Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.

[2] This charge is phased out over two years.

[3] This charge is eliminated after one year.

[1] Management fees are subject to a performance adjustment.

[1] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

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Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 300 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 300 basis points (or 3.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 $500,000 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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees - Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	1.00%		none		none		0.75%	none	none	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	1.00%	[3]	none	none	none	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Management fees	[1]	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%	0.45%	1.00%	0.30%	0.50%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.84%	1.04%	1.59%	0.89%	1.09%	0.59%	0.59%

Example

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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expense Example - Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years
Class A	185	365	561	1,127
Class B	206	331	574	1,215
Class C	262	502	866	1,889
Class M	165	357	564	1,163
Class R	111	347	601	1,329
Class R6	60	189	329	738
Class Y	60	189	329	738

Expense Example, No Redemption - Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years
Class B	106	331	574	1,215
Class C	162	502	866	1,889

Portfolio turnover

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 486%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return through a broadly diversified portfolio reflecting uncorrelated fixed-income strategies designed to exploit market inefficiencies across global markets and fixed-income sectors. These strategies include investments in the following asset categories: (a) sovereign debt: obligations of governments in developed and emerging markets; (b) corporate credit: investment-grade debt, below-investment-grade debt (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”), bank loans, convertible bonds and structured credit; and (c) securitized assets: asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (which may be backed by non-qualified or “sub-prime” mortgages), commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, bonds with moderate exposure to interest rate and credit risks.

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 investments. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Accordingly, we may use derivatives to a significant extent to obtain or enhance exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above, and to hedge against risk.

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund has a higher risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund as a result of increased exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above. Another distinction between the funds is that Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund may maintain a higher cash position from time to time.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among fixed-income strategies and sectors may hurt performance. The value of 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a bond fund with moderate exposure to interest rate and credit risks.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  3.36%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011  -4.09%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	(2.89%)		0.78%		2.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	(4.77%)		(0.45%)		1.04%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	(1.64%)		0.07%		1.20%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	(3.08%)		0.77%		2.00%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	(3.59%)		0.23%		1.52%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	(2.68%)		0.78%		2.10%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	(2.12%)		0.73%		2.02%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	(1.62%)	[1]	1.26%	[1]	2.55%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	(1.72%)		1.23%		2.53%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.09%		0.10%		0.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 300 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	3.09%		3.10%		3.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.38%		12.57%		15.53%		Dec. 23, 2008
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.55%		3.25%		4.12%		Dec. 23, 2008

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

[1] Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.

[2] This charge is phased out over two years.

[3] This charge is eliminated after one year.

[1] Management fees are subject to a performance adjustment.

[1] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

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Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 500 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 500 basis points (or 5.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees - Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		3.50%	none	none	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	1.00%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.00%	[3]	none	none	none	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Management fees	[1]	0.68%	0.68%	0.68%	0.68%	0.68%	0.68%	0.68%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	0.75%	0.50%
Other expenses		0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.12%	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses		0.02%	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses		1.15%	1.90%	1.90%	1.65%	1.40%	0.82%	0.90%
Expense reimbursement	[2]	(0.02%)	(0.02%)	(0.02%)	(0.02%)	(0.02%)	(0.02%)	(0.02%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement		1.13%	1.88%	1.88%	1.63%	1.38%	0.80%	0.88%

Example

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.

Expense Example - Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years
Class A	684	917	1,170	1,890
Class B	691	895	1,225	2,025
Class C	291	595	1,025	2,220
Class M	510	850	1,214	2,234
Class R	140	441	764	1,678
Class R6	82	260	453	1,012
Class Y	90	285	497	1,106

Expense Example, No Redemption - Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years
Class B	191	595	1,025	2,025
Class C	191	595	1,025	2,220

Portfolio turnover

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 510%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return by combining two independent investment strategies — a beta strategy, which provides broad exposure to investment markets, and an alpha strategy, which seeks returns from active trading. The beta strategy seeks to balance risk and to provide positive total return by investing, without limit, in many different asset classes, including U.S., international, and emerging markets equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) and fixed-income securities; mortgage- and asset-backed securities; below-investment-grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”); inflation-protected securities; commodities; and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The alpha strategy involves the potential use of active trading strategies designed to provide additional total return through active security selection, tactical asset allocation, currency transactions and options transactions. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, balanced portfolios with significant exposure to both stocks and bonds.

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 equity investments, and, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks when deciding whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments. We may also take into account general market conditions when making investment decisions. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, to a significant extent for hedging purposes and to increase the fund’s exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above, which may create investment leverage.

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund has a lower risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund as a result of decreased exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among asset classes 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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 alpha strategy may lose money or not earn a return sufficient to cover associated trading and other costs. Our use of leverage obtained through derivatives increases these risks by increasing investment exposure. Derivatives also involve the risk, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a balanced fund, or a fund that can manage allocations and risk across global asset classes.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  5.31%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011 -4.83%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	(6.28%)		1.83%		3.06%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	(8.27%)		0.81%		2.12%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	(3.29%)		1.15%		2.12%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	(6.09%)		1.91%		3.15%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	(2.28%)		2.29%		3.16%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	(4.60%)		1.80%		2.89%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	(0.86%)		2.79%		3.67%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	(0.25%)	[1]	3.37%	[1]	4.24%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	(0.40%)		3.30%		4.19%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.09%		0.10%		0.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	5.09%		5.10%		5.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.38%		12.57%		15.53%		Dec. 23, 2008
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.55%		3.25%		4.12%		Dec. 23, 2008

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

[1] Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.

[2] This charge is phased out over six years.

[3] This charge is eliminated after one year.

[1] Management fees are subject to a performance adjustment.

[2] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through 2/28/17. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.

[1] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

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Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 700 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 700 basis points (or 7.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees - Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		3.50%	none	none	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	1.00%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.00%	[3]	none	none	none	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class M	Class R	Class R6	Class Y
Management fees	[1]	0.81%	0.81%	0.81%	0.81%	0.81%	0.81%	0.81%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	0.75%	0.50%
Other expenses		0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.12%	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses		0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses		1.27%	2.02%	2.02%	1.77%	1.52%	0.94%	1.02%

Example

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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expense Example - Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years
Class A	697	955	1,232	2,021
Class B	705	934	1,288	2,155
Class C	305	634	1,088	2,348
Class M	524	888	1,276	2,361
Class R	155	480	829	1,813
Class R6	96	300	520	1,155
Class Y	104	325	563	1,248

Expense Example, No Redemption - Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund - USD ($)	Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years
Class B	205	634	1,088	2,155
Class C	205	634	1,088	2,348

Portfolio turnover

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 563%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return by combining two independent investment strategies — a beta strategy, which provides broad exposure to investment markets, and an alpha strategy, which seeks returns from active trading. The beta strategy seeks to balance risk and to provide positive total return by investing, without limit, in many different asset classes, including U.S., international, and emerging markets equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) and fixed-income securities; mortgage- and asset-backed securities; below-investment-grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”); inflation-protected securities; commodities; and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The alpha strategy involves the potential use of active trading strategies designed to provide additional total return through active security selection, tactical asset allocation, currency transactions and options transactions. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, equities or equity-like investments.

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 equity investments, and, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks when deciding whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments. We may also take into account general market conditions when making investment decisions. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, to a significant extent for hedging purposes and to increase the fund’s exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above, which may create investment leverage.

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund has a higher risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund as a result of increased exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among asset classes 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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 alpha strategy may lose money or not earn a return sufficient to cover associated trading and other costs. Our use of leverage obtained through derivatives increases these risks by increasing investment exposure. Derivatives also involve the risk, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a stock fund, or a fund that can manage allocations and risk across global asset classes.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  6.07%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011  -5.81%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	(7.30%)		2.41%		4.20%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	(10.10%)		1.14%		3.03%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	(3.82%)		1.48%		2.91%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	(6.89%)		2.49%		4.27%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	(3.31%)		2.85%		4.29%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	(5.60%)		2.37%		3.97%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	(1.87%)		3.35%		4.77%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	(1.35%)	[1]	3.94%	[1]	5.36%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	(1.42%)		3.88%		5.32%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.09%		0.10%		0.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 700 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	7.09%		7.10%		7.14%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.38%		12.57%		15.53%		Dec. 23, 2008
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.55%		3.25%		4.12%		Dec. 23, 2008

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

[1] Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.

[2] This charge is phased out over six years.

[3] This charge is eliminated after one year.

[1] Management fees are subject to a performance adjustment.

[1] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

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Total

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund

Fund summaries

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 100 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 100 basis points (or 1.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 $500,000 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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Example

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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Portfolio turnover

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 105%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return through a broadly diversified portfolio reflecting uncorrelated fixed-income strategies designed to exploit market inefficiencies across global markets and fixed-income sectors. These strategies include investments in the following asset categories: (a) sovereign debt: obligations of governments in developed and emerging markets; (b) corporate credit: investment-grade debt, below-investment-grade debt (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”), bank loans, convertible bonds and structured credit; and (c) securitized assets: asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (which may be backed by non-qualified or “sub-prime” mortgages), commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, short-term debt securities.

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 investments. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Accordingly, we may use derivatives to a significant extent to obtain or enhance exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above, and to hedge against risk.

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund has a lower risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund as a result of decreased exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above. Another distinction between the funds is that Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund may maintain a higher cash position from time to time.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among fixed-income strategies and sectors may hurt performance. The value of 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are seeking cash investments that earn a stable return and income over time, particularly if you are in or near retirement.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  1.71%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011  -2.22%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 300 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 300 basis points (or 3.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 $500,000 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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Example

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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Portfolio turnover

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 486%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return through a broadly diversified portfolio reflecting uncorrelated fixed-income strategies designed to exploit market inefficiencies across global markets and fixed-income sectors. These strategies include investments in the following asset categories: (a) sovereign debt: obligations of governments in developed and emerging markets; (b) corporate credit: investment-grade debt, below-investment-grade debt (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”), bank loans, convertible bonds and structured credit; and (c) securitized assets: asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (which may be backed by non-qualified or “sub-prime” mortgages), commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, bonds with moderate exposure to interest rate and credit risks.

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 investments. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Accordingly, we may use derivatives to a significant extent to obtain or enhance exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above, and to hedge against risk.

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund has a higher risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund as a result of increased exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above. Another distinction between the funds is that Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund may maintain a higher cash position from time to time.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among fixed-income strategies and sectors may hurt performance. The value of 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a bond fund with moderate exposure to interest rate and credit risks.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  3.36%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011  -4.09%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 500 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 500 basis points (or 5.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Example

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.

Portfolio turnover

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 510%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return by combining two independent investment strategies — a beta strategy, which provides broad exposure to investment markets, and an alpha strategy, which seeks returns from active trading. The beta strategy seeks to balance risk and to provide positive total return by investing, without limit, in many different asset classes, including U.S., international, and emerging markets equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) and fixed-income securities; mortgage- and asset-backed securities; below-investment-grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”); inflation-protected securities; commodities; and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The alpha strategy involves the potential use of active trading strategies designed to provide additional total return through active security selection, tactical asset allocation, currency transactions and options transactions. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, balanced portfolios with significant exposure to both stocks and bonds.

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 equity investments, and, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks when deciding whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments. We may also take into account general market conditions when making investment decisions. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, to a significant extent for hedging purposes and to increase the fund’s exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above, which may create investment leverage.

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund has a lower risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund as a result of decreased exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among asset classes 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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 alpha strategy may lose money or not earn a return sufficient to cover associated trading and other costs. Our use of leverage obtained through derivatives increases these risks by increasing investment exposure. Derivatives also involve the risk, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a balanced fund, or a fund that can manage allocations and risk across global asset classes.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  5.31%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011 -4.83%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund

PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 700 FUND

Goal

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 700 basis points (or 7.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.

Fees and expenses

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 44 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 (fees paid directly from your investment)

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Example

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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Portfolio turnover

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 563%.

Investments

The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return by combining two independent investment strategies — a beta strategy, which provides broad exposure to investment markets, and an alpha strategy, which seeks returns from active trading. The beta strategy seeks to balance risk and to provide positive total return by investing, without limit, in many different asset classes, including U.S., international, and emerging markets equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) and fixed-income securities; mortgage- and asset-backed securities; below-investment-grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”); inflation-protected securities; commodities; and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The alpha strategy involves the potential use of active trading strategies designed to provide additional total return through active security selection, tactical asset allocation, currency transactions and options transactions. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, equities or equity-like investments.

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 equity investments, and, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks when deciding whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments. We may also take into account general market conditions when making investment decisions. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, to a significant extent for hedging purposes and to increase the fund’s exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above, which may create investment leverage.

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund has a higher risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund as a result of increased exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above.

Risks

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Our allocation of assets among asset classes 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.

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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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 alpha strategy may lose money or not earn a return sufficient to cover associated trading and other costs. Our use of leverage obtained through derivatives increases these risks by increasing investment exposure. Derivatives also involve the risk, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a stock fund, or a fund that can manage allocations and risk across global asset classes.

Performance

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.

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012  6.07%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011  -5.81%

Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)

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.

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Document Type	dei_DocumentType	485BPOS
Document Period End Date	dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate	Oct. 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	Feb. 25, 2016
Document Effective Date	dei_DocumentEffectiveDate	Feb. 28, 2016
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Feb. 28, 2016
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fund summaries PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 100 FUND
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 100 basis points (or 1.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.
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 $500,000 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 44 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)
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 105%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	105.00%
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 $500,000 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 44 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	$ 500,000
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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return through a broadly diversified portfolio reflecting uncorrelated fixed-income strategies designed to exploit market inefficiencies across global markets and fixed-income sectors. These strategies include investments in the following asset categories: (a) sovereign debt: obligations of governments in developed and emerging markets; (b) corporate credit: investment-grade debt, below-investment-grade debt (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”), bank loans, convertible bonds and structured credit; and (c) securitized assets: asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (which may be backed by non-qualified or “sub-prime” mortgages), commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, short-term debt securities. 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 investments. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Accordingly, we may use derivatives to a significant extent to obtain or enhance exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above, and to hedge against risk. Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund has a lower risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund as a result of decreased exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above. Another distinction between the funds is that Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund may maintain a higher cash position from time to time.
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. Our allocation of assets among fixed-income strategies and sectors may hurt performance. The value of 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. 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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are seeking cash investments that earn a stable return and income over time, particularly if you are in or near retirement.
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	Best calendar quarter Q1 2012  1.71% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011  -2.22%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	1.71%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(2.22%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)
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. The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	1.00%
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	0.41%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.67%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 168
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	312
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	469
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 926
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	4.04%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	1.16%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(1.91%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	2.77%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	1.77%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	0.69%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(0.51%)
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.51%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.35%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.98%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 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	1.00%	[3]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.41%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.45%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.87%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 189
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	278
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	482
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,015
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	89
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	278
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	482
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 1,015
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.77%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.34%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.85%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 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%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.41%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.42%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 245
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	449
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	776
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,702
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	145
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	449
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	776
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 1,702
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.25%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.20%)
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.38%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	0.75%
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	0.41%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.30%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.72%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 148
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	303
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	473
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 963
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.32%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.33%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.95%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 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	0.41%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.92%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 94
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	293
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	509
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,131
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.80%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.30%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.87%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | Class R6
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	0.41%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.42%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 43
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	135
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	235
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 530
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.35%)	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.80%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	1.39%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 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	0.41%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.42%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 43
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	135
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	235
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 530
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.26%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.79%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	1.38%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.18%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.19%)
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.50%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.85%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.04%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.58%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 100 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	1.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.38%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.57%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.53%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.55%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.25%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.12%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 300 FUND
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 300 basis points (or 3.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.
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 $500,000 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 44 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)
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 486%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	486.00%
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 $500,000 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 44 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	$ 500,000
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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return through a broadly diversified portfolio reflecting uncorrelated fixed-income strategies designed to exploit market inefficiencies across global markets and fixed-income sectors. These strategies include investments in the following asset categories: (a) sovereign debt: obligations of governments in developed and emerging markets; (b) corporate credit: investment-grade debt, below-investment-grade debt (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”), bank loans, convertible bonds and structured credit; and (c) securitized assets: asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (which may be backed by non-qualified or “sub-prime” mortgages), commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, bonds with moderate exposure to interest rate and credit risks. 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 investments. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Accordingly, we may use derivatives to a significant extent to obtain or enhance exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above, and to hedge against risk. Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund has a higher risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund as a result of increased exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above. Another distinction between the funds is that Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund may maintain a higher cash position from time to time.
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. Our allocation of assets among fixed-income strategies and sectors may hurt performance. The value of 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. 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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a bond fund with moderate exposure to interest rate and credit risks.
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	Best calendar quarter Q1 2012  3.36% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011  -4.09%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	3.36%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(4.09%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)
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. The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	1.00%
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	0.59%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.84%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 185
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	365
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	561
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,127
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	8.23%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	3.10%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(4.37%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	5.63%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	4.35%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	1.53%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(1.91%)
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.89%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.78%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 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	1.00%	[3]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.59%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.45%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.04%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 206
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	331
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	574
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,215
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	106
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	331
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	574
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 1,215
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(3.08%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.77%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.00%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 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%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.59%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.59%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 262
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	502
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	866
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,889
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	162
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	502
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	866
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 1,889
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(3.59%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.23%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	1.52%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	0.75%
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	0.59%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.30%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.89%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 165
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	357
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	564
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,163
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.68%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.78%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.10%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 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	0.59%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.09%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 111
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	347
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	601
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,329
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.12%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.73%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.02%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | Class R6
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	0.59%	[2]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 60
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	189
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	329
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 738
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.62%)	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.26%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.55%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 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	0.59%	[2]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 60
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	189
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	329
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 738
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.72%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.23%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.53%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(4.77%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.45%)
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	1.04%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.64%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.07%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	1.20%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 300 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	3.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.38%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.57%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.53%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.55%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.25%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.12%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 500 FUND
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 500 basis points (or 5.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.
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 44 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)
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 510%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	510.00%
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 44 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 is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return by combining two independent investment strategies — a beta strategy, which provides broad exposure to investment markets, and an alpha strategy, which seeks returns from active trading. The beta strategy seeks to balance risk and to provide positive total return by investing, without limit, in many different asset classes, including U.S., international, and emerging markets equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) and fixed-income securities; mortgage- and asset-backed securities; below-investment-grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”); inflation-protected securities; commodities; and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The alpha strategy involves the potential use of active trading strategies designed to provide additional total return through active security selection, tactical asset allocation, currency transactions and options transactions. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, balanced portfolios with significant exposure to both stocks and bonds. 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 equity investments, and, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks when deciding whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments. We may also take into account general market conditions when making investment decisions. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, to a significant extent for hedging purposes and to increase the fund’s exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above, which may create investment leverage. Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund has a lower risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund as a result of decreased exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned 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. Our allocation of assets among asset classes 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. 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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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 alpha strategy may lose money or not earn a return sufficient to cover associated trading and other costs. Our use of leverage obtained through derivatives increases these risks by increasing investment exposure. Derivatives also involve the risk, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a balanced fund, or a fund that can manage allocations and risk across global asset classes.
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	Best calendar quarter Q1 2012  5.31% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011 -4.83%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	5.31%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(4.83%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)
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. The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.
Putnam Absolute Return 500 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	0.68%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.15%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.02%)	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.13%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 684
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	917
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,170
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,890
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	9.92%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	2.68%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	0.61%
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	6.92%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	4.32%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	4.11%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(0.57%)
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(6.28%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.83%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.06%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 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%	[7]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.68%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.90%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.02%)	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.88%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 691
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	895
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,225
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,025
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	191
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	595
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,025
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,025
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(6.09%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.91%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.15%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 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%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.68%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.90%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.02%)	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.88%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 291
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	595
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,025
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,220
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	191
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	595
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,025
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,220
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.28%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.29%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.16%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 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	0.68%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.65%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.02%)	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.63%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 510
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	850
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,214
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,234
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(4.60%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.80%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.89%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 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	0.68%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.40%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.02%)	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.38%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 140
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	441
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	764
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,678
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.86%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.79%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.67%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | Class R6
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	0.68%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.12%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.82%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.02%)	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.80%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 82
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	260
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	453
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,012
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.25%)	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.37%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.24%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 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	0.68%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.90%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.02%)	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.88%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 90
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	285
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	497
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,106
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.40%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.30%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.19%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(8.27%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.81%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.12%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(3.29%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.15%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.12%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	5.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.38%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.57%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.53%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.55%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.25%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.12%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	PUTNAM ABSOLUTE RETURN 700 FUND
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund seeks to earn a positive total return that exceeds the return on U.S. Treasury bills by 700 basis points (or 7.00%) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time (generally at least three years or more) regardless of market conditions.
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 44 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)
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 563%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	563.00%
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 44 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. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return by combining two independent investment strategies — a beta strategy, which provides broad exposure to investment markets, and an alpha strategy, which seeks returns from active trading. The beta strategy seeks to balance risk and to provide positive total return by investing, without limit, in many different asset classes, including U.S., international, and emerging markets equity securities (growth or value stocks or both) and fixed-income securities; mortgage- and asset-backed securities; below-investment-grade securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”); inflation-protected securities; commodities; and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The alpha strategy involves the potential use of active trading strategies designed to provide additional total return through active security selection, tactical asset allocation, currency transactions and options transactions. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, equities or equity-like investments. 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 equity investments, and, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks when deciding whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments. We may also take into account general market conditions when making investment decisions. We typically use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, to a significant extent for hedging purposes and to increase the fund’s exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned above, which may create investment leverage. Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund has a higher risk and return profile than Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund as a result of increased exposure to the asset classes and strategies mentioned 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. Our allocation of assets among asset classes 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. 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. Default risk is generally higher for non-qualified mortgages. 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 alpha strategy may lose money or not earn a return sufficient to cover associated trading and other costs. Our use of leverage obtained through derivatives increases these risks by increasing investment exposure. Derivatives also involve the risk, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, 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. The fund’s efforts to produce lower volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. In addition, under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater volatility than would typically be the case, in order to seek its targeted return. 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 four Putnam Absolute Return Funds designed for investors seeking positive total return in excess of the return on U.S. Treasury bills by a targeted amount (100, 300, 500 or 700 basis points) on an annualized basis over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions. Because the fund seeks performance over a reasonable period of time, investors should be willing to wait out short-term market fluctuations and should generally have an investment horizon of at least three years or more. The fund may be suitable for you if you are considering a stock fund, or a fund that can manage allocations and risk across global asset classes.
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	Best calendar quarter Q1 2012  6.07% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011  -5.81%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	6.07%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(5.81%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/15)
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. The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index are broad measures of market performance. Securities in the fund do not match those in the indexes and the performance of the fund will differ.
Putnam Absolute Return 700 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	0.81%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.27%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 697
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	955
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,232
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,021
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	14.42%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	3.54%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	0.51%
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	7.75%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	5.91%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	5.95%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(1.65%)
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(7.30%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.41%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.20%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 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%	[7]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.81%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 705
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	934
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,288
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,155
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	634
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,088
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,155
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(6.89%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.49%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.27%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 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%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.81%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 305
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	634
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,088
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,348
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	634
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,088
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,348
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(3.31%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.85%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.29%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 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	0.81%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.77%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 524
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	888
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,276
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,361
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(5.60%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.37%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.97%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 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	0.81%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.52%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 155
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	480
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	829
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,813
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.87%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.35%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.77%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | Class R6
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	0.81%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.12%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.94%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 96
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	300
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	520
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,155
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.35%)	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.94%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.36%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 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	0.81%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.20%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 104
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	325
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	563
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,248
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.42%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.88%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.32%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(10.10%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.14%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.03%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(3.82%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.48%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.91%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 700 basis points (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	7.10%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	7.14%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.38%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.57%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.53%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008
Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.55%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.25%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.12%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008

[1] Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.

[2] Management fees are subject to a performance adjustment.

[3] This charge is phased out over two years.

[4] This charge is eliminated after one year.

[5] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

[6] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through 2/28/17. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.

[7] This charge is phased out over six years.