485BPOS

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 19, 2018
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. 277	/ X /
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY	/ X /
ACT OF 1940	----
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Amendment No. 278	/ 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)
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/ X /	on February 28, 2018 pursuant to paragraph (b)
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/    /	60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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/    /	on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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/    /	75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
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/    /	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, Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund and Putnam Global Sector Fund series. 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 19^th day of March, 2018.

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

Kenneth R. Leibler* Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Robert L. Reynolds* President and Trustee

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

Janet C. Smith* Vice President, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Assistant Treasurer

Liaquat Ahamed* Trustee

Ravi Akhoury* Trustee

Barbara M. Baumann* Trustee

Katinka Domotorffy* Trustee

Catharine Bond Hill* Trustee

Paul L. Joskow* Trustee

Robert E. Patterson* Trustee

George Putnam, III* Trustee

Manoj P. Singh* Trustee

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

March 19, 2018

*Signed pursuant to power of attorney filed in Post-Effective Amendment No. 269 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 27, 2017.

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Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund

Fund Summaries

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	1.00%		none		none		0.75%	none	none	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	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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T		Class Y
Management fees	0.40%	0.40%	0.40%	0.40%	0.40%	0.40%	0.40%	0.40%		0.40%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	0.25%	0.45%	1.00%	0.30%		0.50%		0.25%
Other expenses	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	[1]	0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses	0.66%	0.86%	1.41%	0.71%	0.41%	0.91%	0.41%	0.66%		0.41%

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	167	309	464	914
Class B	188	274	477	1,003
Class C	244	446	771	1,691
Class M	147	300	467	951
Class P	42	132	230	518
Class R	93	290	504	1,120
Class R6	42	132	230	518
Class T	67	211	368	822
Class Y	42	132	230	518

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	88	274	477	1,003
Class C	144	446	771	1,691

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 256%.

Investments, risks, and performance

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 (including perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings.

Bond investments are subject to interest rate risk, which means the value of the fund’s bond investments is likely to fall if interest rates rise. Bond investments also are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the bond may default on payment of interest or principal. Interest rate risk is generally greater for longer-term bonds, and credit risk is generally greater for below-investment-grade bonds, which may be considered speculative. Mortgage-backed investments, unlike traditional debt investments, are also subject to prepayment risk, which means that they may increase in value less than other bonds when interest rates decline and decline in value more than other bonds when interest rates rise. We may have to invest the proceeds from prepaid investments, including mortgage- and asset-backed investments, in other investments with less attractive terms and yields. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase the risks of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	2.07%		1.25%		1.36%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	1.09%		0.47%		0.76%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	1.17%		0.59%		0.80%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	1.94%		1.25%		1.23%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	1.31%		0.69%		0.71%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	2.39%		1.26%		1.33%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class P	3.47%	[1]	1.72%	[1]	1.73%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	2.90%		1.21%		1.21%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	3.46%	[1]	1.72%	[1]	1.73%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class T	3.10%	[2]	1.45%	[2]	1.47%	[2]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	3.47%		1.72%		1.73%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.81%		0.28%		0.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 100 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	1.81%		1.28%		1.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	3.54%		2.10%		3.89%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%		15.79%		15.81%		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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year.

[1] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) and for class P shares prior to their inception (8/31/16) 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 and class P shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

[2] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares.

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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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	1.00%		none		none		0.75%	none	none	none	2.50%	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	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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T	Class Y
Management fees	[1]	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%	0.45%	1.00%	0.30%		0.50%		0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.70%	0.90%	1.45%	0.75%	0.45%	0.95%	0.45%	0.70%	0.45%

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	171	322	486	962
Class B	192	287	498	1,051
Class C	248	459	792	1,735
Class M	151	313	489	998
Class P	46	144	252	567
Class R	97	303	525	1,166
Class R6	46	144	252	567
Class T	320	468	630	1,099
Class Y	46	144	252	567

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	92	287	498	1,051
Class C	148	459	792	1,735

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 742%.

Investments, risks, and performance

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 (including perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings.

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

The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase the risks of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	4.19%		2.01%		2.46%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	2.25%		0.31%		1.25%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	2.37%		0.75%		1.37%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	3.99%		2.00%		2.33%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	3.50%		1.44%		1.81%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	4.41%		2.01%		2.42%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class P	5.52%	[1]	2.47%	[1]	2.83%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	4.96%		1.97%		2.31%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	5.51%	[1]	2.47%	[1]	2.84%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class T	2.61%	[2]	1.70%	[2]	2.29%	[2]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	5.53%		2.46%		2.82%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.81%		0.28%		0.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 300 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	3.81%		3.28%		3.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	3.54%		2.10%		3.89%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%		15.79%		15.81%		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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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 reflect a performance adjustment. The fund's base management fee is subject to adjustment, up or down, based on the fund's performance relative to the fund's target, which is the performance of the ICE BofAML Treasury Bill Index plus 300 basis points. The fund's base management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.60%.

[1] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) and for class P shares prior to their inception (8/31/16) 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 and class P shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

[2] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the higher initial sales charge currently applicable to class T shares.

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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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		3.50%	none	none	none	2.50%	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	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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T		Class Y
Management fees	[1]	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%		0.59%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	0.75%		0.50%		0.25%
Other expenses		0.21%	0.21%	0.21%	0.21%	0.09%	0.21%	0.13%	0.21%	[2]	0.21%
Acquired fund fees and expenses		0.04%	0.04%	0.04%	0.04%	0.04%	0.04%	0.04%	0.04%		0.04%
Total annual fund operating expenses		1.09%	1.84%	1.84%	1.59%	0.72%	1.34%	0.76%	1.09%		0.84%
Expense reimbursement	[3]	(0.03%)	(0.03%)	(0.03%)	(0.03%)	(0.03%)	(0.03%)	(0.03%)	(0.03%)		(0.03%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement		1.06%	1.81%	1.81%	1.56%	0.69%	1.31%	0.73%	1.06%		0.81%

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	677	899	1,138	1,824
Class B	684	875	1,192	1,959
Class C	284	575	992	2,155
Class M	503	831	1,182	2,170
Class P	70	227	397	891
Class R	133	421	731	1,609
Class R6	74	240	419	938
Class T	355	585	833	1,542
Class Y	83	265	462	1,033

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	184	575	992	1,959
Class C	184	575	992	2,155

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 496%.

Investments, risks, and performance

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 (including, in the case of bonds, perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. 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. 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), 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 the risk of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	1.02%		1.98%		3.29%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	(0.02%)		0.97%		2.44%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	0.96%		1.24%		2.32%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	1.43%		2.07%		3.28%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	5.42%		2.42%		3.20%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	2.92%		1.96%		3.05%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class P	7.57%	[1]	3.49%	[1]	4.26%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	6.99%		2.95%		3.71%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	7.60%	[1]	3.54%	[1]	4.29%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class T	4.50%	[2]	2.68%	[2]	3.68%	[2]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	7.46%		3.45%		4.23%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.81%		0.28%		0.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	5.81%		5.28%		5.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	3.54%		2.10%		3.89%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%		15.79%		15.81%		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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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 reflect a performance adjustment. The fund's base management fee is subject to adjustment, up or down, based on the fund's performance relative to the fund's target, which is the performance of the ICE BofAML Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points. For the fund's most recent fiscal year, the fund's base management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.725%.

[2] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year.

[3] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through 2/28/19. 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) and for class P shares prior to their inception (8/31/16) 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 and class P shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

[2] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the lower initial sales charge currently applicable to class T shares.

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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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		3.50%	none	none	none	2.50%	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	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 P	Class R	Class R6	Class T		Class Y
Management fees	[1]	0.69%	0.69%	0.69%	0.69%	0.69%	0.69%	0.69%	0.69%		0.69%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	0.75%		0.50%		0.25%
Other expenses		0.22%	0.22%	0.22%	0.22%	0.09%	0.22%	0.13%	0.22%	[2]	0.22%
Acquired fund fees and expenses		0.05%	0.05%	0.05%	0.05%	0.05%	0.05%	0.05%	0.05%		0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses		1.21%	1.96%	1.96%	1.71%	0.83%	1.46%	0.87%	1.21%		0.96%

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	691	937	1,202	1,957
Class B	699	915	1,257	2,091
Class C	299	615	1,057	2,285
Class M	518	870	1,246	2,299
Class P	85	265	460	1,025
Class R	149	462	797	1,746
Class R6	89	278	482	1,073
Class T	370	624	898	1,679
Class Y	98	306	531	1,178

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	199	615	1,057	2,091
Class C	199	615	1,057	2,285

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 559%.

Investments, risks, and performance

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 (including, in the case of bonds, perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. 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. 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), 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 the risk of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	3.43%		3.23%		4.63%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions	2.56%		2.04%		3.62%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	2.15%		2.09%		3.29%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class B	3.95%		3.36%		4.60%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class C	7.96%		3.69%		4.54%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class M	5.41%		3.23%		4.35%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class P	10.12%	[1]	4.77%	[1]	5.58%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R	9.44%		4.22%		5.03%		Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	10.13%	[1]	4.84%	[1]	5.63%	[1]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class T	7.00%	[2]	3.94%	[2]	5.02%	[2]	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y	10.09%		4.75%		5.57%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.81%		0.28%		0.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 700 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	7.81%		7.28%		7.24%		Dec. 23, 2008
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes	3.54%		2.10%		3.89%		Dec. 23, 2008
S&P 500 Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%		15.79%		15.81%		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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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 reflect a performance adjustment. The fund's base management fee is subject to adjustment, up or down, based on the fund's performance relative to the fund's target, which is the performance of the ICE BofAML Treasury Bill Index plus 700 basis points. For the most recent fiscal year, the fund's base management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.875%.

[2] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year.

[1] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) and for class P shares prior to their inception (8/31/16) 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 and class P shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

[2] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the lower initial sales charge currently applicable to class T shares.

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Putnam Global Sector Fund

Fund Summary

Goal

Putnam Global Sector Fund seeks capital appreciation.

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 20 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 Global Sector Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class M	Class R	Class T	Class Y
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		3.50%	none	2.50%	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 Global Sector Fund		Class A		Class B		Class C		Class M		Class R		Class T		Class Y
Management fees		none		none		none		none		none		none		none
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees		0.25%		1.00%		1.00%		0.75%		0.50%		0.25%
Other expenses		0.96%	[1]	0.96%	[1]	0.96%	[1]	0.96%	[1]	0.96%	[1]	0.96%	[2]	0.96%	[1]
Acquired fund fees and expenses		1.02%		1.02%		1.02%		1.02%		1.02%		1.02%		1.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses		2.23%		2.98%		2.98%		2.73%		2.48%		2.23%		1.98%
Expense reimbursement	[3]	(0.96%)		(0.96%)		(0.96%)		(0.96%)		(0.96%)		(0.96%)		(0.96%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement		1.27%		2.02%		2.02%		1.77%		1.52%		1.27%		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. 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 Global Sector 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	1,145	1,618	2,922
Class B	705	1,131	1,683	3,054
Class C	305	831	1,483	3,231
Class M	524	1,080	1,662	3,236
Class R	155	681	1,234	2,744
Class T	376	840	1,329	2,677
Class Y	104	528	979	2,229

Expense Example, No Redemption - Putnam Global Sector 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	831	1,483	3,054
Class C	205	831	1,483	3,231

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 50%.

Investments, risks, and performance

Investments

We allocate the fund’s assets among eight Putnam global sector funds to provide exposure to sectors of the global market in approximately the same proportions as the sector weightings in the MSCI World Index. Each underlying fund is a non-diversified fund (other than Putnam Global Financials Fund, which currently operates as a diversified fund) concentrating in the market sector specified in its name, and each invests mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.

Global Consumer Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies worldwide in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Financials Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the financial services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Health Care Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the health care industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Industrials Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the industrial products, services or equipment industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Natural Resources Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the energy and other natural resource industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Technology Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the technology industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Telecommunications Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the telecommunication industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Utilities Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies worldwide in the utilities industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Each underlying fund may invest in emerging markets, use derivatives, such as futures, options, foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and engage in short sales of securities.

We seek to rebalance the fund’s allocations monthly to remain in alignment with the index. The following table shows the fund’s approximate allocations to the underlying funds as of 12/31/17:

Underlying fund	Approximate allocation as of 12/31/17
Putnam Global Financials Fund	21.18%
Putnam Global Consumer Fund	21.04%
Putnam Global Technology Fund	16.47%
Putnam Global Natural Resources Fund	11.81%
Putnam Global Industrials Fund	11.71%
Putnam Global Health Care Fund	11.67%
Putnam Global Utilities Fund	2.95%
Putnam Global Telecommunications Fund	2.82%

We may also invest in money market securities or affiliated money market or short-term fixed income funds for cash management.

Risks

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

Our allocation of investments among the underlying funds may hurt performance. In addition, the fund’s performance is subject to the risks that may affect the performance of the underlying funds, which are as follows. The value of stocks in an underlying 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, changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. An underlying fund’s policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and an underlying fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the underlying fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund, can increase the underlying fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility.

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. An underlying fund’s use of derivatives may increase the risk of investing in the fund 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. An underlying fund’s use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

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

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   13.67%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011 −20.98%

Average annual total returns after sales charges
(for periods ending 12/31/17)

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Global Sector Fund	1 Year		5 Years		Since Inception		Inception Date
Class A	16.00%		10.21%		8.60%		Mar. 31, 2010
Class A | after taxes on distributions	14.66%		8.18%		6.95%		Mar. 31, 2010
Class A | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	9.97%		7.66%		6.58%		Mar. 31, 2010
Class B	17.22%		10.41%		8.62%		Mar. 31, 2010
Class C	21.22%		10.70%		8.62%		Mar. 31, 2010
Class M	18.26%		10.18%		8.40%		Mar. 31, 2010
Class R	22.87%		11.26%		9.17%		Mar. 31, 2010
Class T	19.99%	[1]	10.96%	[1]	9.08%	[1]	Mar. 31, 2010
Class Y	23.53%		11.80%		9.72%		Mar. 31, 2010
MSCI World Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)	22.40%		11.64%		9.73%		Mar. 31, 2010

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.

[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] Restated to reflect current fees.

[2] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year, as restated to reflect current fees.

[3] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through February 28, 2019. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.

[1] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the lower initial sales charge currently applicable to class T shares.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Document Type

dei_DocumentType

485BPOS

Document Period End Date

dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate

Dec. 31, 2017

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. 27, 2018

Document Effective Date

dei_DocumentEffectiveDate

Feb. 28, 2018

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Feb. 28, 2018

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Fund Summaries

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 256%.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

256.00%

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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, risks, and performance

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 (including perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings.

Bond investments are subject to interest rate risk, which means the value of the fund’s bond investments is likely to fall if interest rates rise. Bond investments also are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the bond may default on payment of interest or principal. Interest rate risk is generally greater for longer-term bonds, and credit risk is generally greater for below-investment-grade bonds, which may be considered speculative. Mortgage-backed investments, unlike traditional debt investments, are also subject to prepayment risk, which means that they may increase in value less than other bonds when interest rates decline and decline in value more than other bonds when interest rates rise. We may have to invest the proceeds from prepaid investments, including mortgage- and asset-backed investments, in other investments with less attractive terms and yields. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase the risks of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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

0.40%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.66%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 167

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

309

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

464

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 914

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%)

Annual Return 2016

rr_AnnualReturn2016

2.27%

Annual Return 2017

rr_AnnualReturn2017

3.10%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.07%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.25%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.36%

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%

^[2]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.40%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.45%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.86%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 188

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

274

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

477

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,003

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

88

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

274

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

477

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 1,003

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.94%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.25%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.23%

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%

^[3]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.40%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.41%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 244

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

446

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

771

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,691

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

144

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

446

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

771

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 1,691

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.31%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.69%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.71%

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

0.40%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.30%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.71%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 147

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

300

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

467

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 951

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.39%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.26%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.33%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | Class P

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

0.40%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 42

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

132

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

230

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 518

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.47%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.72%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.73%

^[4]

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

0.40%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.50%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.91%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 93

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

290

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

504

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,120

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.90%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.21%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.21%

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

0.40%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 42

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

132

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

230

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 518

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.46%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.72%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.73%

^[4]

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | Class T

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

0.40%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[5]

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.66%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 67

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

211

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

368

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 822

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.10%

^[6]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.45%

^[6]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.47%

^[6]

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

0.40%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 42

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

132

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

230

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 518

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.47%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.72%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.73%

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

1.09%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.47%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.76%

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

1.17%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.59%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.80%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 100 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 100 Fund | Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.54%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.10%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.89%

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

21.83%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.79%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

15.81%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 742%.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

742.00%

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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, risks, and performance

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 (including perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings.

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

The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be or become illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase the risks of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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

0.45%

^[7]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.70%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 171

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

322

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

486

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 962

Annual Return 2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

8.23%

Annual Return 2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

3.10%

Annual Return 2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(4.374%)

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%)

Annual Return 2016

rr_AnnualReturn2016

2.01%

Annual Return 2017

rr_AnnualReturn2017

5.24%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.19%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.01%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.46%

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%

^[2]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

^[7]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.45%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.90%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 192

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

287

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

498

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,051

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

92

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

287

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

498

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 1,051

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.99%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.33%

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%

^[3]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

^[7]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.45%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 248

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

459

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

792

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,735

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

148

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

459

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

792

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 1,735

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.50%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.44%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.81%

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

0.45%

^[7]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.30%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.75%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 151

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

313

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

489

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 998

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.41%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.01%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.42%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | Class P

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

0.45%

^[7]

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.45%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 46

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

144

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

252

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 567

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.52%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.47%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.83%

^[4]

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

0.45%

^[7]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.50%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.95%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 97

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

303

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

525

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,166

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.96%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.97%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.31%

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

0.45%

^[7]

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.45%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 46

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

144

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

252

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 567

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.51%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.47%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.84%

^[4]

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | Class T

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

2.50%

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

0.45%

^[7]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.70%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 320

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

468

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

630

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,099

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.61%

^[8]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.70%

^[8]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.29%

^[8]

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

0.45%

^[7]

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.45%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 46

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

144

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

252

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 567

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.53%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.46%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.82%

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

2.25%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.31%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.25%

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

2.37%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.75%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.37%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 300 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund | Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.54%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.10%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.89%

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

21.83%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.79%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

15.81%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to the fund’s prospectus, and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

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

Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination

2-28-2019

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 496%.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

496.00%

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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, risks, and performance

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 (including, in the case of bonds, perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. 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. 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), 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 the risk of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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

0.59%

^[9]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.21%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.09%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 677

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

899

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,138

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,824

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%)

Annual Return 2016

rr_AnnualReturn2016

1.12%

Annual Return 2017

rr_AnnualReturn2017

7.18%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.02%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.98%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.29%

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%

^[11]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.59%

^[9]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.21%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.84%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.81%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 684

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

875

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,192

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,959

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

184

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

575

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

992

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 1,959

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.43%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.07%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.28%

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%

^[3]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.59%

^[9]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.21%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.84%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.81%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 284

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

575

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

992

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,155

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

184

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

575

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

992

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 2,155

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.42%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.42%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.20%

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

0.59%

^[9]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.75%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.21%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.59%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.56%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 503

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

831

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,182

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 2,170

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.92%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.96%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.05%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | Class P

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%

^[9]

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.09%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.72%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.69%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 70

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

227

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

397

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 891

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.57%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.49%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.26%

^[4]

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

0.59%

^[9]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.50%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.21%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.34%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.31%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 133

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

421

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

731

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,609

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.99%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.71%

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

0.59%

^[9]

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.13%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.76%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.73%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 74

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

240

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

419

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 938

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.60%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.54%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.29%

^[4]

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | Class T

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

2.50%

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

0.59%

^[9]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.21%

^[5]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.09%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 355

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

585

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

833

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,542

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.50%

^[12]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.68%

^[12]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.68%

^[12]

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

0.59%

^[9]

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.21%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.04%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.84%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[10]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.81%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 83

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

265

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

462

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,033

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.46%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.45%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.23%

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

(0.02%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.97%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.44%

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

0.96%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.24%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.32%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 500 Fund | Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.54%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.10%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.89%

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

21.83%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.79%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

15.81%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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 559%.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

559.00%

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 41 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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, risks, and performance

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 (including, in the case of bonds, perceptions about the risk of default and expectations about monetary policy or interest rates), changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. 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. 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), 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 the risk of investing in the fund 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 (a full market cycle, which is generally at least three years but may potentially be significantly longer) 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 ended 12/31/17)

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 individual retirement account (IRA), or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

ICE BofAML Indexes: ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

The Bloomberg 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

0.69%

^[13]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.21%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 691

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

937

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,202

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,957

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%)

Annual Return 2016

rr_AnnualReturn2016

2.71%

Annual Return 2017

rr_AnnualReturn2017

9.74%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.43%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.23%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.63%

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%

^[11]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.69%

^[13]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.96%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 699

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

915

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,257

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,091

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

199

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

615

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,057

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 2,091

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.95%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.36%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.60%

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%

^[3]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.69%

^[13]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.96%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 299

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

615

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,057

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,285

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

199

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

615

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,057

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 2,285

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.96%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.69%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.54%

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

0.69%

^[13]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.75%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.71%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 518

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

870

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,246

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 2,299

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.41%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.23%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.35%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | Class P

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

0.69%

^[13]

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.09%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.83%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 85

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

265

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

460

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,025

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.12%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.77%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.58%

^[4]

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

0.69%

^[13]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.50%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.46%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 149

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

462

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

797

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,746

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.44%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.22%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.03%

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

0.69%

^[13]

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.13%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.87%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 89

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

$ 1,073

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.13%

^[4]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.84%

^[4]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.63%

^[4]

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | Class T

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

2.50%

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

0.69%

^[13]

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

^[5]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.21%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 370

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

624

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

898

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,679

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.00%

^[12]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.94%

^[12]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.02%

^[12]

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

0.69%

^[13]

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 98

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

306

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

531

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 1,178

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.09%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.75%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.57%

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

2.56%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.04%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.62%

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

2.15%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.09%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.29%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 700 basis points (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.28%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.24%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund | Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.54%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.10%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.89%

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

21.83%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.79%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

15.81%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 23, 2008

Putnam Global Sector Fund

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Fund Summary

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Goal

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

Putnam Global Sector Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 20 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to the fund’s prospectus, and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

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

Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination

2-28-2019

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 50%.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

50.00%

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 20 of the fund’s prospectus, in the Appendix to 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, risks, and performance

Investments

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

We allocate the fund’s assets among eight Putnam global sector funds to provide exposure to sectors of the global market in approximately the same proportions as the sector weightings in the MSCI World Index. Each underlying fund is a non-diversified fund (other than Putnam Global Financials Fund, which currently operates as a diversified fund) concentrating in the market sector specified in its name, and each invests mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.

Global Consumer Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies worldwide in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Financials Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the financial services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Health Care Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the health care industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Industrials Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the industrial products, services or equipment industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Natural Resources Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the energy and other natural resource industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Technology Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the technology industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Telecommunications Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the telecommunication industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Global Utilities Fund — Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of this underlying fund’s net assets in securities of companies worldwide in the utilities industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

Each underlying fund may invest in emerging markets, use derivatives, such as futures, options, foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and engage in short sales of securities.

We seek to rebalance the fund’s allocations monthly to remain in alignment with the index. The following table shows the fund’s approximate allocations to the underlying funds as of 12/31/17:

Underlying fund	Approximate allocation as of 12/31/17
Putnam Global Financials Fund	21.18%
Putnam Global Consumer Fund	21.04%
Putnam Global Technology Fund	16.47%
Putnam Global Natural Resources Fund	11.81%
Putnam Global Industrials Fund	11.71%
Putnam Global Health Care Fund	11.67%
Putnam Global Utilities Fund	2.95%
Putnam Global Telecommunications Fund	2.82%

We may also invest in money market securities or affiliated money market or short-term fixed income funds for cash management.

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 investments among the underlying funds may hurt performance. In addition, the fund’s performance is subject to the risks that may affect the performance of the underlying funds, which are as follows. The value of stocks in an underlying 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, changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. An underlying fund’s policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and an underlying fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the underlying fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund, can increase the underlying fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility.

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. An underlying fund’s use of derivatives may increase the risk of investing in the fund 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. An underlying fund’s use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

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

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

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

Risk 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   13.67%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011 −20.98%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best calendar quarter

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2012

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

13.67%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst calendar quarter

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(20.98%)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns after sales charges
(for periods ending 12/31/17)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Putnam Global Sector 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

none

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

^[14]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.23%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.96%)

^[15]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.27%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 697

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,145

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,618

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 2,922

Annual Return 2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(9.80%)

Annual Return 2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

17.95%

Annual Return 2013

rr_AnnualReturn2013

29.04%

Annual Return 2014

rr_AnnualReturn2014

3.17%

Annual Return 2015

rr_AnnualReturn2015

(0.23%)

Annual Return 2016

rr_AnnualReturn2016

5.52%

Annual Return 2017

rr_AnnualReturn2017

23.07%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10.21%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.60%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector 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%

^[11]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

^[14]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.98%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.96%)

^[15]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.02%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 705

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,131

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,683

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,054

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

205

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

831

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,483

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 3,054

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

17.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10.41%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.62%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector 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%

^[3]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

^[14]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.98%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.96%)

^[15]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.02%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 305

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

831

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,483

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,231

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

205

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

831

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,483

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 3,231

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

21.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10.70%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.62%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector 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

none

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.75%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

^[14]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.73%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.96%)

^[15]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.77%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 524

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,080

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,662

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 3,236

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

18.26%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10.18%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.40%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector 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

none

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.50%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

^[14]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.48%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.96%)

^[15]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.52%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 155

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

681

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,234

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 2,744

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

22.87%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

11.26%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.17%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector Fund | Class T

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

2.50%

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

none

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

^[16]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.23%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.96%)

^[15]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.27%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 376

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

840

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,329

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 2,677

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

19.99%

^[12]

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10.96%

^[12]

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.08%

^[12]

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector 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

none

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.96%

^[14]

Acquired fund fees and expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.98%

Expense reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.96%)

^[15]

Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.02%

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

$ 104

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

528

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

979

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

$ 2,229

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

23.53%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

11.80%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.72%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.66%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

8.18%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.95%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.97%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.66%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.58%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

Putnam Global Sector Fund | MSCI World Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)

Risk Return Abstract

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

22.40%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

11.64%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.73%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 31, 2010

[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.

[4] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) and for class P shares prior to their inception (8/31/16) 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 and class P shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

[5] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year.

[6] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares.

[7] Management fees reflect a performance adjustment. The fund's base management fee is subject to adjustment, up or down, based on the fund's performance relative to the fund's target, which is the performance of the ICE BofAML Treasury Bill Index plus 300 basis points. The fund's base management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.60%.

[8] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the higher initial sales charge currently applicable to class T shares.

[9] Management fees reflect a performance adjustment. The fund's base management fee is subject to adjustment, up or down, based on the fund's performance relative to the fund's target, which is the performance of the ICE BofAML Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points. For the fund's most recent fiscal year, the fund's base management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.725%.

[10] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through 2/28/19. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.

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

[12] Class T shares were not outstanding during the time periods shown. Performance shown for class T shares is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the lower initial sales charge currently applicable to class T shares.

[13] Management fees reflect a performance adjustment. The fund's base management fee is subject to adjustment, up or down, based on the fund's performance relative to the fund's target, which is the performance of the ICE BofAML Treasury Bill Index plus 700 basis points. For the most recent fiscal year, the fund's base management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.875%.

[14] Restated to reflect current fees.

[15] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through February 28, 2019. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.

[16] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year, as restated to reflect current fees.