485BPOS

	As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
	May 11, 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. 282	/ X /
	and	----
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	REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY	/ X /
	ACT OF 1940	----
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	Amendment No. 283	/ 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 on April 30, 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund and Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute 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 11th day of May, 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

May 11, 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund*

* Prior to April 30, 2018, the fund was known as Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund.


Fund Summary

Goal

Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund seeks positive total return.

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 18 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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.

Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in fixed-income securities (fixed-income securities include any debt instrument, and may be represented by other investment instruments, including derivatives). This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. 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.

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. 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

Year-to-date performance
through 3/31/18   1.55%

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012   3.36%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011 −4.09%

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

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return 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	[1]	5.52%	2.47%	2.83%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R		4.96%	1.97%	2.31%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	[1]	5.51%	2.47%	2.84%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class T	[2]	2.61%	1.70%	2.29%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y		5.53%	2.46%	2.82%	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
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

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.

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.

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.

ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated U.S. Treasury bills, which represent obligations of the U.S. Government having a maturity of one year or less, and is intended as an approximate measure of the rate of inflation. ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index + 3.00% is the benchmark and hurdle rate for the performance adjustment component of the fund’s management fee.

[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 U.S. 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund*

* Prior to April 30, 2018, the fund was known as Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund.


Fund Summary

Goal

Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund seeks positive total return.

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 21 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class M	Class P	Class R	Class R6	Class T		Class Y
Management fees	[1],[2]	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		0.19%	0.19%	0.19%	0.19%	0.07%	0.19%	0.11%	0.19%	[3]	0.19%
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		1.08%	1.83%	1.83%	1.58%	0.71%	1.33%	0.75%	1.08%		0.83%
Expense reimbursement	[4]	(0.01%)	(0.01%)	(0.01%)	(0.01%)	(0.01%)	(0.01%)	(0.01%)	(0.01%)		(0.01%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement		1.07%	1.82%	1.82%	1.57%	0.70%	1.32%	0.74%	1.07%		0.82%

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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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	678	898	1,135	1,816
Class B	685	875	1,189	1,950
Class C	285	575	989	2,147
Class M	504	830	1,179	2,162
Class P	72	226	394	882
Class R	134	420	728	1,601
Class R6	76	239	416	929
Class T	356	584	830	1,533
Class Y	84	264	460	1,024

Expense Example, No Redemption - Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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	185	575	989	1,950
Class C	185	575	989	2,147

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.

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. 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

Year-to-date performance
through 3/31/18 −3.36%

Best calendar quarter
Q1 2012   6.07%

Worst calendar quarter
Q3 2011  −5.81%

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

Average Annual Total Returns - Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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	[1]	10.12%	4.77%	5.58%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R		9.44%	4.22%	5.03%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class R6	[1]	10.13%	4.84%	5.63%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class T	[2]	7.00%	3.94%	5.02%	Dec. 23, 2008
Class Y		10.09%	4.75%	5.57%	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
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

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.

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.

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.

ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated U.S. Treasury bills, which represent obligations of the U.S. Government having a maturity of one year or less, and is intended as an approximate measure of the rate of inflation. ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index + 5.00% is the benchmark and hurdle rate for the performance adjustment component of the fund’s management fee.

[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 U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points.

[2] Restated to reflect current fees.

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

[4] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through April 30, 2019. 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.

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	Apr. 27, 2018
Document Effective Date	dei_DocumentEffectiveDate	Apr. 30, 2018
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Apr. 30, 2018
Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	* Prior to April 30, 2018, the fund was known as Putnam Absolute Return 300 Fund. Fund Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund seeks positive total return.
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 18 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 18 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. Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in fixed-income securities (fixed-income securities include any debt instrument, and may be represented by other investment instruments, including derivatives). This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. 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.
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. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 3/31/18   1.55% Best calendar quarter Q1 2012   3.36% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011 −4.09%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	1.55%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	3.36%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(4.09%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/17)
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. 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. 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. ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated U.S. Treasury bills, which represent obligations of the U.S. Government having a maturity of one year or less, and is intended as an approximate measure of the rate of inflation. ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index + 3.00% is the benchmark and hurdle rate for the performance adjustment component of the fund’s management fee.
Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return 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%	[2]
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	(4.37%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	5.63%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	4.35%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	1.53%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(1.91%)
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 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund | Class B
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[3]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.45%	[2]
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 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.45%	[2]
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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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%	[2]
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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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%	[2]
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%	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.47%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.83%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008	[5]
Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return 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%	[2]
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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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%	[2]
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%	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.47%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.84%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008	[5]
Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return 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%	[2]
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%	[6]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.70%	[6]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	2.29%	[6]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008	[6]
Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return 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%	[2]
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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Fixed Income Absolute Return 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	* Prior to April 30, 2018, the fund was known as Putnam Absolute Return 700 Fund. Fund Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund seeks positive total return.
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 21 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	April 30, 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 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 21 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, 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.
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. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 3/31/18 −3.36% Best calendar quarter Q1 2012   6.07% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011  −5.81%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	(3.36%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	6.07%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(5.81%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/17)
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. 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. 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. ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated U.S. Treasury bills, which represent obligations of the U.S. Government having a maturity of one year or less, and is intended as an approximate measure of the rate of inflation. ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index + 5.00% is the benchmark and hurdle rate for the performance adjustment component of the fund’s management fee.
Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[7],[8]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.08%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.07%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 678
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	898
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,135
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,816
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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[10]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.59%	[7],[8]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.83%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.82%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 685
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	875
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,189
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,950
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	185
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	575
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	989
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 1,950
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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.59%	[7],[8]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.83%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.82%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 285
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	575
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	989
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,147
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	185
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	575
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	989
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,147
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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[7],[8]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.58%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.57%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 504
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	830
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,179
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,162
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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[7],[8]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.07%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.71%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.70%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 72
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	226
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	394
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 882
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	10.12%	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.77%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.58%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008	[5]
Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[7],[8]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.33%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.32%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 134
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	420
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	728
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,601
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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[7],[8]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.11%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.75%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.74%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 76
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	239
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	416
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 929
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	10.13%	[5]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.84%	[5]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.63%	[5]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 23, 2008	[5]
Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[7],[8]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%	[11]
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.08%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.07%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 356
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	584
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	830
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,533
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	[12]
Putnam Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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%	[7],[8]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.83%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.01%)	[9]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.82%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 84
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	264
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	460
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,024
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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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 Multi-Asset Absolute Return 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

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

[2] 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 U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 300 basis points. The fund's base management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.60%.

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

[4] This charge is eliminated after one year.

[5] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) 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.

[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, adjusted for the higher initial sales charge currently applicable to class T 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 U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 500 basis points.

[8] Restated to reflect current fees.

[9] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through April 30, 2019. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.

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

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

[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.