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	Dec. 27, 2018
Document Effective Date	dei_DocumentEffectiveDate	Dec. 30, 2018
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 30, 2018
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fund Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 14 of the fund’s prospectus, 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	December 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 172%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	172.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 14 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
Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]	rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent	Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year, restated to reflect the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares.
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
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Investments We invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of emerging market companies that we believe have favorable investment potential. For example, we may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in equity securities of emerging market companies. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Emerging markets include countries in the MSCI Emerging Market Index or that we consider to be emerging markets based on our evaluation of their level of economic development or the size and experience of their securities markets. We invest significantly in small and midsize companies. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund. The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including general financial market conditions, changing market perceptions, changes in government intervention in the financial markets, and factors related to a specific issuer, industry or sector. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. From time to time, the fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in companies in one or more related industries or sectors, which would make the fund more vulnerable to adverse developments affecting those industries or sectors. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be 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. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 9/30/18   −9.16% Best calendar quarter Q2 2009   33.33% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011    –30.06%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	(9.16%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	33.33%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(30.06%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods 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 Footnotes, Reason Performance Information for Class Different from Immediately Preceding Period [Text]	rr_PerformanceTableFootnotesReasonPerformanceInformationForClassDifferentFromImmediatelyPrecedingPeriod	Before November 30, 2018, the MSCI World Communication Services Index (ND) was known as the MSCI World Telecommunication Services Index (ND). The name and composition of the index was changed effective November 30, 2018 to reflect MSCI?s decision to broaden the telecommunication services sector to add selected companies previously classified in the consumer discretionary or information technology sectors and to rename it the communication services sector. Performance of the index for periods prior to November 30, 2018 reflects the composition of the index then in effect.
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. Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.94%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.83%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.32%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 702
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,071
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,464
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,560
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	73.93%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	17.67%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(26.41%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	18.78%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	1.61%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	(1.35%)
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(11.21%)
Annual Return 2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	5.78%
Annual Return 2017	rr_AnnualReturn2017	42.30%
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	34.11%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.77%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.89%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class B
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	5.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.94%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.58%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.07%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 710
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,054
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,525
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,693
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	210
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	754
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,325
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,693
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	36.33%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.91%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.89%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[5]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.94%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.58%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.07%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 310
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	754
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,325
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,877
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	210
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	754
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,325
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,877
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	40.24%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.24%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.78%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.94%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.33%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.82%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 528
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,005
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,507
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,885
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	36.76%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.75%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.65%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class R
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.94%	[2]
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.08%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.57%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 160
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	603
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,072
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,370
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	42.12%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.76%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.31%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity 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	0.94%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.42%	[6]
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.41%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.90%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 92
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	396
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	722
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,647
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes	[7]
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	42.73%	[7]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.29%	[7]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.85%	[7]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008	[7]
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Class Y
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.94%	[2]
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Acquired fund fees and expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.05%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.58%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.07%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 109
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	449
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	812
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,835
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	42.73%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.29%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.85%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	34.15%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.80%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.35%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	19.38%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.86%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.85%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Emerging Markets Equity Fund | MSCI Emerging Markets Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	37.28%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.35%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	6.94%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 29, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fund Summary
Footnote text	PFT_FootnoteText	* Prior to November 30, 2018, the fund was known as Putnam Global Telecommunications Fund.
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Global Communications 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 50 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	12/30/2019
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 74%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	74.00%
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 50 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
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Investments For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the communication industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the communication industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies that develop, manufacture or sell communications services or communications equipment, and companies that facilitate communication and offer related content and information through various media. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities. The use of the term “global” in the fund’s name is meant to emphasize that we look for investment opportunities on a worldwide basis and that our investment strategies are not constrained by the countries or regions in which companies are located. Under normal market conditions, the fund intends to invest in at least five different countries and at least 40% of its net assets in securities of foreign companies (or, if less, at least the percentage of net assets that is 10% less than the percentage of the fund’s benchmark represented by foreign companies, as determined by the providers of the benchmark).
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund. The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including 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 also 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. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. The communication industry may be affected by general market conditions, government regulation, intense competition, equipment incompatibility, changing consumer preferences, demographic and product trends, short product cycles, technological obsolescence and large capital expenditures and debt burdens. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be 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. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value. The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund's "non-diversified" status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a "diversified fund," can increase the fund's vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 9/30/18    –1.12% Best calendar quarter Q3 2010   22.02% Worst calendar quarter Q1 2009    –14.45%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	(1.12%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2010
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	22.02%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2009
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(14.45%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods 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 IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement. Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
Putnam Global Communications Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.94%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.81%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.30%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 700
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,065
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,454
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,540
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	13.24%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	21.53%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	3.97%
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	18.57%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	35.50%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	(2.68%)
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	5.39%
Annual Return 2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	2.92%
Annual Return 2017	rr_AnnualReturn2017	14.07%
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.52%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	8.99%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.41%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | Class B
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	5.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.94%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.56%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.05%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 708
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,048
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,515
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,673
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	208
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	748
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,315
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,673
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	8.24%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	9.19%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.40%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[5]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.94%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.56%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.05%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 308
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	748
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,315
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,857
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	208
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	748
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,315
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,857
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	12.26%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	9.47%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.30%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.94%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.31%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.80%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 526
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	999
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,497
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,865
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	9.62%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	8.97%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.15%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | Class R
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.94%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.06%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.55%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 158
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	597
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,062
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,349
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	13.81%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	10.02%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.86%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | Class Y
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.94%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.56%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.51%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.05%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 107
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	443
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	802
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,813
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	14.40%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	10.57%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	12.43%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.54%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.60%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	9.74%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	4.40%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.37%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	8.96%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Communications Fund | MSCI World Communication Services Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	5.82%	[9]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	8.09%	[9]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	7.74%	[9]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008	[9]
Putnam Global Consumer Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fund Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Global Consumer Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 50 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	12/30/2019
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 43%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	43.00%
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 50 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
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Investments For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies involved in the manufacture, sale or distribution of consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities. The use of the term “global” in the fund’s name is meant to emphasize that we look for investment opportunities on a worldwide basis and that our investment strategies are not constrained by the countries or regions in which companies are located. Under normal market conditions, the fund intends to invest in at least five different countries and at least 40% of its net assets in securities of foreign companies (or, if less, at least the percentage of net assets that is 10% less than the percentage of the fund’s benchmark represented by foreign companies, as determined by the providers of the benchmark).
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund. The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including 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. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. Consumer staples and consumer discretionary products and services industries may be affected by demographic and product trends, competition, economic trends and consumer confidence. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be 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. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value. The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund's "non-diversified" status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a "diversified fund," can increase the fund's vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 9/30/18    5.47% Best calendar quarter Q3 2010   18.16% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011    –15.43%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	5.47%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2010
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	18.16%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(15.43%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods 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 IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement. Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.53%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.40%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.30%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 700
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	983
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,288
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,150
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	33.67%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	24.40%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(5.41%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	17.55%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	36.11%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	2.11%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	4.78%
Annual Return 2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	5.30%
Annual Return 2017	rr_AnnualReturn2017	24.91%
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	17.73%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.54%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	14.45%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class B
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	5.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.53%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.15%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.05%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 708
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	963
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,345
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,284
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	208
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	663
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,145
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,284
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	19.04%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.79%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	14.43%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[5]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.53%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.15%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.05%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 308
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	663
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,145
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,475
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	208
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	663
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,145
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,475
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	23.06%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	13.03%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	14.34%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.53%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.90%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.80%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 526
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	917
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,332
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,487
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	19.99%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.50%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	14.18%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class R
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.53%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.65%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.55%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 158
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	511
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	888
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,946
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	24.63%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	13.60%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	14.92%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | Class Y
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.53%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.15%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.05%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 107
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	355
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	623
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,389
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	25.26%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.16%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.49%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	16.94%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	10.77%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	12.92%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	10.68%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	9.50%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.61%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Consumer Fund | MSCI World Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	20.78%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.51%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	14.22%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fund Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Global Financials Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 50 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	12/30/2019
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 51%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	51.00%
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 50 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
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Investments For this fund concentrating in the financial industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the financial services industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include commercial and investment banks, savings and loan organizations, brokerage and asset management firms, insurance companies and real estate investment trusts and real estate investment and development companies. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities. The use of the term “global” in the fund’s name is meant to emphasize that we look for investment opportunities on a worldwide basis and that our investment strategies are not constrained by the countries or regions in which companies are located. Under normal market conditions, the fund intends to invest in at least five different countries and at least 40% of its net assets in securities of foreign companies (or, if less, at least the percentage of net assets that is 10% less than the percentage of the fund’s benchmark represented by foreign companies, as determined by the providers of the benchmark).
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund. The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including 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 also 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. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. Financial services companies may be affected by the availability and cost of capital; changes in interest rates, insurance claims activity, industry consolidation and general economic conditions; and reduced profitability from limitations on loans, proprietary trading and interest rates and fees charged as a result of extensive government regulations. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be 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. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value. The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 9/30/18    –2.07% Best calendar quarter Q2 2009   37.18% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011    –27.79%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	(2.07%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	37.18%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(27.79%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods 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 IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement. Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
Putnam Global Financials Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.66%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.38%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.28%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 698
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,033
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,392
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,397
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	33.46%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	2.02%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(20.36%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	30.98%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	29.76%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	(1.80%)
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(1.84%)
Annual Return 2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	4.44%
Annual Return 2017	rr_AnnualReturn2017	20.57%
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	13.64%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	8.22%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	8.88%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | Class B
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	5.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.41%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.38%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.03%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 706
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,015
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,451
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,531
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	206
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	715
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,251
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,531
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	14.60%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	8.39%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	8.88%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[5]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.41%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.38%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.03%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 306
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	715
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,251
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,717
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	206
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	715
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,251
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,717
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	18.57%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	8.68%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	8.77%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.16%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.38%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.78%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 525
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	967
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,435
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,727
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	15.67%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	8.19%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	8.62%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | Class R
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.91%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.38%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.53%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 156
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	563
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	996
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,202
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	20.23%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	9.23%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	9.32%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | Class Y
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.79%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.41%
Expense reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.38%)	[8]
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reimbursement	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.03%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 105
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	409
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	735
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,658
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	20.77%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	9.77%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	9.87%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	13.24%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.55%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	7.49%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	8.04%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.28%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	6.97%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Financials Fund | MSCI World Financials and Real Estate Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	21.48%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	10.95%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	10.36%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fund Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Global Industrials Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 50 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 293%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	293.00%
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 50 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
Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]	rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent	Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year, restated to reflect current fees, and restated to reflect the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares.
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
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Investments For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the industrial products, services or equipment industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the industrial products, services or equipment industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies involved in the research, development, manufacture, distribution, supply or sale of industrial products, services or equipment. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities. The use of the term “global” in the fund’s name is meant to emphasize that we look for investment opportunities on a worldwide basis and that our investment strategies are not constrained by the countries or regions in which companies are located. Under normal market conditions, the fund intends to invest in at least five different countries and at least 40% of its net assets in securities of foreign companies (or, if less, at least the percentage of net assets that is 10% less than the percentage of the fund’s benchmark represented by foreign companies, as determined by the providers of the benchmark).
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund. The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including 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 also 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. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. Industrial products, services and equipment industries may be affected by economic trends, commodity prices, technological obsolescence, labor relations, legislation, worldwide competition and liability for environmental damage. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be 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. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value. The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund's "non-diversified" status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a "diversified fund," can increase the fund's vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 9/30/18    5.91% Best calendar quarter Q2 2009   21.43% Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011    –28.22%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	5.91%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	21.43%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(28.22%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods 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 IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement. Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.40%	[10]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.27%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 697
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	955
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,232
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,021
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	24.67%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	32.52%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(14.67%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	27.01%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	40.45%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	0.60%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	1.67%
Annual Return 2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	14.85%
Annual Return 2017	rr_AnnualReturn2017	27.76%
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	20.41%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.71%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.49%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | Class B
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	5.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.40%	[10]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 705
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	934
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,288
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,155
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	634
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,088
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,155
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	21.82%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.99%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.50%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[5]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.40%	[10]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 305
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	634
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,088
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,348
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	205
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	634
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,088
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,348
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	25.78%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	15.21%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.39%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.40%	[10]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.77%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 524
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	888
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,276
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,361
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	22.66%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.69%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.24%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | Class R
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.40%	[10]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.52%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 155
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	480
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	829
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,813
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	27.46%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	15.79%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.98%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials 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	0.62%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.26%	[11]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.88%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 90
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	281
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	488
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,084
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes	[7]
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	28.09%	[7]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	16.38%	[7]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	16.55%	[7]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008	[7]
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | Class Y
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.40%	[10]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.02%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 104
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	325
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	563
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,248
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	28.09%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	16.38%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	16.55%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	18.85%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.12%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	13.44%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	12.11%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	10.70%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	12.06%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Industrials Fund | MSCI World Industrials Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	25.23%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.93%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	13.29%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fund Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Putnam Global Technology Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 50 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 93%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	93.00%
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 50 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
Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]	rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent	Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year, restated to reflect the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares.
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
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Investments For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the technology industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in securities of companies in the technology industries. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Potential investments include companies that have, or will develop, products, processes or services that will provide advances and improvements through technology to consumers, enterprises and governments worldwide. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities. The use of the term “global” in the fund’s name is meant to emphasize that we look for investment opportunities on a worldwide basis and that our investment strategies are not constrained by the countries or regions in which companies are located. Under normal market conditions, the fund intends to invest in at least five different countries and at least 40% of its net assets in securities of foreign companies (or, if less, at least the percentage of net assets that is 10% less than the percentage of the fund’s benchmark represented by foreign companies, as determined by the providers of the benchmark).
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund. The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including 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 also 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. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. The technology industries may be affected by technological obsolescence, short product cycles, falling prices and profits, competitive pressures and general market conditions. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation), and may be 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. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value. The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund's "non-diversified" status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a "diversified fund," can increase the fund's vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Year-to-date performance through 9/30/18    16.22% Best calendar quarter Q2 2009   21.85% Worst calendar quarter Q2 2010    –11.26%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance through
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2018
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	16.22%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	21.85%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2010
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(11.26%)
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods 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 IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement. Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.15%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 685
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	919
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,172
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,892
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	53.49%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	10.51%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(5.95%)
Annual Return 2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	13.12%
Annual Return 2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	24.27%
Annual Return 2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	13.51%
Annual Return 2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	10.64%
Annual Return 2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	12.29%
Annual Return 2017	rr_AnnualReturn2017	46.69%
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	38.25%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	19.36%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	17.83%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class B
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	5.00%	[4]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.90%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 693
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	897
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,226
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,027
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	193
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	597
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,026
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,027
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	40.61%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	19.70%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	17.81%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class C
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[5]
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.90%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 293
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	597
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,026
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	2,222
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	193
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	597
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	1,026
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 2,222
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	44.59%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	19.89%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	17.72%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class M
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	3.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.65%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 512
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	852
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,216
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 2,236
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	40.86%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	19.33%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	17.54%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class R
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.40%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 143
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	443
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	766
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,680
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	46.34%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	20.49%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	18.31%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology 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	0.62%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.15%	[6]
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.77%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 79
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	246
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	428
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 954
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes	[7]
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	47.04%	[7]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	21.09%	[7]
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	18.90%	[7]
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008	[7]
Putnam Global Technology Fund | Class Y
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.62%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.90%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 92
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	$ 1,108
Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	before taxes
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	47.04%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	21.09%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	18.90%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | after taxes on distributions | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	34.87%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	18.18%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	16.76%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	22.14%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	15.36%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	14.68%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008
Putnam Global Technology Fund | MSCI World Information Technology Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	38.23%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	19.25%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	18.13%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Dec. 18, 2008

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

[2] Management fees are subject to 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 performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (ND). For the most recent fiscal year, the fund's management fee prior to any performance adjustment was 0.92%.

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

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

[5] This charge is eliminated after one year.

[6] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year, restated to reflect the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares.

[7] Performance for class R6 shares prior to their inception (5/22/18) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

[8] Reflects Putnam Investment Management, LLC's contractual obligation to limit certain fund expenses through 12/30/2019. This obligation may be modified or discontinued only with approval of the Board of Trustees.

[9] Before November 30, 2018, the MSCI World Communication Services Index (ND) was known as the MSCI World Telecommunication Services Index (ND). The name and composition of the index was changed effective November 30, 2018 to reflect MSCI's decision to broaden the telecommunication services sector to add selected companies previously classified in the consumer discretionary or information technology sectors and to rename it the communication services sector. Performance of the index for periods prior to November 30, 2018 reflects the composition of the index then in effect.

[10] Restated to reflect current fees.

[11] Other expenses are based on expenses of class A shares for the fund's last fiscal year, restated to reflect current fees, and restated to reflect the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R6 shares.