2.2.0.25truefalse010000 - Document - Risk/Return Summary {Unlabeled}falsefalsetrue1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] 1/31/2010 - 1/30/2011 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_30Jan2011_S000006568_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000205802duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsepteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$3false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Fund SummaryfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]4false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00GoalfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]5false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund seeks as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax as we believe to be consistent with preservation of capital.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]6false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Fees and expensesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared 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 $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]7false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in class A shares or $50,000 in class M shares of Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in <i>How do I buy fund shares</i> beginning on page 13 of the fund&#8217;s prospectus and in <i>How to buy shares</i> beginning on page II-1 of the fund&#8217;s statement of additional information (SAI).falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared 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 $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]8false0rr_ShareholderFeesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringShareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection table falsefalseShareholder Fees Caption [Text]9false0rr_ShareholderFeesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/ShareholderFees column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsefalse<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/ShareholderFees column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsehttp://putnam.com/role/ShareholderFeesfalsefalse020010 - Schedule - Shareholder Feestruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017918Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class A [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass B [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017919Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class B [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass C [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017917Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class C [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass M [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017920Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class M [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Y [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000060417Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class Y [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_ShareholderFeesColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00Class Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00Class Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00Class YfalsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringShareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection table falsefalseShare class0rr_ShareholderFeesColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class AClass Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class BClass Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class CClass Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00Class MClass Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00Class YClass YfalsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseShare class2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPricerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruetrue0.04000.0400falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.03250.0325falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of ____) A.3.instructions.2.a.i "Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)" includes the maximum total deferred sales charge (load) payable upon redemption, in installments, or both, expressed as a percentage of the amount or amounts stated in response to Item 7(a), except that, for a sales charge (load) based on net asset value at the time of purchase, show the sales charge (load) as a percentage of the offering price at the time of purchase. A Fund may include in a footnote to the table, if applicable, a tabular presentation showing the amount of deferred sales charges (loads) over time or a narrative explanation of the sales charges (loads) (e.g., __% in the first year after purchase, declining to __% in the __ year and eliminated thereafter). A.3.instructions.2.a.ii If more than one type of sales charge (load) is imposed (e.g., a deferred sales charge (load) and a front-end sales charge (load)), the first caption in the table should read "Maximum Sales Charge (Load)" and show the maximum cumulative percentage. Show the percentage amounts and the terms of each sales charge (load) comprising that figure on separate lines below.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection table falsefalseMaximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)0rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPricetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.04000.0400falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.03250.0325falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseMaximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOtherrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruetrue0.00000.0000[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.05000.0500[2]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01000.0100falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.00000.0000[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of ____) "Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)" includes the maximum total deferred sales charge (load) payable upon redemption, in installments, or both, expressed as a percentage of the amount or amounts stated in response to Item 7(a), except that, for a sales charge (load) based on net asset value at the time of purchase, show the sales charge (load) as a percentage of the offering price at the time of purchase. A Fund may include in a footnote to the table, if applicable, a tabular presentation showing the amount of deferred sales charges (loads) over time or a narrative explanation of the sales charges (loads) (e.g., __% in the first year after purchase, declining to __% in the __ year and eliminated thereafter). If more than one type of sales charge (load) is imposed (e.g., a deferred sales charge (load) and a front-end sales charge (load)), the first caption in the table should read "Maximum Sales Charge (Load)" and show the maximum cumulative percentage. Show the percentage amounts and the terms of each sales charge (load) comprising that figure on separate lines below.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph a -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseMaximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)0rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOthertruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.05000.0500[2]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01000.0100falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.00000.0000[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseMaximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)1A deferred sales charge of 1.00% on class A shares may be imposed on certain redemptions of shares bought without an initial sales charge.2This charge is phased out over six years.53Shareholder Fees Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ShareholderFeesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseShareholder Fees [Table]10false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/AnnualFundOperationgExpenses column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsefalse<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/AnnualFundOperationgExpenses column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsehttp://putnam.com/role/AnnualFundOperationgExpensesfalsefalse020020 - Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expensestruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Share ClassesUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017918Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class A [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass B [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017919Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class B [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass C [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017917Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class C [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass M [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017920Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class M [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$6falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Y [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000060417Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class Y [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)[2]falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptiontruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Annual fund operating expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00Class Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00Class Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00Class YfalsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseShare class0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class AClass Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class BClass Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00Class CClass Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00Class MClass Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00Class YClass YfalsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseShare class3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement fees0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.00440.0044falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseManagement fees4falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00220.0022[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00850.0085falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.01000.0100falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00500.0050falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsetruetrue00&nbsp;falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureDistribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00220.0022[2]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00850.0085falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.01000.0100falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00500.0050falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsetruetrue00&nbsp;&nbsp;falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions truefalseOther Expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.00090.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther Expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00750.0075falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01380.0138falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.01530.0153falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.00530.0053falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions truefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00750.0075falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01380.0138falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.01530.0153falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.00530.0053falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses1Restated to reflect projected expenses under a management contract effective 1/1/2010.2Represents a blended rate.66Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]11false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]12false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The 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&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or&#160;lower.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]13false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/ExpenseExample column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsefalse<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/ExpenseExample column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsehttp://putnam.com/role/ExpenseExamplefalsefalse020030 - Schedule - Expense Exampletruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017918Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class A [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass B [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017919Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class B [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass C [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017917Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class C [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass M [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017920Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class M [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Y [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000060417Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class Y [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00Class Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00Class Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00Class YfalsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseShare class0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class AClass Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class BClass Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class CClass Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00Class MClass Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00Class YClass YfalsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseShare class2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue474474falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue640640falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue256256falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue427427falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue5454falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 Year0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue474474falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue640640falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue256256falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue427427falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue5454falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse1 Year3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue630630falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue737737falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue483483falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue642642falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue170170falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 Years0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue630630falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue737737falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue483483falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue642642falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue170170falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse3 Years4falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue800800falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue955955falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue834834falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue875875falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue296296falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 Years0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue800800falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue955955falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue834834falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue875875falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue296296falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse5 Years5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue12931293falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue14851485falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue18241824falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue15431543falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue665665falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 Years0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue12931293falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue14851485falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue18241824falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue15431543falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue665665falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse10 Years55Expense Example Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]14false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/ExpenseExampleNoRedemption column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsefalse<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/ExpenseExampleNoRedemption column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsehttp://putnam.com/role/ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionfalsefalse020040 - Schedule - Expense Example, No Redemptiontruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass B [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017919Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class B [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass C [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017917Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class C [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00Class B (no redemption)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class C (no redemption)falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseShare class0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class B (no redemption)Class B (no redemption)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class C (no redemption)Class C (no redemption)falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseShare class2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue140140falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue156156falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalse1 Year0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue140140falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue156156falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse1 Year3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue437437falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue483483falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalse3 Years0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue437437falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue483483falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse3 Years4falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue755755falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue834834falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph f -Subsection instructions falsefalse5 Years0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue755755falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue834834falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse5 Years5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue14851485falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue18241824falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph f -Subsection instructions falsefalse10 Years0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue14851485falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue18241824falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse10 Years25Expense Example, No Redemption Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExampleNoRedemption.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, No Redemption [Table]15false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio turnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]16false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The fund pays transaction-related costs 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&#8217;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&#8217;s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 13%.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]17false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00InvestmentsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]18false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00We invest mainly in bonds that pay interest that is exempt from federal income tax (but that may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax (AMT)), are investment-grade in quality, and have intermediate-to long-term maturities (three years or longer). We may consider, among other factors, credit, interest rate, and prepayment risks, as well as general market conditions, when deciding whether to buy or sell investments.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]19false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00RisksfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]20false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.</p><p>The prices of bonds in the fund&#8217;s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific issuer. The risks associated with bond investments include interest rate risk, which means the prices of the fund&#8217;s investments are likely to fall if interest rates rise. Bond investments are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the issuers of the fund&#8217;s investments may default on payment of interest or principal. Since the fund invests in tax-exempt bonds, which, to be treated as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, may be issued only by limited types of issuers for limited types of projects, the fund&#8217;s investments may be focused in certain market segments. Since certain events may adversely affect investments in particular market segments, this could result in the value of the fund&#8217;s shares changing more than the shares of other funds that invest in a greater variety of investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for longer-term bonds, and credit risk is generally greater for below-investment-grade bonds. Interest the fund receives might be taxable.</p><p>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.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]21false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PerformancefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]22false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund&#8217;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.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]23false0rr_BarChartHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual total returns for class A shares before sales chargesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart [Heading]24false0rr_BarChartTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/AnnualTotalReturnsBarChart column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsefalseBarChart1.jpg<div style="display:none">~ http://putnam.com/role/AnnualTotalReturnsBarChart column compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~</div>falsehttp://putnam.com/role/AnnualTotalReturnsBarChartfalsefalse020050 - Schedule - Annual Total Returns (Barchart)truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017918Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Class A [Member]USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_AnnualReturn2001rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.04470.0447falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse20010rr_AnnualReturn2001truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.04470.0447falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20012falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_AnnualReturn2002rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.07130.0713falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse20020rr_AnnualReturn2002truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.07130.0713falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20023falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_AnnualReturn2003rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.05480.0548falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse20030rr_AnnualReturn2003truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.05480.0548falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20034falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_AnnualReturn2004rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.04760.0476falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse20040rr_AnnualReturn2004truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.04760.0476falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20045falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_AnnualReturn2005rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.03320.0332falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse20050rr_AnnualReturn2005truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.03320.0332falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20056falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_AnnualReturn2006rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.04200.0420falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse20060rr_AnnualReturn2006truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.04200.0420falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20067falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_AnnualReturn2007rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.02400.0240falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse20070rr_AnnualReturn2007truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.02400.0240falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20078falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_AnnualReturn2008rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse-0.0951-0.0951falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse20080rr_AnnualReturn2008truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.0951-0.0951falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse20089falseRowprimaryElement*12false0rr_AnnualReturn2009rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.17940.1794falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse20090rr_AnnualReturn2009truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.17940.1794falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse200910falseRowprimaryElement*13false0rr_AnnualReturn2010rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truetruefalse0.02480.0248falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse20100rr_AnnualReturn2010truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.02480.0248falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalse2010110Annual Total Returns (Barchart) UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to BarChartData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseBar Chart [Table]25false0rr_BarChartClosingTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Best calendar quarter</p><p>9.43%</p><p>Q3 2009</p><p>Worst calendar quarter</p><p>Q4 2008</p><p>-4.81</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart Closing [Text Block]26false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Average annual total returns after sales charges (for periods ending 12/31/10)falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThis item represents Average Anuual Total Returns. If a Multiple Class Fund offers a Class in the prospectus that converts into another Class after a stated period, compute average annual total returns in the table by using the returns of the other Class for the period after conversion.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 5 -Subsection b falsefalseCaption27false0rr_PerformanceTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display: none">~ http://putnam.com/role/AverageAnnualTotalReturns column compact * row compact * row rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~ Rows and columns are reversed here due to transposition</div>falsefalse<div style="display: none">~ http://putnam.com/role/AverageAnnualTotalReturns column compact * row compact * row rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact pteif205802_S000006568Member ~ Rows and columns are reversed here due to transposition</div>truehttp://putnam.com/role/AverageAnnualTotalReturnsfalsefalse020060 - Schedule - Average Annual Total Returns {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruefalse00Class Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00Class Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsetruefalse00Class Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsetruefalse00Class Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsetruefalse00Class Yfalsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsetruefalse00Class Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsetruefalse00Class Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis item represents Average Anuual Total Returns. If a Multiple Class Fund offers a Class in the prospectus that converts into another Class after a stated period, compute average annual total returns in the table by using the returns of the other Class for the period after conversion.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 1 -Subsection b falsefalseShare classfalseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00before taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00before taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsetruefalse00before taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsetruefalse00before taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsetruefalse00before taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsetruefalse00after taxes on distributionsfalsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsetruefalse00after taxes on distributions and sale of fund sharesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsetruefalse00Barclays Capital Municipal Bond IndexfalsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThis item represents Average Anuual Total Returns. If a Multiple Class Fund offers a Class in the prospectus that converts into another Class after a stated period, compute average annual total returns in the table by using the returns of the other Class for the period after conversion.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalseLabelfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxesrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00(no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThe Performance Table includes a parenthetical, indicating that the Index "(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)". This tag is used when this is reflected in a footnote.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 5 -Subsection b falsefalseIndex No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue-0.0163-0.0163falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0305-0.0305falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00580.0058falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue-0.0108-0.0108falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.02720.0272falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue-0.0163-0.0163falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truetruetrue0.00510.0051falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truetruetrue0.02380.0238falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse1 YearfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.02300.0230falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.02200.0220falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.02310.0231falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.02150.0215falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.03300.0330falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.02290.0229falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truetruetrue0.02600.0260falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truetruetrue0.04090.0409falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse5 YearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$6falseColumnprimaryElement*9false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.03660.0366falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.03430.0343falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.03260.0326falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.03430.0343falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.04150.0415falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.03650.0365falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truetruetrue0.03790.0379falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truetruetrue0.04830.0483falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse10 YearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseBefore Taxes [Member]rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_ReturnBeforeTaxesMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017918Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Before Taxes [Member]Class A [Member]Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Class AClass Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00before taxesbefore taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truetruetrue-0.0163-0.0163falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.02300.0230falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.03660.0366falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] Before Taxes [Member] Class A [Member]2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseBefore Taxes [Member]rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_ReturnBeforeTaxesMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass B [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017919Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Before Taxes [Member]Class B [Member]Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Class BClass Bfalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00before taxesbefore taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truetruetrue-0.0305-0.0305falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.02200.0220falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.03430.0343falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] Before Taxes [Member] Class B [Member]3falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseBefore Taxes [Member]rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_ReturnBeforeTaxesMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass C [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017917Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Before Taxes [Member]Class C [Member]Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Class CClass Cfalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00before taxesbefore taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truetruetrue0.00580.0058falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.02310.0231falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.03260.0326falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] Before Taxes [Member] Class C [Member]4falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseBefore Taxes [Member]rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_ReturnBeforeTaxesMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass M [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017920Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Before Taxes [Member]Class M [Member]Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Class MClass Mfalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00before taxesbefore taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truetruetrue-0.0108-0.0108falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.02150.0215falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.03430.0343falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] Before Taxes [Member] Class M [Member]5falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseBefore Taxes [Member]rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_ReturnBeforeTaxesMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Y [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000060417Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]Before Taxes [Member]Class Y [Member]Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Class YClass Yfalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00before taxesbefore taxesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truetruetrue0.02720.0272falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.03300.0330falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.04150.0415falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] Before Taxes [Member] Class Y [Member]6falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAfter Taxes on Distributions [Member]rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldirr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017918Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]After Taxes on Distributions [Member]Class A [Member]Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Class AClass Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00after taxes on distributionsafter taxes on distributionsfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truetruetrue-0.0163-0.0163falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.02290.0229falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.03650.0365falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] After Taxes on Distributions [Member] Class A [Member]7falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_S000006568Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAfter Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares [Member]rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldirr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsAndSalesMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]rr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_C000017918Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberPutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member]After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares [Member]Class A [Member]Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse00Class AClass Afalsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsetruefalse00after taxes on distributions and sale of fund sharesafter taxes on distributions and sale of fund sharesfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truetruetrue0.00510.0051falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.02600.0260falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.03790.0379falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalsePutnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member] After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares [Member] Class A [Member]8falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-01-31T00:00:002011-01-30T00:00:00falsefalseBarclays Capital Municipal Bond Index [Member]dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldipteif205802_BarclaysCapitalMunicipalBondIndexMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMembertruefalsePerformance Measurerr_PerformanceMeasureAxisrr_PerformanceMeasureDomainrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberBarclays Capital Municipal Bond Index [Member]Performance MeasureShare ClassesStandard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsetruefalse00Barclays Capital Municipal Bond IndexBarclays Capital Municipal Bond Indexfalsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00(no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)(no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.02380.0238falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruetrue0.04090.0409falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruetrue0.04830.0483falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseBarclays Capital Municipal Bond Index [Member]68Average Annual Total Returns UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to PerformanceTableData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePerformance [Table]28false0rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>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&#8217;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.</p><p>Class B share performance does not reflect conversion to class A shares.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a table showing the Fund's (A) average annual total return; (B) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions); and (C) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption). A Money Market Fund should show only the returns described in clause (A) of the preceding sentence. All returns should be shown for 1-, 5-, and 10- calendar year periods ending on the date of the most recently completed calendar year (or for the life of the Fund, if shorter), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. The table also shouldshow the returns of an appropriate broadbased securities market index as defined in Instruction 5 to Item 22(b)(7) for the same periods. A Fund that has been in existence for more than 10 years also may include returns for the life of the Fund. A Money Market Fund may provide the Fund's 7-day yield ending on the date of the most recent calendar year or disclose a toll-free (or collect) telephone number that investors can use to obtain the Fund's current 7-day yield. For a Fund (other than a Money Market Fund or a Fund described in General Instruction C.3.(d)(iii)), provide the information in the following table with the specified captions AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (For the periods ended December 31, _____). For a Fund that provides annual total returns for only one calendar year or for a Fund that does not include the bar chart because it does not have annual returns for a full calendar year, modify, as appropriate, the narrative explanation required by paragraph (c)(2)(i) (e.g., by stating that the information gives some indication of the risks of an investment in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance with a broad measure of market performance).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iv -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Table Narrative126Risk/Return Summary (Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund [Member])UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue