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Label Element Value
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND/NEW/
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate Mar. 30, 2015
PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading Fund summary
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Goal
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock Putnam Equity Income Fund seeks capital growth and current income.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 12 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses
(expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock The fund pays transaction-related costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when the fund’s shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or the above example, affect fund performance. The fund’s turnover rate in the most recent fiscal year was 29%.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 29.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
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Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 12 of the fund’s prospectus and in How to buy shares beginning on page II-1 of the fund’s statement of additional information (SAI).
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount
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Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Investments
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock We invest mainly in common stocks of midsize and large U.S. companies, with a focus on value stocks that offer the potential for capital growth, current income, or both. Value stocks are issued by companies that we believe are currently undervalued by the market. If we are correct and other investors ultimately recognize the value of the company, the price of its stock may rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

The value of stocks in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including both general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific company or industry. Value stocks may fail to rebound, and the market may not favor value-style investing. Income provided by the fund may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available at, the companies in which the fund invests.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress putnam.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best calendar
quarter
Q2 2009
18.09%
Worst calendar
quarter
Q4 2008
-19.20%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best calendar quarter
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 18.09%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
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Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst calendar quarter
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (19.20%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
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Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading Average annual total returns after sales charges
(for periods ending 12/31/14)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes.
Performance Table Narrative rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock After-tax returns reflect the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown for class A shares only and will vary for other classes. These after-tax returns do not apply if you hold your fund shares through a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or another tax-advantaged arrangement.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.
PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class A  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice
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Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00%rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther
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Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
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Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
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Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.98%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
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1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 669rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
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3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 869rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
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5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,086rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
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10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,707rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
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2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 5.68%rr_AnnualReturn2005
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2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 19.27%rr_AnnualReturn2006
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2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 3.44%rr_AnnualReturn2007
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2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (31.28%)rr_AnnualReturn2008
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2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 27.20%rr_AnnualReturn2009
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2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 12.37%rr_AnnualReturn2010
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2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 1.77%rr_AnnualReturn2011
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2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 19.02%rr_AnnualReturn2012
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2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 31.63%rr_AnnualReturn2013
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2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 12.44%rr_AnnualReturn2014
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1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.98%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
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5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.68%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
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10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.02%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
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PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class B  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 5.00%rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther
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Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
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Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
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Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.73%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
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1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 676rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
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3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 845rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
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5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,139rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
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10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,842rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
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1 year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 176rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01
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3 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 545rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03
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5 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 939rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05
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10 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 1,842rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10
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1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 6.59%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
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5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.94%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
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10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.01%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
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PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class C  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00%rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther
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Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
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Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
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Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.73%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
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1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 276rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
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3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 545rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
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5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 939rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
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10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,041rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
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1 year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 176rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01
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3 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 545rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03
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5 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 939rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05
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10 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 2,041rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10
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1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 10.58%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
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5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.16%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
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10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.85%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
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PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class M  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice
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Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 0.65%rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther
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[1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
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Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
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Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.48%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
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1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 495rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
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3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 802rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
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5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,130rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
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10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,057rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
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1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 7.97%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
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5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
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10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.74%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
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PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class R  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
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Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
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Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.23%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
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1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 125rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
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3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 390rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
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5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 676rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
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10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,489rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
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1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 12.16%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
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5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.74%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
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10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.39%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
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PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class R5  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
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Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets   
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
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/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.66%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 67rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 211rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 368rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 822rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 12.77%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
[4]
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 15.38%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
[4]
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.97%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118171Member
[4]
PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class R6  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets   
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.09%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.56%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 57rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 179rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 313rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 701rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 12.86%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
[4]
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 15.43%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
[4]
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.99%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000118172Member
[4]
PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Class Y  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.47%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets   
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.73%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 75rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 233rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 406rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 906rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 12.73%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 15.32%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.94%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015223Member
PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | after taxes on distributions | Class A  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.76%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= rr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsMember
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015218Member
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 12.44%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= rr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsMember
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015218Member
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.76%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= rr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsMember
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015218Member
PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.15%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= rr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsAndSalesMember
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015218Member
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 10.95%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= rr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsAndSalesMember
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015218Member
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.40%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= rr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsAndSalesMember
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= peif_C000015218Member
PUTNAM EQUITY INCOME FUND | Russell 1000 Value Index (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.45%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= peif_RussellTenHundredsValueIndexMember
5 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 15.42%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= peif_RussellTenHundredsValueIndexMember
10 years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.30%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= peif_S000005581Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= peif_RussellTenHundredsValueIndexMember
[1] Applies only to certain redemptions of shares bought with no initial sales charge.
[2] This charge is phased out over six years.
[3] This charge is eliminated after one year.
[4] Performance for class R5 and class R6 shares prior to their inception (7/2/12) is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class R5 and class R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.