2.4.0.8000011 - Document - Risk/Return Summary {Unlabeled} - NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDfalsefalsetrue1false falsefalseDuration_01Aug2012_31Jul2013S000001264_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000916620duration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:001false 0truefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDfalsefalsefalse1false truefalseDuration_01Aug2012_31Jul2013S000001264_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000916620duration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:00falsefalsenf_S000001264Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_S000001264Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMembernanafalse0NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND2false 3rr_RiskReturnHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 false0Risk/Return [Heading]3false 3rr_ObjectiveHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a false0Objective [Heading]4false 3rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund is a money market fund that seeks to maintain a stable net asset value (&#8220;NAV&#8221;) of $1.00 per share. The Fund seeks to provide, to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and prescribed portfolio standards, a high level of income exempt from regular federal income tax by investing primarily in municipal instruments.falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaInvestment 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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a false0Objective, Primary [Text Block]5false 3rr_ExpenseHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d false0Expense [Heading]6false 3rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaThis 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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b false0Expense Narrative [Text Block]7false 3rr_ShareholderFeesCaptionrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>Shareholder Fees</b> (fees paid directly from your investment)falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringShareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection table -Paragraph 1 false0Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]8false 3rr_ShareholderFeesTableTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleShareholderFeesNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND column period compact * ~</div>falsefalse<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleShareholderFeesNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND column period compact * ~</div>falsehttp://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleShareholderFeesNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND000012 - 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Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expenses {- NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND}truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:00falsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_S000001264Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_C000003410Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDpureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0Standard0 USDfalsefalseduration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:00$1falseRowprimaryElement*3false 3rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelrr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a false0Management Fees 0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalserr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a false0Management Fees2falseRowprimaryElement*4false 3rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabelrr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i true0Other Expenses 0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truetruetrue0.00230.0023falsefalsefalserr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i true0Other Expenses3falseRowprimaryElement*5false 3rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureThe Fund may subdivide this caption into no more than three subcaptions that identify the largest expense or expenses comprising "Other Expenses," but must include a total of all "Other Expenses." Alternatively, the Fund may include the components of "Other Expenses" in a parenthetical to the caption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause iii false0Administration Fees 0rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truetruetrue0.0010.001falsefalsefalserr:NonNegativePure4TypepureThe Fund may subdivide this caption into no more than three subcaptions that identify the largest expense or expenses comprising "Other Expenses," but must include a total of all "Other Expenses." Alternatively, the Fund may include the components of "Other Expenses" in a parenthetical to the caption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause iii false0Administration Fees4falseRowprimaryElement*6false 3rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureThe Fund may subdivide this caption into no more than three subcaptions that identify the largest expense or expenses comprising "Other Expenses," but must include a total of all "Other Expenses." Alternatively, the Fund may include the components of "Other Expenses" in a parenthetical to the caption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection table -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 10 false0Transfer Agency Fees 0rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truetruetrue0.0010.001falsefalsefalserr:NonNegativePure4TypepureThe Fund may subdivide this caption into no more than three subcaptions that identify the largest expense or expenses comprising "Other Expenses," but must include a total of all "Other Expenses." Alternatively, the Fund may include the components of "Other Expenses" in a parenthetical to the caption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection table -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 10 false0Transfer Agency Fees5falseRowprimaryElement*7false 3rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureThe Fund may subdivide this caption into no more than three subcaptions that identify the largest expense or expenses comprising "Other Expenses," but must include a total of all "Other Expenses." Alternatively, the Fund may include the components of "Other Expenses" in a parenthetical to the caption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause iii false0Other Operating Expenses 0rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truetruetrue0.00030.0003falsefalsefalserr:NonNegativePure4TypepureThe Fund may subdivide this caption into no more than three subcaptions that identify the largest expense or expenses comprising "Other Expenses," but must include a total of all "Other Expenses." Alternatively, the Fund may include the components of "Other Expenses" in a parenthetical to the caption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause iii false0Other Operating Expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*8false 3rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabelrr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d true0Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truetruetrue0.00480.0048falsefalsefalserr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d true0Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*9false 3rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection table -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 false0Expense Reimbursement 0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel[1]1truetruetrue-0.0013-0.0013falsefalsefalserr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection table -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 false0Expense Reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*10false 3rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabelrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection table -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 true0Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement 0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truetruetrue0.00350.0035falsefalsefalserr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection table -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 true0Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement1Northern Trust Investments, Inc. has contractually agreed to reimburse a portion of the operating expenses of the Fund (other than acquired fund fees and expenses; a portion of the compensation paid to each Trustee who is not an officer, director or employee of Northern Trust Corporation or its subsidiaries; expenses related to third-party consultants engaged by the Board of Trustees of the Trust; membership dues paid to the Investment Company Institute and Mutual Fund Directors Forum; and extraordinary expenses and interest, if any) to the extent the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" exceed 0.35%. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before July 31, 2014 without the approval of the Board of Trustees. Northern Trust Investments, Inc. serves as the investment adviser and administrator to the Fund. The Northern Trust Company, an affiliate of Northern Trust Investments, Inc., serves as transfer agent, custodian and sub-administrator to the Fund.falseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsefalsefalseSheet180718012ColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No definition available.false0Annual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]11false 3rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>EXAMPLE </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 4 false0Expense Example [Heading]12false 3rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The following 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 redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaThe 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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection example -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 false0Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]13false 3rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposedNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND column period compact * ~</div>falsefalse<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposedNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND column period compact * ~</div>truehttp://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposedNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND000014 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed} {- NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*3false 3rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabelrr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection instructions -Paragraph 4 false21 Year USDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*4false 3rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabelrr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection example -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 false23 Years USDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*5false 3rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabelrr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection example -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 false25 Years USDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*6false 3rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabelrr: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Subsection example -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 false210 Years USDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:00falsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_S000001264Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_C000003410Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170 0truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue3636falsefalsefalse2truefalsetrue141141falsefalsefalse3truefalsetrue256256falsefalsefalse4truefalsetrue591591falsefalsefalsenanafalse0NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDfalseExpense Example (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsefalsefalseSheet413041020ColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No definition available.false0Expense Example, With Redemption [Table]14false 3rr_StrategyHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a false0Strategy [Heading]15false 3rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in high quality short-term municipal instruments, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax. The high level of income sought by the Fund is relative to yields currently available in the tax-exempt marketplace. Municipal instruments may include:<ul type="square"><li> Fixed, variable and floating rate notes and similar debt instruments;</li></ul><ul type="square"><li>Asset-backed securities that are considered municipal instruments (such as trust certificates backed by municipal bonds);</li></ul><ul type="square"><li> Tax-exempt commercial paper;</li></ul><ul type="square"><li> Municipal bonds, notes, paper or other instruments; and</li></ul><ul type="square"><li> Municipal bonds and notes that are guaranteed as principal and interest or backed by the U.S. government or by its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.</li></ul>Except in extraordinary circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets will be invested in debt instruments that pay interest that is exempt from regular federal income tax. The Fund limits its investments in Alternative Minimum Tax (&#8220;AMT&#8221;) obligations (also known as &#8220;private activity bonds&#8221;), so that the Fund ordinarily will not invest in such obligations except during temporary defensive periods or when non-AMT obligations are unavailable. AMT obligations pay interest that may be treated as an item of tax preference to shareholders under the federal AMT. To the extent that the Fund invests in AMT obligations, a portion of the Fund&#8217;s dividends may be subject to federal income tax for shareholders subject to AMT.<br/><br/>The Securities and Exchange Commission imposes strict requirements on the investment quality, maturity, and diversification of the Fund&#8217;s investments. Accordingly, the Fund&#8217;s investments must have a remaining maturity of no more than 397 days and must be high quality. The Fund&#8217;s investment adviser may consider, among other things, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks as well as general market conditions when deciding whether to buy or sell investments for the Fund.<br/><br/>During extraordinary market conditions and interest rate environments, all or any portion of the Fund&#8217;s assets may be uninvested or invested in taxable instruments. Uninvested assets do not generate income. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during this time.falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaPrincipal 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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a false0Strategy Narrative [Text Block]16false 3rr_RiskHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>PRINCIPAL RISKS </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 1 false0Risk [Heading]17false 3rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>STABLE NAV RISK</b> is the risk that the Fund will not be able to maintain an NAV per share of $1.00 at all times. A significant enough market disruption or drop in market prices of securities held by the Fund, especially at a time when the Fund needs to sell securities to meet shareholder redemption requests, could cause the value of the Fund&#8217;s shares to decrease to a price less than $1.00 per share.<br /><br /><b>INTEREST RATE RISK</b> is the risk that during periods of rising interest rates, the Fund&#8217;s yield (and the market value of its securities) will tend to be lower than prevailing market rates; in periods of falling interest rates, the Fund&#8217;s yield (and the market value of its securities) will tend to be higher.<br /><br /><b>GUARANTOR (OR CREDIT ENHANCEMENT) RISK</b> is the risk that changes in credit quality of a U.S. or foreign bank, insurance company or other financial institution or such entity&#8217;s failure to fulfill its obligations could cause the Fund&#8217;s investments to decline in value. Adverse developments in the banking or bond insurance industries also may negatively affect the Fund.<br /><br /><b>PREPAYMENT (OR CALL) RISK</b> is the risk that prepayment of the underlying mortgages or other collateral of some fixed-income securities may result in a decreased rate of return and a decline in value of those securities.<br /><br /><b>DEBT EXTENSION RISK</b> is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease and the Fund will suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.<br /><br /><b>INCOME RISK</b> is the risk that falling interest rates will cause the Fund&#8217;s income to decline. Income risk is generally higher for short-term debt securities.<br /><br /><b>MANAGEMENT RISK</b> is the risk that a strategy used by the Fund&#8217;s investment adviser may fail to produce the intended results.<br /><br /><b>CREDIT (OR DEFAULT) RISK</b> is the risk that the inability or unwillingness of an issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or a counterparty to a repurchase or other transaction, to meet its payment or other financial obligations will adversely affect the value of the Fund&#8217;s investments and its yield. Changes in the credit rating of a debt security held by the Fund could have a similar effect.<br /><br /><b>PROJECT/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOND RISK</b> is the risk that the Fund may be more sensitive to an adverse economic, business or political development if it invests more than 25% of its assets in municipal instruments, the interest upon which is paid solely from revenues of similar projects, or in industrial development bonds.<br /><br /><b>TAX RISK</b> is the risk that future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may materially affect the value of municipal instruments or the ability of the Fund to pay tax-exempt dividends.<br /><br /><b>MUNICIPAL MARKET VOLATILITY RISK</b> is the risk that the Fund may be adversely affected by the volatile municipal market. The municipal market can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative, or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities.<br /><br /><b>An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any other government agency, or The Northern Trust Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries or any other bank. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.</b>falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaNarrative 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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction false0Risk Narrative [Text Block]18false 3rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>FUND PERFORMANCE </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 false0Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]19false 3rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The bar chart and table that follow provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the performance of the Fund from year to year.<br/><br/>The Fund&#8217;s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.<br/><br/>Updated performance information for the Fund is available and may be obtained on the Fund&#8217;s Web site at www.northernfunds.com or by calling 800-595-9111.falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 false0Performance Narrative [Text Block]20false 3rr_BarChartHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURN* </b>falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 false0Bar Chart [Heading]21false 3rr_BarChartTableTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUNDBarChart column period compact * ~</div> falsefalseBarChart1.jpg<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUNDBarChart column period compact * ~</div> falsehttp://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUNDBarChart000016 - Schedule - Annual Total Returns - NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND [BarChart]truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:00falsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_S000001264Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_C000003410Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDpureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0Standard0 USDfalsefalseduration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:00$1falseRowprimaryElement*3false3false 3rr_AnnualReturn2003rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00630.0063falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2003 3rr_AnnualReturn2003rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2003 0rr_AnnualReturn2003rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00630.0063falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 20032falseRowprimaryElement*4false4false 3rr_AnnualReturn2004rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00740.0074falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2004 3rr_AnnualReturn2004rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2004 0rr_AnnualReturn2004rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00740.0074falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 20043falseRowprimaryElement*5false5false 3rr_AnnualReturn2005rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.01950.0195falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2005 3rr_AnnualReturn2005rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2005 0rr_AnnualReturn2005rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.01950.0195falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 20054falseRowprimaryElement*6false6false 3rr_AnnualReturn2006rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.02960.0296falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2006 3rr_AnnualReturn2006rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2006 0rr_AnnualReturn2006rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.02960.0296falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 20065falseRowprimaryElement*7false7false 3rr_AnnualReturn2007rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.03150.0315falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2007 3rr_AnnualReturn2007rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2007 0rr_AnnualReturn2007rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.03150.0315falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 20076falseRowprimaryElement*8false8false 3rr_AnnualReturn2008rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.01730.0173falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2008 3rr_AnnualReturn2008rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2008 0rr_AnnualReturn2008rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.01730.0173falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 20087falseRowprimaryElement*9false9false 3rr_AnnualReturn2009rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00160.0016falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2009 3rr_AnnualReturn2009rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2009 0rr_AnnualReturn2009rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00160.0016falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 20098falseRowprimaryElement*10false10false 3rr_AnnualReturn2010rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00020.0002falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2010 3rr_AnnualReturn2010rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2010 0rr_AnnualReturn2010rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00020.0002falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 20109falseRowprimaryElement*11false11false 3rr_AnnualReturn2011rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00020.0002falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2011 3rr_AnnualReturn2011rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 2011 0rr_AnnualReturn2011rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00020.0002falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a false0Annual Return 201110falseRowprimaryElement*12false12false 3rr_AnnualReturn2012rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00010.0001falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2012 3rr_AnnualReturn2012rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2012 0rr_AnnualReturn2012rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.00010.0001falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Annual Return 2012falseAnnual Total Returns - NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND [BarChart] UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsefalsefalseSheet11009110014ColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to BarChartData.No definition available.false0Bar Chart [Table]22false 3rr_BarChartClosingTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00* Year to date total return for the six months ended June 30, 2013 is 0.01%. For the periods shown in the bar chart above, the highest quarterly return was 0.81% in the third quarter of 2007, and the lowest quarterly return was 0.00% in the third quarter of 2012.falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaIf 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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii false0Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]23false 3rr_PerformanceTableHeadingrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<b>AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN </b><br/>(For the periods ended December 31, 2012)falsefalsefalsexbrli: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: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit c false0Performance Table Heading24false 3rr_PerformanceTableTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND column period compact * ~</div>falsefalse<div style="display:none">~ http://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND column period compact * ~</div>truehttp://www.northernfunds.com/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND000017 - Schedule - Average Annual Total Returns {Transposed} {- NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*3false 3rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDaterr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli:dateItemTypedateReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 4 false0Inception Date USDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*4false 3rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 false01-Year USDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*5false 3rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 false05-Year USDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*6false 3rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabelxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 false010-Year USDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*7false 3rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInceptionrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsexbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 false0Since Inception USDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2012-08-01T00:00:002013-07-31T00:00:00falsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_S000001264Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinf_C000003410Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDNORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDpureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0Standard0 0truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse001994-04-11falsefalsetrue2truetruetrue0.00010.0001falsefalsefalse3truetruetrue0.00390.0039falsefalsefalse4truetruetrue0.01130.0113falsefalsefalse5truetruetrue0.01950.0195falsefalsefalsenanafalse0NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDfalseAverage Annual Total Returns UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsefalsefalseSheet514051025ColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to PerformanceTableData.No definition available.false0Performance [Table]25false 3rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlockrr_falsenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The 7-day yield for the Fund as of December 31, 2012: 0.01%. For the current 7-day yield call 800-595-9111 or visit www.northernfunds.com.falsefalsefalsenonnum:textBlockItemTypenaIf 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 should show the returns of an appropriate broad-based 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, _____)Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection b -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii false0Performance Table Closing [Text Block]falseRisk/Return Summary - NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND (NORTHERN MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruefalsefalseSheethttp://www.northernfunds.com/role/DocumentRiskReturnSummaryUnlabeledNORTHERNMUNICIPALMONEYMARKETFUND125