Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Dec. 30, 2014

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Goal

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

Putnam Global Health Care Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 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 22%.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

22.00%

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Putnam funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor and in How do I buy fund shares? beginning on page 57 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

50,000

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following hypothetical example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other funds. It assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. It assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the health care industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential. Potential investments include companies that manufacture health care supplies or provide health care-related services, and companies in the research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology products. We may purchase stocks of companies with stock prices that reflect a value lower than that which we place on the company. We may also consider other factors that we believe will cause the stock price to rise. We may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. We may also use derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, and may engage in short sales of securities.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]

rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration

For this non-diversified fund concentrating in the health care industries, we invest mainly in common stocks (growth or value stocks or both) of large and midsize companies worldwide that we believe have favorable investment potential.

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. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and value stocks may fail to rebound. These risks are generally greater for small and midsize companies. The health care industries may be affected by technological obsolescence, changes in regulatory approval policies for drugs, medical devices or procedures and changes in governmental and private payment systems. Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund. The value of international investments traded in foreign currencies may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. International investments, particularly investments in emerging markets, may carry risks associated with potentially less stable economies or governments (such as the risk of seizure by a foreign government, the imposition of currency or other restrictions, or high levels of inflation or deflation), and may be illiquid. Our use of derivatives may increase these risks by increasing investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) or, in the case of many over-the-counter instruments, because of the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. Our use of short selling may result in losses if the securities appreciate in value.

The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

It is important to understand that you can lose money by investing in the fund.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

Our policy of concentrating on a limited group of industries and the fund’s “non-diversified” status, which means the fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified fund,” can increase the fund’s vulnerability to adverse developments affecting a single industry or issuer, which may result in greater losses and volatility for the fund.

Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time. The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. Monthly performance figures for the fund are available at putnam.com.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The performance information below gives some indication of the risks associated with an investment in the fund by showing the fund’s performance year to year and over time.

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

putnam.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Please remember that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual total returns for class A shares before sales charges

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

The bar chart does not reflect the impact of sales charges. If it did, performance would be lower.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Year-to-date performance through 9/30/14	19.51%
Best calendar quarter Q1 2013	13.14%
Worst calendar quarter Q3 2011	-17.98%

Year to Date Return, Label

rr_YearToDateReturnLabel

Year-to-date performance

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2014

Bar Chart, Year to Date Return

rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn

19.51%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best calendar quarter

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2013

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

13.14%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst calendar quarter

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(17.98%)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns after sales charges
(for periods ending 12/31/13)

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 GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.62%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.27%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.14%

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

685

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

916

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,167

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,881

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

7.15%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

13.56%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

2.98%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(0.63%)

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(17.12%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

25.17%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

2.06%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(1.41%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

21.98%

2013

rr_AnnualReturn2013

41.72%

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

33.57%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.46%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.79%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE 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%

^[2]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.62%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.27%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.89%

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

692

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

894

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,221

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,016

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

192

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

594

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,021

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,016

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

35.66%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.74%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.78%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE 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%

^[3]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.62%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.27%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.89%

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

292

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

594

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,021

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,212

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

192

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

594

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,021

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,212

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

39.66%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.96%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.62%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND | Class M

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

3.50%

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.65%

^[1]

Management fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.62%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.75%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.27%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.64%

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

511

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

849

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,211

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,226

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

36.11%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

15.43%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.51%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE 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

0.62%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.50%

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.27%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.39%

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

142

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

440

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

761

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,669

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

41.36%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

16.54%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.16%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE 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

0.62%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

Other expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.27%

Total annual fund operating expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.89%

1 year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

91

3 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

284

5 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

493

10 years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,096

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

42.08%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

17.13%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.71%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND | after taxes on distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

29.87%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

13.86%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.27%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND | after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

21.15%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

12.36%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.20%

PUTNAM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND | MSCI World Health Care Index (ND) (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes other than withholding taxes on reinvested dividends)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

36.27%

5 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

16.37%

10 years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.32%

[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.