| Label | Element | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Prospectus [Line Items] | rr_ProspectusLineItems | |
| Document Type | dei_DocumentType | 497 |
| Document Period End Date | dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate | Dec. 31, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | dei_EntityRegistrantName | Putnam Investment Funds |
| Entity Central Index Key | dei_EntityCentralIndexKey | 0000932101 |
| Entity Inv Company Type | dei_EntityInvCompanyType | N-1A |
| Amendment Flag | dei_AmendmentFlag | false |
| Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund | ||
| Prospectus [Line Items] | rr_ProspectusLineItems | |
| Strategy [Heading] | rr_StrategyHeading | Investments |
| Strategy Narrative [Text Block] | rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock | We invest mainly in common stocks of large U.S. companies, with a focus on growth stocks. Growth stocks are stocks of companies whose earnings are expected to grow faster than those of similar firms, and whose business growth and other characteristics may lead to an increase in stock price. 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. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in companies of a size similar to those in the Russell 1000 Growth Index. This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. The fund is “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a “diversified” fund. |