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Label Element Value
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading GROWTH FUND OF AMERICA®
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock
The fund’s investment objective is to provide you with growth of capital.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses of the fund
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock
This table describes the fees and expenses that 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 $25,000 in American Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the “Sales charge reductions and waivers” section on page 27 of the prospectus and on page 58 of the fund’s statement of additional information.
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 that 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 costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s investment results. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 18% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 18.00%
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 $25,000 in American Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 25,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock
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 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’s operating expenses remain the same.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption For the share classes listed below, you would pay the following if you did not redeem your shares:
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock
The fund invests primarily in common stocks and seeks to invest in companies that appear to offer superior opportunities for growth of capital. The fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States.

The investment adviser uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing the fund’s assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of the fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors who decide how their respective segments will be invested.

The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make decisions about the fund’s portfolio investments. The basic investment philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively valued companies that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment opportunities. The investment adviser believes that an important way to accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors. Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock
This section describes the principal risks associated with the fund’s principal investment strategies. You may lose money by investing in the fund. The likelihood of loss may be greater if you invest for a shorter period of time. Investors in the fund should have a long-term perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in value.

Market conditions — The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may decline due to market conditions and other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of securities held by the fund.

Investing in growth-oriented stocks — Growth-oriented stocks may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.

Investing outside the United States — Securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, or with significant operations outside the United States, may lose value because of adverse political, social, economic or market developments in the countries or regions in which the issuers operate. These securities may also lose value due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar and/or currencies of other countries. Securities markets in certain countries may be more volatile and/or less liquid than those in the United States. Investments outside the United States may also be subject to different settlement and accounting practices and different regulatory, legal and reporting standards, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the United States. The risks of investing outside the United States may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets.

Management — The investment adviser to the fund actively manages the fund’s investments. Consequently, the fund is subject to the risk that the methods and analyses employed by the investment adviser in this process may not produce the desired results. This could cause the fund to lose value or its investment results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.

Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, entity or person. You should consider how this fund fits into your overall investment program.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney You may lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, entity or person.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Investment results
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock
The following bar chart shows how the fund’s investment results have varied from year to year, and the following table shows how the fund’s average annual total returns for various periods compare with a broad measure of market results. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. Past investment results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment results. Updated information on the fund’s investment results can be obtained by visiting americanfunds.com.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total returns for various periods compare with a broad measure of market results.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress americanfunds.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Past investment results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment results.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading Calendar year total returns for Class A shares (Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included, results would be lower.)
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads (Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included, results would be lower.)
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period were:

Highest 17.21% (quarter ended June 30, 2003)


Lowest -23.11% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)


The fund's total return for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was 8.56%.
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel The fund's total return for the three months ended
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Mar. 31, 2013
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn 8.56%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Highest
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 17.21%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Lowest
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (23.11%)
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns are calculated using the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your fund shares through a tax-favored arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Performance Table Narrative rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your fund shares through a tax-favored arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Caption rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaption Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2012 (with maximum sales charge):
S&P 500 (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel S&P 500 (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 15.99%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.66%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.10%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.51%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 01, 1973
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 1.00% [1]
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.24%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.71%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge.
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 643
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 789
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 947
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,407
Annual Return 2003 rr_AnnualReturn2003 32.90%
Annual Return 2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 11.95%
Annual Return 2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 14.23%
Annual Return 2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 10.94%
Annual Return 2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 10.95%
Annual Return 2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (39.07%)
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 34.48%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 12.28%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (4.89%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 20.54%
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class A - Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.62%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.12%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.59%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 13.20%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 01, 1973
Class A | After Taxes on Distributions
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class A - After taxes on distributions
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.48%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.25%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.32%
Class A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class A - After taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 9.04%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.12%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.69%
Class R-1
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.44%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 147
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 456
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 787
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,724
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class R-1 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 19.67%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.33%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.40%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.63%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 06, 2002
Class R-2
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.74%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.39%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 144
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 446
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 771
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,691
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class R-2 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 19.72%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.36%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.43%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.15%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 21, 2002
Class R-3
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.20%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.98%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 100
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 312
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 542
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,201
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class R-3 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.19%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.79%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.90%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.61%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 21, 2002
Class R-4
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.69%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 70
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 221
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 384
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 859
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class R-4 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.55%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.09%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.23%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.99%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 28, 2002
Class R-5
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.39%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 40
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 125
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 219
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 493
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class R-5 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.92%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.39%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.55%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.11%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 15, 2002
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 5.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.18%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.46%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 649
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 862
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 997
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,543
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 149
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 462
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 797
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 1,543
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class B (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.61%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.09%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.59%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.50%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2000
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 1.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.21%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.49%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 252
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 471
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 813
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,779
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 152
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 471
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 813
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 1,779
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class C (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 18.58%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.29%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.38%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.94%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
Class F-1
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.15%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.68%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 69
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 218
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 379
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 847
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class F-1 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.52%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.10%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.24%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.65%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
Class 529-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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 1.00% [1]
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only) rr_MaximumAccountFee 10
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.21%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.77%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge.
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 669
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 846
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,037
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,579
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class 529-A (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.53%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.16%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.55%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.96%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 15, 2002
Class 529-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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 5.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only) rr_MaximumAccountFee 10
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.57%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 679
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 934
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,112
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,754
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 179
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 534
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 912
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 1,754
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class 529-B (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.50%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.18%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.46%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.88%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 15, 2002
Class 529-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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 1.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only) rr_MaximumAccountFee 10
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.99%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.56%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 278
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 531
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 907
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,956
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 178
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 531
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 907
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 1,956
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class 529-C (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 18.47%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.22%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.30%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.66%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 15, 2002
Class 529-E
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only) rr_MaximumAccountFee 10
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.03%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 125
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 367
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 627
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,362
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class 529-E (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.15%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.74%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.86%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.09%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 01, 2002
Class 529-F-1
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only) rr_MaximumAccountFee 10
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.28%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.56%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 77
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 219
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 372
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 808
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class 529-F-1 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.70%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.23%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.32%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.14%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 16, 2002
Class F-2
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.44%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 45
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 141
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 246
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 555
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class F-2 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.85%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.07%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 01, 2008
Class R-6
  
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 the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.28%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.06%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.34%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 35
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 109
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 191
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 431
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Share class R-6 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 20.98%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.76%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2009
[1] A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge.