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Label Element Value
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading American Balanced Fund
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment objectives
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The investment objectives of the fund are: (1) conservation of capital, (2) current income and (3) long-term growth of capital and income.
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, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. For example, in addition to the fees and expenses described below, you may also be required to pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Class F-2, F-3, 529-F-2 or 529-F-3 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, in the “Sales charge reductions and waivers” sections on page 36 of the prospectus and on page 87 of the fund’s statement of additional information, and in the sales charge waiver appendix to the prospectus.
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 171% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 171.00%
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
Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text] rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent Restated to reflect current fees.
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 or hold 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. You may be required to pay brokerage commissions on your purchases and sales of Class F-2, F-3, 529-F-2 or 529-F-3 shares of the fund, which are not reflected in the example.

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 to the right, 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 uses a balanced approach to invest in a broad range of securities, including common stocks and investment-grade bonds (rated Baa3 or better or BBB- or better by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations designated by the fund’s investment adviser or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality by the fund’s investment adviser). The fund also invests in securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. government and by federal agencies and instrumentalities. In addition, the fund may invest a portion of its assets in common stocks, most of which have a history of paying dividends, bonds and other securities outside the United States.

Normally the fund will maintain at least 50% of the value of its assets in common stocks and at least 25% of the value of its assets in debt securities, including money market securities. Although the fund focuses on investments in medium to larger capitalization companies, the fund’s investments are not limited to a particular capitalization size.

The investment adviser uses a system of multiple portfolio managers in managing the fund’s assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of the fund is divided into segments managed by individual managers.

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 securities that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment opportunities. Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal risks
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 securities market results and other applicable measures of market results. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The S&P 500 Index reflects the equity market sectors in which the fund invests. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index represents the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market. Past investment results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment results. Prior to October 30, 2020, certain fees, such as 12b-1 fees, were not charged on Class 529-F-1 shares. If these expenses had been deducted, results would have been lower. Updated information on the fund’s investment results can be obtained by visiting capitalgroup.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 securities market results and other applicable measures of market results.
Performance Additional Market Index [Text] rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex The S&P 500 Index reflects the equity market sectors in which the fund invests. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index represents the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress capitalgroup.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 F-2 shares (Class F-2 shares are not subject to sales charges.)
Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block] rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 securities market results and other applicable measures of market results.
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads Class F-2 shares are not subject to sales charges.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period were:

 

Highest 11.98% (quarter ended June 30, 2020)

 

Lowest -11.58% (quarter ended March 31, 2020)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Highest
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2020
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 11.98%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Lowest
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2020
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (11.58%)
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 F-2 shares; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

After-tax returns are shown only for Class F-2 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.
Average Annual Return, Caption rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaption Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2023:
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Risk Lose Money [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock You may lose money by investing in the fund.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Risk Not Insured [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock 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.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Market conditions [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Market conditions — The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks, bonds and other securities held by the fund may decline – sometimes rapidly or unpredictably – due to various factors, including events or conditions affecting the general economy or particular industries or companies; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental, governmental agency or central bank responses to economic conditions; changes in inflation rates; and currency exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations.Economies and financial markets throughout the world are highly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, wars, terrorism, cybersecurity events, natural disasters, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious disease), bank failures and other circumstances in one country or region, including actions taken by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities in response to any of the foregoing, could have impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Issuer risks [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Issuer risks — The prices of, and the income generated by, securities held by the fund may decline in response to various factors directly related to the issuers of such securities, including reduced demand for an issuer’s goods or services, poor management performance, major litigation, investigations or other controversies related to the issuer, changes in the issuer’s financial condition or credit rating, changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or its competitive environment and strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer or the securities markets as a whole, and conversely an industry or sector or the securities markets may be affected by a change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Investing in growth-oriented stocks [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in growth-oriented stocks — Growth-oriented common stocks and other equity-type securities (such as preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks and convertible bonds) may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Investing in income-oriented stocks [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in income-oriented stocks — The value of the fund’s securities and income provided by the fund may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available for dividend payments at, the companies in which the fund invests.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Investing in debt instruments [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in debt instruments — The prices of, and the income generated by, bonds and other debt securities held by the fund may be affected by factors such as the interest rates, maturities and credit quality of these securities.Rising interest rates will generally cause the prices of bonds and other debt securities to fall. Also, when interest rates rise, issuers of debt securities that may be prepaid at any time, such as mortgage- or other asset-backed securities, are less likely to refinance existing debt securities, causing the average life of such securities to extend. A general change in interest rates may cause investors to sell debt securities on a large scale, which could also adversely affect the price and liquidity of debt securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. Falling interest rates may cause an issuer to redeem, call or refinance a debt security before its stated maturity, which may result in the fund having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities. Longer maturity debt securities generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than shorter maturity debt securities.Bonds and other debt securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that the credit strength of an issuer or guarantor will weaken or be perceived to be weaker, and/or an issuer of a debt security will fail to make timely payments of principal or interest and the security will go into default. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. A downgrade or default affecting any of the fund’s securities could cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease. Lower quality debt securities generally have higher rates of interest and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than higher quality debt securities. Credit risk is gauged, in part, by the credit ratings of the debt securities in which the fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the rating agencies issuing them and are not guarantees as to credit quality or an evaluation of market risk. The fund’s investment adviser relies on its own credit analysts to research issuers and issues in assessing credit and default risks.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Investing in securities backed by the U.S. government [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in securities backed by the U.S. government — Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates and the credit rating of the U.S. government. Notwithstanding that these securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, circumstances could arise that would prevent or delay the payment of interest or principal on these securities, which could adversely affect their value and cause the fund to suffer losses. Such an event could lead to significant disruptions in U.S. and global markets. Securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and federal agencies and instrumentalities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. U.S. government securities are subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Investing in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities — Mortgage-related securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities, include debt obligations that represent interests in pools of mortgages or other income-bearing assets, such as consumer loans or receivables. While such securities are subject to the risks associated with investments in debt instruments generally (for example, credit, extension and interest rate risks), they are also subject to other and different risks. Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are subject to changes in the payment patterns of borrowers of the underlying debt, potentially increasing the volatility of the securities and the fund’s net asset value. When interest rates fall, borrowers are more likely to refinance or prepay their debt before its stated maturity. This may result in the fund having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities, effectively reducing the fund’s income. Conversely, if interest rates rise and borrowers repay their debt more slowly than expected, the time in which the mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are paid off could be extended, reducing the fund’s cash available for reinvestment in higher yielding securities. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to the risk that underlying borrowers will be unable to meet their obligations and the value of property that secures the mortgages may decline in value and be insufficient, upon foreclosure, to repay the associated loans. Investments in asset-backed securities are subject to similar risks.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Liquidity risk [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Liquidity risk — Certain fund holdings may be or may become difficult or impossible to sell, particularly during times of market turmoil. Liquidity may be impacted by the lack of an active market for a holding, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or the reduced number and capacity of market participants to make a market in such holding. Market prices for less liquid or illiquid holdings may be volatile or difficult to determine, and reduced liquidity may have an adverse impact on the market price of such holdings. Additionally, the sale of less liquid or illiquid holdings may involve substantial delays (including delays in settlement) and additional costs and the fund may be unable to sell such holdings when necessary to meet its liquidity needs or to try to limit losses, or may be forced to sell at a loss.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Investing outside the United States [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing outside the United States — Securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States or with significant operations or revenues outside the United States, and securities tied economically to countries outside the United States, may lose value because of adverse political, social, economic or market developments (including social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war) in the countries or regions in which the issuers are domiciled, operate or generate revenue or to which the securities are tied economically. 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. Issuers of these securities may be more susceptible to actions of foreign governments, such as nationalization, currency blockage or the imposition of price controls, sanctions, or punitive taxes, each of which could adversely impact the value of these securities. 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 regulatory, legal, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the United States. In addition, the value of investments outside the United States may be reduced by foreign taxes, including foreign withholding taxes on interest and dividends. Further, there may be increased risks of delayed settlement of securities purchased or sold by the fund, which could impact the liquidity of the fund’s portfolio. The risks of investing outside the United States may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Management [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock 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, including models, tools and data, employed by the investment adviser in this process may be flawed or incorrect and 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.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 60%/40% S&P 500 Index/Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 17.67%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.98%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.09%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.06%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 05, 2008
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | S&P 500 Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 26.29%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 15.69%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 12.03%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 11.09%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 05, 2008
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.53%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 1.10%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 1.81%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.89%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 05, 2008
AMERICAN BALANCED 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 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.57%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. Contingent deferred sales charge is calculated based on the lesser of the offering price and market value of shares being sold.
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 630
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 747
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 875
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,248
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 7.47%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.63%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.92%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.14%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jul. 26, 1975
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class 529-A  
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 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.23%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.60%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. Contingent deferred sales charge is calculated based on the lesser of the offering price and market value of shares being sold.
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 409
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 535
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 673
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,074
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 9.97%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.09%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.10%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.08%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 15, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED 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 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.32%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 234
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 418
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 723
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,384
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 134
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 418
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 723
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,384
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 12.12%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.09%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.89%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.01%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.37%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 239
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 434
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 750
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,150
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 139
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 434
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 750
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,150
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 12.10%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.05%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.07%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.11%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.13%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.84%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 86
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 268
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 466
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,037
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.70%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.62%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.23%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.84%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 05, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class T  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 2.50%
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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.56%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 306
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 425
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 555
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 934
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class 529-T  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 2.50%
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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.15%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.61%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 311
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 440
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 582
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 993
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.62%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 63
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 199
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 346
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 774
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.97%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.86%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.48%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.27%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.14%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.35%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 36
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 113
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 197
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 443
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 9.08%
Annual Return 2015 rr_AnnualReturn2015 1.92%
Annual Return 2016 rr_AnnualReturn2016 8.80%
Annual Return 2017 rr_AnnualReturn2017 15.69%
Annual Return 2018 rr_AnnualReturn2018 (2.52%)
Annual Return 2019 rr_AnnualReturn2019 19.45%
Annual Return 2020 rr_AnnualReturn2020 11.07%
Annual Return 2021 rr_AnnualReturn2021 16.01%
Annual Return 2022 rr_AnnualReturn2022 (11.91%)
Annual Return 2023 rr_AnnualReturn2023 14.23%
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.23%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.15%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.77%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.26%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 05, 2008
Thirty Day Yield Caption rr_ThirtyDayYieldCaption Class F-2 annualized 30-day yield at December 31, 2023:
Thirty Day Yield Phone rr_ThirtyDayYieldPhone (800) 421-4225
Thirty Day Yield rr_ThirtyDayYield 2.60%
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class F-2 | After Taxes on Distributions  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 12.99%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.03%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.46%
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class F-2 | After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 8.38%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.97%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 5.91%
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class F-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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.04%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 26
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 80
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 141
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 318
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.34%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.26%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.14%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 27, 2017
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.22%
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
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.15%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.08%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.71%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.09%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 17, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class 529-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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.12%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.33%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 34
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 106
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 185
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 418
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.24%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.10%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Oct. 30, 2020
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class 529-F-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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.09%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.30%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 31
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 97
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 169
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 381
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.31%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.15%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Oct. 30, 2020
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.12%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.33%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 135
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 421
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 729
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,601
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.13%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.09%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.72%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.47%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 29, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.37%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.33%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 135
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 421
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 729
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,601
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.11%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.07%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.72%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.46%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 21, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.18%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.89%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 91
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 284
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 493
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,096
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.61%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.55%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.18%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.02%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 04, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.14%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.60%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 61
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 192
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 335
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 750
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.96%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.88%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.51%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.49%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 21, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.09%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.30%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 31
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 97
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 169
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 381
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.29%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.20%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.83%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.54%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 15, 2002
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | 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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.04%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 26
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 80
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 141
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 318
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.36%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.26%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.88%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.43%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2009
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class R-2E  
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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.23%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.04%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 106
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 331
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 574
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,271
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.43%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.39%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.91%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 29, 2014
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND | Class R-5E  
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 0.21%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.40%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 41
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 128
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 224
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 505
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 14.21%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 9.10%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.02%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 20, 2015
[1] A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. Contingent deferred sales charge is calculated based on the lesser of the offering price and market value of shares being sold.
[2] Restated to reflect current fees.