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Shareholder Report
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Holdings
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Document Type N-CSRS
Amendment Flag false
Registrant Name American Balanced Fund
Entity Central Index Key 0000004568
Entity Investment Company Type N-1A
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2024
American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-6
Trading Symbol RLBGX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R6
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R6
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000
investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class R-6$130.25
%
*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 13
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.25% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24
%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio
holdings by asset type
 (percent of net
assets
)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-5
Trading Symbol RLBFX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000
investment
)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class R-5$160.30
%
*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 16
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.30% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund
statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-5E
Trading Symbol RLEFX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5E
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5E
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000
investment
Class R-5E$210.40%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 21
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.40% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-4
Trading Symbol RLBEX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R4
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R4
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class R-4$310.60%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 31
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.60% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund
statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class R-3  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-3
Trading Symbol RLBCX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R3
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R3
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $
10,000
investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class R-3$460.89%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 46
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.89% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-2E
Trading Symbol RAMHX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2E
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2E
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $
10,000
investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class R-2E$541.04%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 54
Expense Ratio, Percent 1.04% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class R-2  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-2
Trading Symbol RLBBX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $
10,000
investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class R-2$681.32%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 68
Expense Ratio, Percent 1.32% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class R-1  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class R-1
Trading Symbol RLBAX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R1
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R1
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $
10,000
investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class R-1$681.32%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 68
Expense Ratio, Percent 1.32% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class 529-F-3
Trading Symbol FBONX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F3
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F3
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $
10,000
investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class 529-F-3$160.31%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 16
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.31% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class 529-F-2
Trading Symbol FBAFX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F2
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F2
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $
10,000
investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class 529-F-2$180.35%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 18
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.35% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class 529-F-1
Trading Symbol CLBFX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F1
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F1
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $
10,000
investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class 529-F-1$220.42%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 22
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.42% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class 529-T  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class 529-T
Trading Symbol TAFBX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class 529-T$190.37%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 19
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.37% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class 529-E  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class 529-E
Trading Symbol CLBEX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529E
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529E
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class 529-E$430.83%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 43
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.83% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll
transactions
24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class 529-C  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class 529-C
Trading Symbol CLBCX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529C
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529C
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class 529-C$701.35%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 70
Expense Ratio, Percent 1.35% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio
turnover
rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll
transactions
24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class 529-A  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class 529-A
Trading Symbol CLBAX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529A
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529A
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class 529-A$310.60%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 31
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.60%
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll
transactions
76%
Portfolio
turnover
rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions		24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class F-3  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class F-3
Trading Symbol AFMBX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F3
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F3
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a
hypothetical
$10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class F-3$130.25%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 13
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.25% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fun Class F-2  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class F-2
Trading Symbol AMBFX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F2
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F2
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class F-2$180.35%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 18
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.35% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund
statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll
transactions
24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class F  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class F-1
Trading Symbol BALFX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F1
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F1
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class F-1$320.61%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 32
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.61% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net
assets
(in millions)		$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class T  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class T
Trading Symbol TABFX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class T$160.31%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 16
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.31% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class C  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class C
Trading Symbol BALCX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-C
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-C
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class C $68 1.31%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 68
Expense Ratio, Percent 1.31% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631
Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975
Portfolio turnover rate
including

mortgage dollar roll transactions		 76%
Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll
transactions
 24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
American Balanced Fund Class A  
Shareholder Report [Line Items]  
Fund Name American Balanced Fund®
Class Name Class A
Trading Symbol ABALX
Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual semi-annual shareholder report
Additional Information [Text Block] You can find additional information about the fund at
capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-A
. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 421-4225.
Additional Information Phone Number (800) 421-4225
Additional Information Website capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-A
Expenses [Text Block]
What were the fund costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share class
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Class A$290.56%*
*Annualized
Expenses Paid, Amount $ 29
Expense Ratio, Percent 0.56% [1]
Net Assets $ 226,631,000,000
Holdings Count | Holdings 2,975
Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover 76.00%
Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block]
Key fund statistics
Fund net assets (in millions)$226,631
Total number of
portfolio
holdings		2,975
Portfolio turnover rate including
mortgage dollar roll transactions		76%
Portfolio turnover rate
excluding
mortgage dollar roll transactions		24%
Holdings [Text Block]
Portfolio holdings by asset type
 (percent of net assets)
Graphical Representation - Allocation 1 Chart
*Includes derivatives.
[1] Annualized