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INCOME FUND OF AMERICA®  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading INCOME FUND OF AMERICA®
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment objectives
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund’s investment objectives are to provide you with current income
Objective, Secondary [Text Block] rr_ObjectiveSecondaryTextBlock

while secondarily striving for capital growth.
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. 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 or 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 31 of the prospectus and on page 85 of the fund’s statement of additional information, and in the sales charge waiver appendix to this 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 67% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 67.00%
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 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 or 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

Normally the fund invests primarily in income-producing securities. These include equity securities, such as dividend-paying common stocks, and debt securities, such as interest-paying bonds.


Generally at least 60% of the fund’s assets will be invested in common stocks and other equity-type securities. However, the composition of the fund’s investments in equity, debt and cash or money market instruments may vary substantially depending on various factors, including market conditions. The fund may also invest up to 30% of its assets in equity securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, including issuers in developing countries. In addition, the fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in lower quality, higher yielding nonconvertible debt securities (rated Ba1 and BB+ or below 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); such securities are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds.” The fund may also invest up to 10% of its assets in debt securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States; however, these securities must be denominated in U.S. dollars.


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 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 investing in the fund. 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 – sometimes rapidly or unpredictably – due to various factors, including events or conditions affecting the general economy or particular industries; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental, governmental agency or central bank responses to economic conditions; and currency exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations.


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 related to the issuer, 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.


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.


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 changing interest rates and by changes in the effective maturities and credit ratings of these securities.


Rising interest rates will generally cause the prices of bonds and other debt securities to fall. A general rise 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 failing to recoup the full amount of its initial investment and 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. 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 seeking to assess credit and default risks.


Investing in lower rated debt instruments — Lower rated bonds and other lower rated debt securities generally have higher rates of interest and involve greater risk of default or price declines due to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than those of higher quality debt securities. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate more than the prices of higher quality debt securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. These risks may be increased with respect to investments in junk bonds.


Investing outside the United States — Securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, or with significant operations or revenues 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 operate or generate revenue. 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 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 accounting practices and different regulatory, legal and reporting standards and practices, 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. 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, 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.


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 [Text] rr_RiskNotInsured 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 securities market results and other applicable measures of market results. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The 65%/35% S&P 500 Index/Bloomberg Barclays Index is a composite blend of 65% of the S&P 500 Index and 35% of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index and represents a broad measure of the U.S. stock and bond markets, including market sectors in which the fund may invest. The Lipper Income Funds Index includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to those of 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 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 65%/35% S&P 500 Index/Bloomberg Barclays Index is a composite blend of 65% of the S&P 500 Index and 35% of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index and represents a broad measure of the U.S. stock and bond markets, including market sectors in which the fund may invest. The Lipper Income Funds Index includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to those of the fund.
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 A shares (Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included, results would be lower.)
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 (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 14.13% (quarter ended September 30, 2009)

 

Lowest -8.31% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)

 

The fund's total return for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was 10.70%.

 
Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel The fund's total return for the six months ended
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Jun. 30, 2019
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn 10.70%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Highest
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 14.13%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Lowest
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (8.31%)
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 Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

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.
Average Annual Return, Caption rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaption Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2018 (with maximum sales charge):
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | S&P 500 Index (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 Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.38%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.49%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 13.12%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.73%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 01, 1973
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.01%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 2.52%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.48%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 01, 1973
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 65%/35% S&P 500 Index/Bloomberg Barclays Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 65%/35% S&P 500 Index/Bloomberg Barclays Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.58%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.53%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.90%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 01, 1973
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | Lipper Income Funds Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Lipper Income Funds Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or U.S. federal income taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (3.94%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 3.20%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.74%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 01, 1973
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.58%
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 $ 631
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 750
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 880
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,259
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 24.51%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 11.97%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 5.58%
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 11.96%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 18.26%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 8.39%
Annual Return 2015 rr_AnnualReturn2015 (1.48%)
Annual Return 2016 rr_AnnualReturn2016 10.58%
Annual Return 2017 rr_AnnualReturn2017 13.37%
Annual Return 2018 rr_AnnualReturn2018 (5.11%)
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel A Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.58%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 3.67%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.84%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.54%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Dec. 01, 1973
Thirty Day Yield Caption rr_ThirtyDayYieldCaption Class A annualized 30–day yield at July 31, 2019:
Thirty Day Yield Phone rr_ThirtyDayYieldPhone (800) 325-3590
Thirty Day Yield rr_ThirtyDayYield 2.61%
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel A After taxes on distributions
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (12.22%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 2.38%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.66%
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel A After taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.29%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 2.68%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.00%
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.24%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.62%
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 $ 635
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 762
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 901
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,305
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529-A Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.61%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 3.58%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.75%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.44%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 15, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.33%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 235
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
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 135
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 421
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 729
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,601
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel C Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.74%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.07%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.61%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.24%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.38%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 240
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 437
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 755
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,657
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 140
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 437
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 755
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,657
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529-C Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.76%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.01%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.55%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.35%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.13% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 87
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 271
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 471
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,049
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529-E Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.40%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.56%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.12%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.50%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 25, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.17% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.64%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 314
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 450
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 598
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,028
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.58%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 308
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 431
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 566
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 958
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.63%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 64
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 202
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 351
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 786
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel F-1 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.17%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.82%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.41%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.70%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.38%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 39
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 122
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 213
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 480
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529-F-1 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.93%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.05%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.64%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.72%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 17, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.15% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.37%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 38
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 119
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 208
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 468
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel F-2 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.95%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.09%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.69%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.88%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 01, 2008
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.04% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 27
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 84
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 146
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 331
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel F-3 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.86%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.16%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 27, 2017
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.14% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.36%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 138
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 431
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 745
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,635
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-1 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.91%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.05%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.60%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.04%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 17, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.39% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.36%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 138
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 431
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 745
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,635
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-2 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.88%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.06%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.60%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.85%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 31, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.91%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 93
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 290
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 504
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,120
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-3 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.46%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.51%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.09%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.41%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 04, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.14% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.61%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 62
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 195
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 340
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 762
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-4 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.21%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.82%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.42%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.03%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 27, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.09% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.31%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 32
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 100
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 174
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 393
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-5 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.86%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.15%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.75%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.95%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 15, 2002
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.04% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 27
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 84
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 146
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 331
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-6 Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.81%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.20%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.43%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2009
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.07%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 109
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 340
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 590
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,306
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-2E Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.59%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.32%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 29, 2014
INCOME FUND OF AMERICA® | 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 0.22%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.18% [2]
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
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-5E Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.94%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.43%
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.