XML 13 R18.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Label Element Value
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Document Type dei_DocumentType 485BPOS
Document Period End Date dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate Aug. 31, 2011
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
Central Index Key dei_EntityCentralIndexKey 0000809593
Amendment Flag dei_AmendmentFlag false
Document Creation Date dei_DocumentCreationDate Dec. 29, 2011
Document Effective Date dei_DocumentEffectiveDate Dec. 29, 2011
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate Dec. 30, 2011
American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity FundSM
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund abf809593_FundFeesAndExpensesAbstract  
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and Expenses of the Fund
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 37 of the prospectus and in “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 66 of the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts abf809593_ExpenseBreakpointDiscountsAbstract  
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 37 of the prospectus and in “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 66 of the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
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)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination December 31, 2012
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
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. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption Assuming no redemption of shares:
Portfolio Turnover abf809593_PortfolioTurnoverAltAbstract  
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 performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 24.00%
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in equity securities of large market capitalization U.S. companies. These companies have market capitalizations similar to the market capitalizations of the companies in the Russell 1000® Index at the time of investment. The Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. As of October 31, 2011, the market capitalizations of the companies in the Russell 1000® Index ranged from $88 million to $385 billion. In addition to common stocks, preferred stocks, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, the Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and master limited partnerships (“MLPs”).

The Fund’s sub-advisor, Zebra Capital Management, LLC (“Zebra”), seeks to capture a liquidity premium among fundamentally strong, publicly-traded equities. A liquidity premium is the additional return that may be realized on the sales of securities that are less liquid at the time of purchase. A liquidity premium may exist in public equity markets, as more liquid stocks tend to be priced at a premium, while less liquid stocks are priced at a discount, thus having higher expected appreciation. Despite producing similar levels of earnings and cash flows, these less liquid stocks can often be purchased at lower prices, offering higher expected appreciation. Frequently, a fundamentally-sound stock is less traded because it has temporarily fallen out of favor. Over time, the market may recognize the inherent value of the stock again, where the Fund would stand to benefit from the liquidity premium as the stock’s trading activity and price rise.

Zebra chooses the securities that comprise the Fund’s portfolio first by identifying stocks with strong fundamentals (i.e., earnings, book value, cash flows) that Zebra believes are undervalued in the market relative to their long-term appreciation potential. Zebra then applies the liquidity premium analysis to identify the stocks that trade less frequently than stocks with comparable fundamentals.

Stocks are typically sold when fundamentals deteriorate, trading activity increases relative to changes in a stock’s fundamentals, or Zebra believes there are greater opportunities to capture liquidity premium in other stocks.

The Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds and may purchase and sell futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs.

Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not designed for investors who need an assured level of income and is intended to be a long-term investment. The Fund is not a complete investment program and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

Equity Securities Risk

Equity securities generally are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, ADRs, U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks trading on U.S. exchanges and MLPs. Such investments may expose the Fund to additional risks.

Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks and convertible securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in ADRs are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. Investments in MLPs are subject to certain risks that differ from investment in common stock. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs may also make it more difficult for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Foreign Investing Risk

Investing in the securities of foreign companies and ADRs, to a lesser extent, carry potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) political and financial instability, (2) less liquidity and greater volatility, (3) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and (4) increased price volatility.

Futures Contract Risk

There may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts. There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contract. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Investment Risk

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Large-Capitalization Company Risk

The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Liquidity Risk

From time to time, certain securities held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such securities to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may not realize the liquidity premium or have to sell at a loss.

Market Risk

Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund’s equity investments are subject to stock market risk, which involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in stocks will decline due to drops in the stock market. The Fund’s fixed-income investments are subject to the risk that the lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the Fund’s ability to purchase and sell the debt securities. From time to time, certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such holdings to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.

Securities Selection Risk

Securities selected by the Manager or the sub-advisor for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund.
Fund Performance abf809593_FundPastPerformanceAbstract  
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Fund Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
Performance One Year or Less [Text] rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund | A
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName A
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName A
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.38%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.63%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.27%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.02%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.25% [1]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName A
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 695
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,151
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,632
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,955
American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund | C
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName C
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName C
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.38%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.54%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.93%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.97%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.96% [1]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 299
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,018
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,853
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 4,023
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Share class rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 199
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 1,018
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,853
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 4,023
American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund | Y
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Y
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.38%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.19%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.58%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.72%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.86% [1]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Y
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 88
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 639
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,216
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,785
American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund | Institutional
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Institutional
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Institutional
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.38%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.00%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.39%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.62%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.77% [1]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Institutional
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 79
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 590
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,129
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,603
American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund | Investor
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Investor
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.38%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.07%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.46%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.32%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.14% [1]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Investor
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 116
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 640
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,191
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,695
American Beacon Zebra Large Cap Equity Fund | Retirement
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Retirement
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Retirement
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.38%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 141.65%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 142.54%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 141.13%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.41% [1]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Retirement
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 144
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 3,024
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 3,430
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,498
American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity FundSM
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund abf809593_FundFeesAndExpensesAbstract  
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and Expenses of the Fund
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 37 of the prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 66 of the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts abf809593_ExpenseBreakpointDiscountsAbstract  
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Choosing Your Share Class” on page 37 of the prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” on page 66 of the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
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)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination December 31, 2012
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
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. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption Assuming no redemption of shares:
Portfolio Turnover abf809593_PortfolioTurnoverAltAbstract  
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 performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 66% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 66.00%
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in equity securities of small market capitalization U.S. companies. These companies have market capitalizations similar to the market capitalizations of the companies in the Russell 2000® Index at the time of investment. The Russell 2000® Index is comprised of the 2000 companies at the bottom of the Russell 3000® Index based on total market capitalization. As of October 31, 2011, the market capitalizations of the companies in the Russell 2000® Index ranged from $30 million to $3.7 billion. In addition to common stocks, preferred stocks, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, the Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and master limited partnerships (“MLPs”).

The Fund’s sub-advisor, Zebra Capital Management, LLC (“Zebra”), seeks to capture a liquidity premium among fundamentally strong, publicly-traded equities. A liquidity premium is the additional return that may be realized on the sales of securities that are less liquid at the time of purchase. A liquidity premium may exist in public equity markets, as more liquid stocks tend to be priced at a premium, while less liquid stocks are priced at a discount, thus having higher expected appreciation. Despite producing similar levels of earnings and cash flows, these less liquid stocks can often be purchased at lower prices, offering higher expected appreciation. Frequently, a fundamentally-sound stock is less traded because it has temporarily fallen out of favor. Over time, the market may recognize the inherent value of the stock again, where the Fund would stand to benefit from the liquidity premium as the stock’s trading activity and price rise.

Zebra chooses the securities that comprise the Fund’s portfolio first by identifying stocks with strong fundamentals (i.e., earnings, book value, cash flows) that Zebra believes are undervalued in the market relative to their long-term appreciation potential. Zebra then applies the liquidity premium analysis to identify the stocks that trade less frequently than stocks with comparable fundamentals.

Stocks are typically sold when fundamentals deteriorate, trading activity increases relative to changes in a stock’s fundamentals, or Zebra believes there are greater opportunities to capture liquidity premium in other stocks.

The Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds and may purchase and sell futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs.

The Fund may lend its securities to broker-dealers and other institutions to earn additional income.

Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not designed for investors who need an assured level of income and is intended to be a long-term investment. The Fund is not a complete investment program and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

Equity Securities Risk

Equity securities generally are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, ADRs, U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks trading on U.S. exchanges, and MLPs. Such investments may expose the Fund to additional risks.

Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks and convertible securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in ADRs are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. Investments in MLPs are subject to certain risks that differ from investment in common stock. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs may also make it more difficult for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Foreign Investing Risk

Investing in the securities of foreign companies and ADRs, to a lesser extent, carry potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) political and financial instability, (2) less liquidity and greater volatility, (3) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and (4) increased price volatility.

Futures Contract Risk

There may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts. There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contract. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Investment Risk

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Liquidity Risk

From time to time, certain securities held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such securities to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may not realize the liquidity premium or have to sell at a loss.

Market Risk

Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund’s equity investments are subject to stock market risk, which involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in stocks will decline due to drops in the stock market. The Fund’s fixed-income investments are subject to the risk that the lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the Fund’s ability to purchase and sell the debt securities. From time to time, certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such holdings to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.

Securities Lending Risk

To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risk. Borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities. The securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.

Securities Selection Risk

Securities selected by the Manager or the sub-advisor for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

Small Capitalization Companies Risk

Investing in the securities of small capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since small-sized companies may have limited operating history, product lines, and financial resources, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund.
Fund Performance abf809593_FundPastPerformanceAbstract  
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Fund Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
Performance One Year or Less [Text] rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund | A
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName A
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName A
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.58%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.37%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.21%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.74%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.47% [2]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName A
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 716
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,354
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 2,014
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,772
American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund | C
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName C
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName C
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.58%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.77%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 4.36%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 2.14%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.22% [2]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 325
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,127
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 2,041
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 4,375
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Share class rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 225
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 1,127
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 2,041
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 4,375
American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund | Y
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Y
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.58%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.50%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.09%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 2.00%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.09% [2]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Y
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 111
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 766
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,446
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,261
American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund | Institutional
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Institutional
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Institutional
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.58%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.66%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.25%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 2.26%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.99% [2]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Institutional
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 101
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 789
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,501
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,394
American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund | Investor
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Investor
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.58%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.60%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.19%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.83%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.36% [2]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Investor
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 138
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 812
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,510
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,368
American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund | Retirement
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Retirement
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Retirement
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.58%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 142.25%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 143.34%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 141.67%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.67% [2]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Retirement
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 170
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 2,985
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 3,399
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,471
American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock The Fund seeks to provide a positive total return regardless of market conditions.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund abf809593_FundFeesAndExpensesAbstract  
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and Expenses of the Fund
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and on page 37 under “Choosing Your Share Class” in the prospectus and on page 66 under “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” in the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts abf809593_ExpenseBreakpointDiscountsAbstract  
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and on page 37 under “Choosing Your Share Class” in the prospectus and on page 66 under “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” in the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
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)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination December 31, 2012
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
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. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption Assuming no redemption of shares:
Portfolio Turnover abf809593_PortfolioTurnoverAltAbstract  
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 performance. For the period July 6, 2011 through August 31, 2011, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of the portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 44.00%
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund’s investment approach is flexible, allocating investments across a wide range of investment opportunities globally to attempt to achieve positive total return regardless of market conditions over a full market cycle. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing under normal market conditions at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in fixed-income instruments of varying maturities and derivative instruments that provide exposure to fixed income instruments. Fixed-income instruments include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions, including inflation index linked securities, structured notes including hybrid securities, event-linked bonds, debt securities of supranational organizations, quasi-sovereign debt, emerging markets debt, corporate bonds, convertible and non-convertible notes, convertible debt, municipal securities, trust preferred securities, Rule 144A securities, pay-in-kind securities, variable and floating rate securities, commercial paper, mortgage-backed securities (commercial and residential), repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits and bankers’ acceptances, collateralized mortgage obligations and other mortgage-related products, asset-backed securities, and bank loans and loan participation interests. The Fund invests in fixed income instruments without restrictions on their credit quality, although under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investments in non-investment grade securities, known also as high yield or “junk” bonds, is limited to 35% of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in a particular geographic region or country, including emerging markets.

The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments include options, futures contracts, forward contracts, warrants, swaps and structured notes. The Fund uses these derivative instruments to enhance total return, to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates, to change the effective duration of its portfolio, to manage certain investment risks or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of the underlying currencies or securities. The Fund’s use of derivatives may be extensive.

The Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. or emerging market currencies, non-U.S. currency futures contracts, options on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures and swaps for cross-currency investments. The Fund may also make direct investments in non-U.S. currencies and in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Investments in currencies and currency hedging are established to extract value or reduce risk.

The Fund’s investments may expose the Fund to U.S. and foreign interest rates. The Fund may also make equity investments, including preferred stocks, common stocks and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund may invest in companies of all market capitalizations, including small-and medium-capitalization companies.

In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-advisors develop long- and short-term views of global economic themes suggested by macro economic factors, interest rates, market cycles, credit cycles and other relevant factors. The sub-advisors seek to capitalize on these themes by investing where opportunities exist by either making long investments where they believe favorable return conditions exist, or by establishing short positions where the lack of absolute return opportunities could result in favorable returns for a short position. The sub-advisors examine the relative risk and return characteristics of each investment to determine the ultimate positioning of their individual portfolios. The Fund’s sub-advisors sell securities when their economic views change and an investment idea, based on its return potential or level of risk no longer fits within their overall macro strategy or when better ideas are uncovered to improve the Fund’s portfolio.

The Fund’s weighted average portfolio duration may range from -5 to +8 years depending upon the sub-advisors’ forecast of interest rates and assessment of market risk generally. Duration is a measure of the life expectancy of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. Generally, the price of a security with a positive duration will fall when interest rates rise, and vice versa. Moreover, larger absolute values of duration correspond to larger price changes. A duration of “one year” means that a security’s price would be expected to decrease by approximately 1% with a 1% increase in interest rates and, conversely, a negative duration of one year generally will increase the price of the security by 1%. The Fund may have a negative weighted average duration through the use of short futures, put option positions and total return swaps. Such instruments have durations roughly equal to the negative duration of the securities that underlie those positions and have the effect of reducing portfolio duration by approximately the same amount that selling an equivalent amount of the underlying securities would.

The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it is not limited to a percentage of assets that it may invest in any one issuer.

Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not designed for investors who need an assured level of income and is intended to be a long-term investment. The Fund is not a complete investment program and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

Flexible Strategy Risk

The Fund uses a variety of investment strategies to provide a positive total return regardless of market conditions. The sub-advisors do not attempt to keep the portfolio structure or the Fund’s performance consistent with any designated stock, bond or market index, and during times of market rallies, the Fund may not perform as well as other funds that seek to outperform an index. Over time, the investment performance of flexible strategies is typically substantially independent of longer term movements in the stock and bond market. Interest rate levels and currency valuations will not always respond as the sub-advisors expect and portfolio securities may remain over- or under-valued.

Bank Loans and Senior Loan Risk

Bank loans and senior loans are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. In addition, bank loans and senior loans are subject to the risk that the value of the collateral, if any, securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate. In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral and would not have the ability to collect on any collateral for an uncollateralized loan.

Credit Risk

An issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a loan may fail to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations. A decline in an issuer’s credit rating for any reason can cause the price of its bonds to go down. Since the Fund can invest significantly in lower-quality debt securities considered speculative in nature, this risk will be substantial.

Currency Risk

Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy derivatives not traded on an exchange which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives are subject to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty to a derivative instrument becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties. As a result the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

• Futures and Forward Contracts. There may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts. There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contracts. Forward currency transactions include the risks associated with fluctuations in currency.

• Hedging Risk. If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss.

• Options. There may be an imperfect correlation between the prices of options and movements in the price of the securities (or indices) hedged or used for cover which may cause a given hedge not to achieve its objective.

• Structured Notes. Structured notes are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. The price of structured notes may be very volatile and they may have a limited trading market, making it difficult to value them or sell them at an acceptable price.

• Swap Agreements. Swaps are subject to counterparty risk. Credit default swaps, including credit default swaps on baskets of securities (such as the CDX indices), are subject to credit risk on the underlying investment. Interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate and credit risk. Total return swaps may be subject to credit risk and market risk.

• Warrants. The value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and ceases to have a value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

Equity Securities Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include preferred stocks, common stocks and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). Preferred stocks are sensitive to movements in interest rates. In addition, preferred stocks are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Common stocks are subject to market risk, their prices may be volatile at times, and rank below preferred stocks and bonds in claims for dividends or assets of a company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small- or mid-capitalization companies, such investments involve greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating history, product lines, and financial resources.

Foreign Investing & Emerging Markets Risk

Investing in foreign securities, foreign sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt, and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) carries potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility of foreign investments, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) less government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, (6) increased price volatility, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The risks of foreign investing mentioned above are heightened when investing in emerging markets. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. At such times, the Fund may be more volatile than a more geographically diversified fund.

High Yield Securities Risk

Investing in high yield, below investment-grade securities generally involves significantly greater risks of loss of your money than an investment in investment-grade securities. Compared with issuers of investment grade securities, high yield securities are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and to be materially affected by these difficulties. Rising interest rates may compound these difficulties and reduce an issuer’s ability to repay principal and interest obligations. Issuers of lower-rated securities also have a greater risk of default or bankruptcy.

Interest Rate Risk

The Fund is subject to the risk that the market value of fixed income securities or derivatives it holds will decline due to rising interest rates. When interest rates rise, the prices of most fixed income securities go down. The prices of fixed income securities or derivatives are also affected by their maturity. Fixed income securities or derivatives with longer maturities generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

Investment Risk

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Leveraging Risk

The Fund’s use of futures, forward contracts, swaps, reverse repurchase agreements, other derivate instruments and selling securities short will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies the exposure to the swings in prices of an asset or class of assets underlying a derivative instrument and results in increased volatility, which means that the Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund does not use the derivative instruments that have a leveraging effect. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund’s exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the Fund’s net asset value to be volatile.

Loan Participation Interests and Investments in Loan Investment Pools Risk

Loan participation interests may be collateralized or uncollateralized and are subject to the credit risk of the servicing agent as well as the credit risk of the borrower. If the Fund purchases a participation interest, it may be only able to enforce its rights through the lender. The Fund can also buy interests in trusts and other entities that hold loan obligations. In that case the Fund will be subject to the trust’s credit risks as well as the credit risk of the underlying loans. In some cases, these participation interests, whether held directly or indirectly through an interest in a trust or other entity, may be partially “unfunded” meaning that the Fund may be required to advance additional money on future dates.

Market Risk

Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund’s fixed-income investments are subject to the risk that the lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the Fund’s ability to purchase and sell the debt securities. The Fund’s equity investments are subject to stock market risk, which involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in stocks will decline due to drops in the stock market. From time to time, certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such holdings to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.

Municipal Securities Risk

Municipal securities are subject to credit risk where a municipal issuer of a security might not make interest and principal payments on a security as they become due. A downgrade in the issuer’s or security’s credit rating can reduce the market value of the security. Municipal securities are also subject to interest rate risk.

Non-Diversification Risk

The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of securities. Since the Fund is non-diversified, its net asset value and total return may fluctuate more or fall greater in times of weaker markets than a diversified mutual fund.

Prepayment and Extension Risk

The Fund’s investments in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk that the principal amount of the underlying collateral may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment and the Fund may have to invest at a lower rate. Conversely, a decrease in expected prepayments may result in the extension of a security’s effective maturity and a decline in its price.

Rule 144A Securities Risk

Rule 144A securities may be less liquid than other investments because, at times, such securities cannot be readily sold in broad public markets and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. A restricted security that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid.

Securities Selection Risk

Securities selected by the Manager or a sub-advisor for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

Short Sale Risk

Short sales may involve the potential loss of more money than the actual cost of the investment. Third parties to a short sale may fail to honor the contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund.

Supranational Risk

Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies.

U.S. Government Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises Risk

A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed by the applicable entity only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Securities held by the Fund that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government securities are also subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

Non-Diversification Risk

The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of securities. Since the Fund is non-diversified, its net asset value and total return may fluctuate more or fall greater in times of weaker markets than a diversified mutual fund.

Fund Performance abf809593_FundPastPerformanceAbstract  
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Fund Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
Performance One Year or Less [Text] rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund | A
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName A
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 4.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName A
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.63%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 3.61%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 4.50%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 3.11%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.39% [3]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName A
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 610
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,502
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 2,404
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 4,697
American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund | C
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName C
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName C
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.63%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 8.03%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets none
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 9.66%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 7.52%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.14% [3]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 317
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 2,113
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 3,836
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 7,488
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Share class rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 217
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 2,113
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 3,836
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 7,488
American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund | Y
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Y
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.63%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 17.64%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 18.28%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 17.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.99% [3]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Y
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 101
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 3,415
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 5,908
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 9,760
American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund | Institutional
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Institutional
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Institutional
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.63%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.95%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.59%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 2.69%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.90% [3]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Institutional
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 92
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 850
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,630
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,677
American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund | Investor
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Investor
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.63%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 7.59%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 8.23%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 6.96%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.27% [3]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Investor
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 129
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,782
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 3,330
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 6,783
American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities FundSM
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock The Fund’s investment objective is to seek high current income and, secondarily, capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund abf809593_FundFeesAndExpensesAbstract  
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and Expenses of the Fund
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and on page 37 under “Choosing Your Share Class” in the prospectus and on page 66 under “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” in the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts abf809593_ExpenseBreakpointDiscountsAbstract  
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the A Class shares of the American Beacon Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and on page 37 under “Choosing Your Share Class” in the prospectus and on page 66 under “Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares” in the statement of additional information.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
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)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination December 31, 2012
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
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. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption Assuming no redemption of shares:
Portfolio Turnover abf809593_PortfolioTurnoverAltAbstract  
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 performance. For the period February 14, 2011 through August 31, 2011, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of the portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 20.00%
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

This Fund seeks to maximize current income by investing in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities that are generally rated below investment grade (such as Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or BB or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Fitch, Inc.) or deemed to be below investment grade by Strategic Income Management, LLC (“SiM”). These types of securities are commonly referred to as “high yield” or “junk” bonds.”

The Fund seeks its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in non-investment grade securities and/or financial instruments that provide exposure to non-investment grade securities. These financial instruments include options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on stock indices and currencies), forward contracts (including currency forward contracts), swap agreements and structured notes whose underlying assets are rated below investment grade.

The non-investment grade securities in which the Fund may invest include: corporate bonds, convertible securities, preferred stock, bank and senior loans, emerging market debt, municipal securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, and Rule 144A securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers, including those in emerging markets. The Fund has no limitations regarding the maturities of the debt securities it can buy, the market capitalization of the issuers of those securities or whether the securities are rated.

The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments include futures contracts, forward contracts, and swaps. The Fund may use these derivative instruments to enhance total return, to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates, to manage the effective duration of its portfolio, and to manage certain investment risks or as a substitute for purchase or sale of the underlying currencies or securities.

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. or emerging market currencies, and non-U.S. currency futures contracts. The Fund may also make direct investments in non-U.S. currencies and in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Investments in currencies and currency hedging are established to extract value or reduce risk.

The remainder of the Fund’s assets may be invested in any other securities that SiM believes are consistent with the Fund’s objective, including investment grade fixed-income securities, U.S. government securities, common stock, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), loan participation interests, and income-producing equity securities, such as master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), income trusts and income deposit securities (“IDSs”).

In selecting investments for the Fund, SiM uses an approach that combines different aspects of top down and bottom up analysis. As part of its top down analysis, SiM utilizes a core philosophy to identify positive long term trends. SiM then invests in sectors, industries and companies that will benefit from these trends. Concurrent with this core philosophy, SiM’s management seeks to take advantage of market volatility by analyzing and potentially investing in sectors, industries and companies undergoing a change in dynamics that has not been fully recognized by the market. Market volatility continually provides opportunities to capture value from these types of situations. Once potential investment opportunities are identified, SiM utilizes bottom up research to assess the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of each individual company and the best risk/reward security is chosen for inclusion in the portfolio.

SiM may reduce or sell the Fund’s portfolio securities for a variety of reasons, including if, in SiM’s opinion, a security’s value becomes fully recognized or there is a reassessment of the fundamental attributes of the security.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your money by investing in the Fund. The Fund is designed primarily for investors seeking current income from a fund that typically invests mainly in a variety of domestic and foreign high-yield, high-risk debt securities. Those investors should be willing to assume the credit risks of a fund that typically invests a significant amount of its assets in below investment-grade debt securities and the price changes in those securities that can occur when interest rates change. The Fund is not designed for investors who need an assured level of current income. The Fund is intended to be a long-term investment. The Fund is not a complete investment program and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

Bank Loans and Senior Loan Risk

Bank loans and senior loans are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. In addition, bank loans and senior loans are subject to the risk that the value of the collateral, if any, securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate. In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral and would not have the ability to collect on any collateral for an uncollateralized loan.

Credit Risk

An issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a loan may fail to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations. A decline in an issuer’s credit rating for any reason can cause the price of its bonds to go down. Since the Fund can invest significantly in lower-quality debt securities considered speculative in nature, this risk will be substantial.

Currency Risk

Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund’s initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy derivatives not traded on an exchange which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives are subject to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty to a derivative instrument becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties. As a result the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

• Futures and Forward Contracts. There may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts. There may not be a liquid secondary market for the futures contracts. Forward currency transactions include the risks associated with fluctuations in currency.

• Hedging Risk. If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss.

• Swap Agreements. Swaps are subject to counterparty risk. Credit default swaps, including credit default swaps on baskets of securities (such as the CDX indices), are subject to credit risk on the underlying investment. Interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate and credit risk. Total return swaps may be subject to credit risk and market risk.

• Warrants. The value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and ceases to have a value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

Equity Securities Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include preferred stocks, common stocks, REITs, and MLPs. Preferred stocks are sensitive to movements in interest rates. In addition, preferred stocks are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Common stocks are subject to market risk, their prices may be volatile at times, and rank below preferred stocks and bonds in claims for dividends or assets of a company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small- or mid-capitalization companies, such investments involve greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating history, product lines, and financial resources. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund’s investments in MLPs may also make it more difficult for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Foreign Investing & Emerging Markets Risk

Investing in foreign securities, foreign sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt, ADRs and GDRs carries potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility of foreign investments, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) less government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, (6) increased price volatility, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. The risks of foreign investing mentioned above are heightened when investing in emerging markets. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. At such times, the Fund may be more volatile than a more geographically diversified fund.

High Yield Securities Risk

Investing in high yield, below investment-grade securities generally involves significantly greater risks of loss of your money than an investment in investment-grade securities. Compared with issuers of investment grade securities, high yield securities are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and to be materially affected by these difficulties. Rising interest rates may compound these difficulties and reduce an issuer’s ability to repay principal and interest obligations. Issuers of lower-rated securities also have a greater risk of default or bankruptcy.

Interest Rate Risk

The Fund is subject to the risk that the market value of fixed income securities or derivatives it holds will decline due to rising interest rates. When interest rates rise, the prices of most fixed income securities go down. The prices of fixed income securities or derivatives are also affected by their maturity. Fixed income securities or derivatives with longer maturities generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

Investment Risk

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Loan Participation Interests and Investments in Loan Investment Pools Risk

Loan participation interests may be collateralized or uncollateralized and are subject to the credit risk of the servicing agent as well as the credit risk of the borrower. If the Fund purchases a participation interest, it may be only able to enforce its rights through the lender. The Fund can also buy interests in trusts and other entities that hold loan obligations. In that case the Fund will be subject to the trust’s credit risks as well as the credit risk of the underlying loans. In some cases, these participation interests, whether held directly or indirectly through an interest in a trust or other entity, may be partially “unfunded” meaning that the Fund may be required to advance additional money on future dates.

Market Risk

Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund’s fixed-income investments are subject to the risk that the lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the Fund’s ability to purchase and sell the debt securities. The Fund’s equity investments are subject to stock market risk, which involves the possibility that the value of the Fund’s investments in stocks will decline due to drops in the stock market. From time to time, certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices. If the Fund is forced to sell such holdings to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.

Municipal Securities Risk

Municipal securities are subject to credit risk where a municipal issuer of a security might not make interest and principal payments on a security as they become due. A downgrade in the issuer’s or security’s credit rating can reduce the market value of the security. Municipal securities are also subject to interest rate risk.

Rule 144A Securities Risk

Rule 144A securities may be less liquid than other investments because, at times, such securities cannot be readily sold in broad public markets and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. A restricted security that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid.

Securities Selection Risk

Securities selected by the Manager or a sub-advisor for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

Unrated Securities

Some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may be difficult to value, which means the Fund might have difficulty selling them promptly at an acceptable price.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your money by investing in the Fund.
Fund Performance abf809593_FundPastPerformanceAbstract  
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading Fund Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
Performance One Year or Less [Text] rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess Performance information for the Fund is not provided because the Fund has not been in operation for a full calendar year.
American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund | A
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName A
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 4.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Redemption fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed; applies to the proceeds of shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase) rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption 2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName A
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.73%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.94%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.93%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.62%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.31% [4]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName A
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 602
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,192
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,808
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,461
American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund | C
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName C
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther 1.00%
Redemption fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed; applies to the proceeds of shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase) rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption 2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName C
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.73%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.30%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets none
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 4.03%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.96%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 2.07% [4]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 310
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,048
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,902
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 4,110
Expense Example, No Redemption rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionAbstract  
Share class rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearColumnName C
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 210
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 1,048
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,902
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 4,110
American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund | Y
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Redemption fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed; applies to the proceeds of shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase) rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption 2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Y
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.73%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 4.31%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 5.05%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 4.13%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.92% [4]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Y
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 94
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,144
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 2,194
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 4,813
American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund | Institutional
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Institutional
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Redemption fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed; applies to the proceeds of shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase) rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption 2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Institutional
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.73%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.89%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.63%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.81%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.82% [4]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Institutional
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 84
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 645
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,233
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,824
American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund | Investor
  
Shareholder Fees rr_ShareholderFeesAbstract  
Share classes rr_ShareholderFeesColumnName Investor
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge load (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther none
Redemption fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed; applies to the proceeds of shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase) rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption 2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_OperatingExpensesAbstract  
Share classes rr_OperatingExpensesColumnName Investor
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.73%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 2.05%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expense rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.79%
Expense Waiver and Reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 1.60%
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense waiver and reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.19% [4]
Example rr_ExpenseExampleAbstract  
Share classes rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnName Investor
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 121
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 713
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,332
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,003
[1] The Manager has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse the A Class, C Class, Y Class, Institutional Class, Investor Class, and Retirement Class of the Fund for Distribution Fees and Other Expenses, as applicable, through December 31, 2012 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.25% for the A Class, 1.96% for the C Class, 0.86% for the Y Class, 0.77% for the Institutional Class, 1.14% for the Investor Class, and 1.41% for the Retirement Class. The contractual expense arrangement can be changed by approval of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own reduction or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the percentage limit contractually agreed.
[2] The Manager has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse the A Class, C Class, Y Class, Institutional Class, Investor Class, and Retirement Class of the Fund for Distribution Fees and Other Expenses, as applicable, through December 31, 2012 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.47% for the A Class, 2.22% for the C Class, 1.09% for the Y Class, 0.99% for the Institutional Class, 1.36% for the Investor Class and 1.67% for the Retirement Class. The contractual expense arrangement can be changed by approval of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own reduction or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the percentage limit contractually agreed.
[3] The Manager has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse the A Class, C Class, Y Class, Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Fund for Distribution Fees and Other Expenses, as applicable, through December 31, 2012 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.39% for the A Class, 2.14% for the C Class, 0.99% for the Y Class, 0.90% for the Institutional Class, and 1.27% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses such as litigation). The contractual expense arrangement can be changed by approval of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own reduction or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the percentage limit contractually agreed.
[4] The Manager has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse the A Class, C Class, Y Class, Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Fund for Distribution Fees and Other Expenses, as applicable, through December 31, 2012 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.31% for the A Class, 2.07% for the C Class, 0.92% for the Y Class, 0.82% for the Institutional Class and 1.19% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses such as litigation). The contractual expense arrangement can be changed by approval of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own reduction or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the percentage limit contractually agreed.