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Label Element Value
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Entity Central Index Key dei_EntityCentralIndexKey 0000809593
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

American Beacon Emerging Markets FundSM
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

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.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of  your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination 2015-02-28
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 55% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 55.00%
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:

Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in equity securities of issuers that:

       ‣ are primarily listed on the trading market of an emerging market country;

       ‣ are headquartered in an emerging market country; or

       ‣ derive 50% or more of their revenues from, or have 50% or more of their assets in, an emerging market country. 

An emerging market country is one that: 

•      has an emerging stock market as defined by the International Finance Corporation; 

•      has a low- to middle-income economy according to the World Bank; 

•      is included in the IFC Investable Index or the Morgan Stanley Capital International® Emerging Markets Index; or 

•      has a per-capita gross national product of $10,000 or less. 

The Fund's equity investments may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and depositary receipts (collectively referred to as “stocks”). The Fund may invest in companies of all market capitalizations.

 

The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk.

 

One sub-advisor combines a top-down country allocation investment approach with bottom-up stock selection. The sub-advisor first allocates its portion of the Fund's assets among emerging market countries based on relative economic, political and social fundamentals, stock valuations and investor sentiment.

 

The sub-advisor then selects individual securities within these countries on the basis of attractive growth characteristics, reasonable valuations and company managements with a strong shareholder value orientation. To attempt to manage risk, the sub-advisor emphasizes thorough macroeconomic and fundamental research.

 

The second sub-advisor utilizes a bottom-up investment strategy that is value-oriented and research-driven. The sub-advisor buys stocks that exhibit good value characteristics, strong business fundamentals and positive business momentum. The focus on business momentum helps the sub-advisor avoid the value trap, while bottom-up fundamental security analysis helps to verify their quantitative analysis. Lastly, they focus on the preservation of capital as they believe it is the key to long-term performance.

 

The third sub-advisor uses a Graham and Dodd based value oriented approach to managing emerging market equity investments. The strategy focuses on fundamental research at the company level and attempts to identify securities trading at significant discounts to their long term intrinsic value. This discount, or “margin of safety” is typically a by-product of short term price volatility and market inefficiency and the sub-advisor seeks to outperform the benchmark over the long-term by building concentrated portfolios of undervalued companies which they believe offer attractive long-term appreciation potential.

 

The sub-advisors may consider potential changes in currency exchange rates when choosing stocks. A sub-advisor may trade forward foreign currency contracts, including NDFs, or currency futures in an attempt to reduce the Fund's risk exposure to adverse fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

 

The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies 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:

 

Currency Risk

 

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by purchasing or selling forward currency contracts in non-U.S. currencies, non-U.S. currency futures contracts and in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. 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.

 

Emerging Markets Risk

 

When investing in emerging markets, the risks mentioned below of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets have unique risks that are greater than or in addition to investing in developed markets because emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political uncertainties; an economy's dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures. In addition, there may be more volatile rates of return.

 

Equity Investments Risk

 

Equity securities 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, rights, warrants and depository receipts. 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 rights and warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because rights and warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, the value of a right or a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a right or a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. Depository receipts are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.

 

Foreign Investing Risk

 

Non U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. 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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased price volatility; (6) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets.

 

Futures Contracts and Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk

 

Futures contracts and foreign currency forward contracts, including NDFs, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract with a counterparty to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying those derivatives. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlation between the price of the contract and the underlying security, index or currency, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

 

Hedging Risk

 

Gains or losses from positions in hedging instruments may be much greater than the instrument's original cost. The counterparty may be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Fund. In addition, the Manager or a sub-advisor may be unable to close the transaction at the time it would like or at the price it believes the security is currently worth. If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund's return or create a loss.

 

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.

 

Issuer Risk

 

The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets.

 

Large Capitalization Companies 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.

 

Market Events Risk

 

Turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide which could adversely affect the Fund.

 

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 of a particular country 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.

 

Market Timing Risk

 

Because the Fund invests in foreign securities, it is particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. The Fund generally prices foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, typically prior to the Fund's determination of its net asset value. These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such instances, the Fund may fair value foreign securities. However, some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the net asset value of the Fund's shares. There is no assurance that fair valuation of securities can reduce or eliminate market timing. While the Manager monitors trading in Fund shares, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

 

Other Investment Companies Risk

 

The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including open-end funds, and money market funds. To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, you will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those funds.

 

Securities Selection Risk

 

Securities selected by a sub-advisor or the Manager 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 and Medium Capitalization Companies Risk

 

Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves 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, 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.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution 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.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Fund Performance

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's performance compares to a broad-based market index and the Lipper® Emerging Markets Funds Index, a composite of mutual funds comparable to the Fund. You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Total Return for the Calendar Year Ended 12/31 of each Year
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest Quarterly Return:
     (1/1/04 through 12/31/13)

 

35.55%
(2nd Quarter 2009)

Lowest Quarterly Return:
     (1/1/04 through 12/31/13)

 

-26.31%
(4th Quarter 2008)

Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Highest Quarterly Return:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 35.55%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Lowest Quarterly Return:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (26.31%)
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns For the periods ended December 31, 2013
MSCI Emerging Markets Index
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (2.60%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 14.79%
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.17%
Lipper Emerging Markets Funds Index
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (1.29%)
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 15.16%
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.64%
AMR Class
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Redemption fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed; applies to the proceeds of shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase) rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption 2.00%
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.81%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.58%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.40% [1]
Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.04%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.36% [2]
1 year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 138
3 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 439
5 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 762
10 years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,676
Annual Return 2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 24.88%
Annual Return 2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 29.06%
Annual Return 2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 33.28%
Annual Return 2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 34.40%
Annual Return 2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (51.30%)
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 71.71%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 18.36%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (21.72%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 17.74%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 0.00%
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 none
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 13.38%
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.17%
[1] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Fund's Financial Highlights table, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.
[2] The Manager has contractually agreed to reduce and/or reimburse the AMR Class of the Fund for Other Expenses, as applicable, through February 28, 2015 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.35% for the AMR Class (excluding taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses such as litigation). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed only with the approval of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual 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.