XML 11 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.3.0.15
LabelElementValue
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
ProspectusDaterr_ProspectusDateNov. 01, 2011
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA (Prospectus Summary) | INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Risk/Return, Headingrr_RiskReturnHeadingIntermediate Bond Fund of America®
Investment Objective, Headingrr_ObjectiveHeadingInvestment objective
investment Objective, Primaryrr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock
The fund's investment objective is to provide you with current income consistent
with its maturity and quality standards described in this prospectus and
preservation of capital.
Expense, Headingrr_ExpenseHeadingFees and expenses of the fund
Expense, Narrativerr_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 charge discounts if you and your
family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $500,000 in American
Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your
financial professional and in the "Sales charge reductions and waivers" section
on page 25 of the prospectus and on page 56 of the fund's statement of
additional information.
Shareholder Fees, Captionrr_ShareholderFeesCaptionShareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses, Captionrr_OperatingExpensesCaptionAnnual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover, Headingrr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingPortfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnoverrr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate
may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's investment
results. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund's portfolio turnover rate
was 80% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Raterr_PortfolioTurnoverRate80.00%
Expense Breakpoint, Discountsrr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscountsYou may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $500,000 in American Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required Amountrr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount$ 500,000
Expense Example, Headingrr_ExpenseExampleHeadingExample
Expense Example, Narrativerr_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.
Expense Example, By Year, Captionrr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaptionAlthough your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Captionrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaptionFor the share classes listed below, you would pay the following if you did not redeem your shares:
Investment Strategy, Headingrr_StrategyHeadingPrincipal investment strategies
Investment Strategy, Narrativerr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock
The fund maintains a portfolio of bonds, other debt securities and money market
instruments having a dollar-weighted average maturity of no less than three
years and no greater than five years under normal market conditions. The fund
invests primarily in bonds and other debt securities with quality ratings of A-
or better or A3 or better (by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating
Organization designated by the fund's investment adviser) or unrated but
determined to be of equivalent quality by the fund's investment adviser. The
fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in bonds and other debt securities rated
in the BBB or Baa rating category (by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating
Organization designated by the fund's investment adviser) or in unrated securities
determined to be of equivalent quality by the fund's investment adviser.

The fund primarily invests in intermediate-term debt securities. These include
securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. government, debt securities and
mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored entities and federal
agencies and instrumentalities that are not backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. government. In addition, the fund may invest in mortgage-backed
securities issued by private issuers and asset-backed securities (securities
backed by assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables or other providers
of credit).

The investment adviser uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in
managing the fund's assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of the fund is
divided into segments managed by individual counselors who decide how their
respective segments will be invested.

The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make
decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment
philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively priced
securities that, in its opinion, represent good investment opportunities. The
investment adviser believes that an important way to accomplish this is by
analyzing various factors, which may include the credit strength of the issuer,
prices of similar securities issued by comparable issuers, anticipated changes
in interest rates, general market conditions and other factors pertinent to the
particular security being evaluated. Securities may be sold when the investment
adviser believes that they no longer represent relatively attractive investment
opportunities.
Risk, Headingrr_RiskHeadingPrincipal risks
Risk, Narrativerr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock
This section describes the principal risks associated with the fund's principal
investment strategies. You may lose money by investing in the fund. The
likelihood of loss may be greater if you invest for a shorter period of time.

Market conditions - The prices of, and the income generated by, the securities
held by the fund may decline due to market conditions and other factors,
including those directly involving the issuers of securities held by the fund.

Investing in bonds - Rising interest rates will generally cause the prices of
bonds and other debt securities to fall. Longer maturity debt securities may be
subject to greater price fluctuations than shorter maturity debt securities. In
addition, falling interest rates may cause an issuer to redeem, call or
refinance a security before its stated maturity, which may result in the fund
having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities.

Bonds and other debt securities are subject to credit risk, which is the
possibility that the credit strength of an issuer will weaken and/or an issuer
of a debt security will fail to make timely payments of principal or interest
and the security will go into default. Lower quality debt securities generally
have higher rates of interest and may be subject to greater price fluctuations
than higher quality debt securities.

Investing in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities - Many types of bonds
and other debt securities, including mortgage-backed securities, are subject to
prepayment risk, as well as the risks associated with investing in debt
securities in general. If interest rates fall and the loans underlying these
securities are prepaid faster than expected, the fund may have to reinvest the
prepaid principal in lower yielding securities, thus reducing the fund's income.
Conversely, if interest rates increase and the loans underlying the securities
are prepaid more slowly than expected, the expected duration of the securities
may be extended. This reduces the potential for the fund to invest the principal
in higher yielding securities.

Investing in securities backed by the U.S. government - Securities backed by the
U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are guaranteed
only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity.
Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with
changes in interest rates. Securities issued by government-sponsored entities
and federal agencies and instrumentalities that are not backed by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. government are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S.
government.

Thinly traded securities - There may be little trading in the secondary market
for particular bonds or other debt securities, which may make them more
difficult to value, acquire or sell.

Management - The investment adviser to the fund actively manages the fund's
investments. Consequently, the fund is subject to the risk that the methods and
analyses employed by the investment adviser in this process may not produce the
desired results. This could cause the fund to lose value or its investment
results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.

Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
governmental agency, entity or person. You should consider how this fund fits
into your overall investment program.
Risk, Lose Moneyrr_RiskLoseMoneyYou may lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk, Not Insured Depository Institutionrr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitutionYour investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, entity or person.
Bar Chart and Performance Table, Headingrr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingInvestment results
Performance, Narrativerr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock
The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total
returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market
results. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in
the fund. The Lipper Short-Intermediate Investment Grade Debt Funds Average
includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or
strategies reasonably comparable to the fund's objective. The Consumer Price
Index provides a comparison of the fund's results to inflation. Past investment
results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment
results. Updated information on the fund's investment results can be obtained by
visiting americanfunds.com.
Performance, Information Illustrates Variability of Returnsrr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturnsThe following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market results.
Performance, Additional Market Indexrr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndexThe Lipper Short-Intermediate Investment Grade Debt Funds Average includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to the fund's objective. The Consumer Price Index provides a comparison of the fund's results to inflation.
Performance, Availability Website Addressrr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddressamericanfunds.com
Performance, Past Does Not Indicate Futurerr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuturePast investment results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment results.
Bar Chart, Headingrr_BarChartHeadingCalendar year total returns for Class A shares (Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included, results would be lower.)
Bar Chart, Narrativerr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock
The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total
returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market
results.
Bar Chart, Does Not Reflect Sales Loadsrr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included, results would be lower.)
Bar Chart, Closingrr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period were:

Highest 3.41% (quarter ended September 30, 2001)
Lowest -1.41%(quarter ended June 30, 2004)

The fund's total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2011,
was 3.13%.
Performance Table, Uses Highest Federal Raterr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate After-tax returns are calculated using the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table, Not Relevant to Tax Deferredrr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferredYour actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Performance Table, One Class of after Tax Shownrr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShownAfter-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Performance Table, Narrativerr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other
share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest
individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods
shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual
after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ
from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if
you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k)
plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Performance Table, Footnotesrr_PerformanceTableFootnotesTextBlock
Class A annualized 30-day yield at August 31, 2011: 0.97%
(For current yield information, please call American FundsLine®
at 800/325-3590.)
Average Annual Returns, Captionrr_AverageAnnualReturnCaptionAverage annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2010 (with maximum sales charge):
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA (Prospectus Summary) | INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class A
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Year to Date Return, Labelrr_YearToDateReturnLabelThe fund's total return for the nine months ended
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Daterr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDateSep. 30, 2011
Bar Chart, Year to Date Returnrr_BarChartYearToDateReturn3.13%
Highest Quarterly Return, Labelrr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabelHighest
Highest Quarterly Return, Daterr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDateSep. 30, 2001
Highest Quarterly Returnrr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn3.41%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Labelrr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabelLowest
Lowest Quarterly Return, Daterr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDateJun. 30, 2004
Lowest Quarterly Returnrr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn(1.41%)
Thirty Day Yield, Captionrr_ThirtyDayYieldCaptionClass A annualized 30-day yield at August 31, 2011:
Thirty Day Yield, Phone Numberrr_ThirtyDayYieldPhone800/325-3590
Thirty Day Yieldrr_ThirtyDayYield0.97%
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Barclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit 1-7 Years ex BBB Index
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelBarclays Capital U.S. Government/Credit 1-7 Years ex BBB Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear014.63%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear055.19%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear105.04%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception6.37%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 1988
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Lipper Short-Intermediate investment Grade Debt Funds Average
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelLipper Short-Intermediate Investment Grade Debt Funds Average (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear015.49%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear054.58%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear104.49%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception6.04%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 1988
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Consumer Price Index
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelConsumer Price Index
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear011.50%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear052.18%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear102.34%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception2.82%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 1988
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class A
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice2.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice1.00%[1]
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.24%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.13%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.60%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01310
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03437
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05576
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear10981
Annual Return 2001rr_AnnualReturn20016.93%
Annual Return 2002rr_AnnualReturn20027.05%
Annual Return 2003rr_AnnualReturn20032.64%
Annual Return 2004rr_AnnualReturn20042.01%
Annual Return 2005rr_AnnualReturn20051.62%
Annual Return 2006rr_AnnualReturn20064.02%
Annual Return 2007rr_AnnualReturn20075.03%
Annual Return 2008rr_AnnualReturn2008(1.43%)
Annual Return 2009rr_AnnualReturn20096.36%
Annual Return 2010rr_AnnualReturn20104.74%
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class A - Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear012.10%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.19%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear103.60%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception5.48%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 1988
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class A - After taxes on distributions
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear011.23%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear051.88%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear102.21%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 1988
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class A - After taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear011.36%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear051.95%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear102.24%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 1988
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class B
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice5.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets1.00%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.13%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets1.36%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01638
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03831
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05945
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,427
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01138
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03431
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05745
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear101,427
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class B (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01(1.04%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear052.60%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear103.28%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception3.86%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateMar. 15, 2000
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class C
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice1.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets1.00%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.18%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets1.41%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01244
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03446
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05771
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,691
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01144
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03446
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05771
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear101,691
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class C (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear012.92%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear052.90%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception2.86%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateMar. 15, 2001
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class F-1
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.25%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.17%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.65%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear0166
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03208
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05362
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear10810
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class F-1 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear014.68%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.69%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception3.64%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateMar. 19, 2001
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class F-2
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.11%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.34%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear0135
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03109
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05191
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear10431
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class F-2 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear015.03%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception4.61%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateAug. 08, 2008
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class 529-A
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice2.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice1.00%[1]
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)rr_MaximumAccountFee10
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.21%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.24%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.68%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01338
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03502
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05678
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,181
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class 529-A (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear012.03%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.13%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception3.11%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class 529-B
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice5.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)rr_MaximumAccountFee10
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets1.00%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.24%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets1.47%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01669
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03904
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear051,060
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,645
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01169
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03504
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05860
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear101,645
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class 529-B (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01(1.16%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear052.47%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception2.66%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 26, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class 529-C
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice1.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)rr_MaximumAccountFee10
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.99%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.24%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets1.46%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01268
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03501
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05855
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,846
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01168
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03501
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05855
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear101,846
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class 529-C (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear012.85%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear052.84%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception2.59%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateFeb. 19, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class 529-E
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)rr_MaximumAccountFee10
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.50%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.23%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.96%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01118
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03345
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05589
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,281
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class 529-E (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear014.37%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.36%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception3.24%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateMar. 15, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class 529-F-1
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)rr_MaximumAccountFee10
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.23%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.46%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear0167
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03187
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05317
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear10686
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class 529-F-1 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear014.89%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.87%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception3.22%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateSep. 16, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class R-1
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets1.00%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.18%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets1.41%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01144
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03446
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05771
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,691
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class R-1 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear013.91%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear052.88%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception2.57%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateJun. 13, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class R-2
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.74%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.44%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets1.41%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01144
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03446
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05771
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,691
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class R-2 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear013.90%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear052.91%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception2.62%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateMay 31, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class R-3
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.50%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.24%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.97%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear0199
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03309
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05536
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear101,190
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class R-3 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear014.35%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.34%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception2.96%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateJun. 26, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class R-4
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.25%
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.17%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.65%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear0166
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03208
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05362
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear10810
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class R-4 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear014.69%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.69%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception3.34%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateJun. 27, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class R-5
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.12%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.35%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear0136
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03113
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05197
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear10443
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class R-5 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear015.00%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear053.99%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception3.78%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateMay 15, 2002
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND OF AMERICA | Class R-6
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividendsrr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange feesrr_RedemptionFee none
Management feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets0.07%
Total annual fund operating expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets0.30%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear0131
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear0397
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear05169
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear10$ 381
Average Annual Returns, Labelrr_AverageAnnualReturnLabelShare class R-6 (before taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Yearrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear015.06%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 
Average Annual Returns, 10 Yearsrr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 
Average Annual Returns, Since Inceptionrr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception5.99%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Daterr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDateMay 01, 2009
[1]A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge.