485BPOS

File Nos. 33-37459 and 811-6200

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 28, 2012

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 x

and

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 108 x

SCHWAB INVESTMENTS

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

211 Main Street, San Francisco, California 94105

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (zip code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code:

(800) 648-5300

Marie Chandoha

211 Main Street, San Francisco, California 94105

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies of communications to:

Douglas P. Dick, Esq.	John M. Loder, Esq.	David Lekich, Esq.
Dechert LLP 1775 I Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-2401	Ropes & Gray LLP Prudential Tower 800 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02199-3600	Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. 211 Main Street 211MN-05-491 San Francisco, CA 94105

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

x Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

¨ On (date), pursuant to paragraph (b)

¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

¨ On (date), pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

¨ On (date), pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for the effectiveness of this Post Effective Amendment No. 104 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post Effective Amendment No. 104 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Washington in the District of Columbia, on the 28th day of December, 2012.

SCHWAB INVESTMENTS

Registrant

Charles R. Schwab*

Charles R. Schwab, Chairman and Trustee

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated this 28th day of December, 2012.

Signature	Title
Charles R. Schwab* Charles R. Schwab	Chairman and Trustee
Walter W. Bettinger, II* Walter W. Bettinger, II	Trustee
Mariann Byerwalter* Mariann Byerwalter	Trustee
John F. Cogan* John F. Cogan	Trustee
William A. Hasler* William A. Hasler	Trustee
David L. Mahoney* David L. Mahoney	Trustee
Kiran M. Patel* Kiran M. Patel	Trustee
Gerald B. Smith* Gerald B. Smith	Trustee
Joseph H. Wender* Joseph H. Wender	Trustee
Marie Chandoha* Marie Chandoha	President and Chief Executive Officer
George Pereira* George Pereira	Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

*By:	/s/ Douglas P. Dick
	Douglas P. Dick, Attorney-in-Fact
	Pursuant to Power of Attorney

Exhibit Index

EX 101.INS	XBRL Taxonomy Instance Document
EX 101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document
EX 101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
EX 101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
EX 101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
EX 101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Schwab California Tax-Free Bond FundTM
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund seeks high current income exempt from federal and California personal income tax that is consistent with capital preservation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fund fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses 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 % of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 101% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	101.00%
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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Expenses on a $10,000 investment
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in investment-grade municipal securities — those in the four highest credit rating categories (rated AAA to BBB- or the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser) from California issuers. The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities the interest from which is exempt from federal and California personal income tax and federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). The fund does not currently intend to invest in municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT; however, this would not prevent the fund from investing in such securities as a temporary defensive measure discussed below. The fund may invest in securities from municipal issuers in California and in U.S. territories and possessions. These may include general obligation issues, which typically are backed by the issuer’s ability to levy taxes, and revenue issues, which typically are backed by a stream of revenue from a given source, such as an electric utility or a public water system. The fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in municipal securities financing similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities and may also invest in municipal notes. Many of the fund’s securities carry credit enhancements (such as bond insurance) or liquidity enhancements (such as a letter of credit), which are designed to provide incremental levels of creditworthiness or liquidity. In choosing securities, the fund’s investment adviser seeks to maximize current income within the limits of the fund’s credit and average maturity standards. The investment adviser’s credit research department analyzes and monitors the securities that the fund owns or is considering buying. The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in below investment grade bonds (sometimes called junk bonds) that are rated, at the time of investment, at least B by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or are the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser. If a bond is downgraded below B or the unrated equivalent, the fund may continue to hold it unless the investment adviser determines the risk of holding the bond is unacceptable when compared to the bond’s total return potential. The investment adviser may adjust the fund’s holdings or its average maturity based on actual or anticipated changes in interest rates or credit quality. The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks. During unusual market conditions, the fund may invest entirely in taxable securities and municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT as a temporary defensive measure. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment objective.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include: Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money. Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results. Investment Style Risk. The fund is not designed to offer substantial capital appreciation. In exchange for its goal of capital preservation, the fund may offer lower long-term performance than stock investments or certain other types of bond investments. The fund’s emphasis on quality and preservation of capital also could cause it to underperform certain other types of bond investments, particularly those that take greater maturity and credit risks. At the same time, some of the fund’s investments may have greater risks than securities in taxable bond funds. Non-Diversification Risk. The fund is non-diversified and, as such, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund that is diversified. A non-diversified fund is more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund. Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be. Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations. Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price. High Yield Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (sometimes called junk bonds) that the fund may invest in are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks. High yield securities are considered primarily speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price. Municipal Securities Risk. The fund primarily invests in municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of the issuers’ counsel, is exempt from federal income tax and from the AMT. Neither the investment adviser nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with such counsel’s opinion. If certain types of investments the fund buys as tax-exempt are later ruled to be taxable, a portion of the fund’s income could be taxable. To the extent that the fund invests in municipal securities from a given state or geographic region, its share price and performance could be affected by local, state and regional factors, including erosion of the tax base and changes in the economic climate. In addition, many municipal securities are issued to finance specific projects (especially those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities) and conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. National governmental actions, such as the elimination of tax-exempt status or the reduction of financial support to municipalities, also could affect performance. Municipalities continue to experience difficulties in the current economic and political environment. California State-Specific Risk. Because the fund concentrates its investments in California municipal securities, the fund may be affected significantly by economic, regulatory or political developments affecting the ability of California issuers to pay interest or repay principal. Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security. Taxable Investments. The fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate income that is not exempt from federal income tax and, in addition, with respect to any temporary defensive investments by the fund, in securities whose interest is subject to the AMT. These investments could generate taxable income for shareholders. Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Non-Diversification Risk. The fund is non-diversified and, as such, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund that is diversified. A non-diversified fund is more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best quarter: 5.79% Q3 2002 Worst quarter: (3.44%) Q4 2010 Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 5.66%
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed benefit from any losses on a sale of shares at the end of the measurement period.
Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund | Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	rr_ShareholderFeeOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Less expense reduction	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.49%	[1]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	50
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	157
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	274
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	616
2002	rr_AnnualReturn2002	8.17%
2003	rr_AnnualReturn2003	4.64%
2004	rr_AnnualReturn2004	5.02%
2005	rr_AnnualReturn2005	3.29%
2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	4.39%
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	2.28%
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(1.07%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	9.38%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	2.50%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	9.26%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2012
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	5.66%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2002
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	5.79%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2010
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(3.44%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	9.26%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.39%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.74%
After taxes on distributions | Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund | Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	9.26%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.39%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.72%
After taxes on distributions and sale of shares | Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund | Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.21%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.29%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.65%
Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays 7-Year Municipal Bond Index | Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	10.14%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.38%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	5.63%

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.49% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund

Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund^TM

Investment objective

The fund seeks high current income that is exempt from federal income tax, consistent with capital preservation.

Fund fees and expenses

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

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees (USD $)	Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year
as a % of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund
Management fees		0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees		none
Other expenses		0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.59%
Less expense reduction		(0.10%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	[1]	0.49%

Example

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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expenses on a $10,000 investment

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund	50	157	274	616

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 102% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in investment-grade municipal securities — those in the four highest credit rating categories (rated AAA to BBB- or the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser). The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities the interest from which is exempt from federal income tax, including the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). The fund does not currently intend to invest in municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT; however, this would not prevent the fund from investing in such securities as a temporary defensive measure discussed below.

The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate securities from municipal issuers around the country and in U.S. territories and possessions. These may include general obligation issues, which typically are backed by the issuer’s ability to levy taxes, and revenue issues, which typically are backed by a stream of revenue from a given source, such as an electric utility or a public water system. The fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in municipal securities financing similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities and may also invest in municipal notes. Many of the fund’s securities carry credit enhancements (such as bond insurance) or liquidity enhancements (such as a letter of credit), which are designed to provide incremental levels of creditworthiness or liquidity.

In choosing securities, the fund’s investment adviser seeks to maximize current income within the limits of the fund’s credit and average maturity standards. The investment adviser’s credit research department analyzes and monitors the securities that the fund owns or is considering buying. The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in below investment grade bonds (sometimes called junk bonds) that are rated, at the time of investment, at least B by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or are the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser. If a bond is downgraded below B or the unrated equivalent, the fund may continue to hold it unless the investment adviser determines the risk of holding the bond is unacceptable when compared to the bond’s total return potential. The manager may adjust the fund’s holdings or its average maturity based on actual or anticipated changes in interest rates or credit quality.

The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks.

During unusual market conditions, the fund may invest entirely in taxable securities and municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT as a temporary defensive measure. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment objective.

Principal risks

The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include:

Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money.

Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.

Investment Style Risk. The fund is not designed to offer substantial capital appreciation. In exchange for its goal of capital preservation, the fund may offer lower long-term performance than stock investments or certain other types of bond investments. The fund’s emphasis on quality and preservation of capital also could cause it to underperform certain other types of bond investments, particularly those that take greater maturity and credit risks. At the same time, some of the fund’s investments may have greater risks than securities in taxable bond funds.

Non-Diversification Risk. The fund is non-diversified and, as such, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund that is diversified. A non-diversified fund is more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be.

Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price.

High Yield Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (sometimes called junk bonds) that the fund may invest in are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks. High yield securities are considered primarily speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.

Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price.

Municipal Securities Risk. The fund primarily invests in municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of the issuers’ counsel, is exempt from federal income tax and from the AMT. Neither the investment adviser nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with such counsel’s opinion. If certain types of investments the fund buys as tax-exempt are later ruled to be taxable, a portion of the fund’s income could be taxable. To the extent that the fund invests in municipal securities from a given state or geographic region, its share price and performance could be affected by local, state and regional factors, including erosion of the tax base and changes in the economic climate. In addition, many municipal securities are issued to finance specific projects (especially those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities) and conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. National governmental actions, such as the elimination of tax-exempt status or the reduction of financial support to municipalities, also could affect performance. Municipalities continue to experience difficulties in the current economic and political environment.

Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security.

Taxable Investments. The fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate income that is not exempt from federal income tax and, in addition, with respect to any temporary defensive investments by the fund, in securities whose interest is subject to the AMT. These investments could generate taxable income for shareholders.

Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.

Performance

The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.

Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31

Best quarter: 5.41% Q3 2002
Worst quarter: (2.91%) Q4 2010
Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 5.30%

Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11

Average Annual Total Returns	1 year	5 years	10 years
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund	9.57%	5.22%	5.23%
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund After taxes on distributions	9.57%	5.22%	5.23%
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund After taxes on distributions and sale of shares	7.43%	5.04%	5.09%
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays 7-Year Municipal Bond Index	10.14%	6.38%	5.63%

The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed benefit from any losses on a sale of shares at the end of the measurement period.

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.49% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

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Schwab Total Bond Market Fund

Schwab Total Bond Market Fund^TM

Investment objective

The fund seeks high current income by tracking the performance of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

Fund fees and expenses

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

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees (USD $)	Schwab Total Bond Market Fund
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year
as a % of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		Schwab Total Bond Market Fund
Management fees		0.26%
Distribution (12b-1) fees		none
Other expenses		0.30%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.56%
Less expense reduction		(0.27%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	[1]	0.29%

Example

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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expenses on a $10,000 investment

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund	30	93	163	368

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 160% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of debt instruments that is designed to track the performance of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The fund uses the index as a guide in structuring the fund’s portfolio and selecting its investments. However, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in the securities represented in the index.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in debt instruments of varying maturities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. The fund invests primarily in investment grade instruments. The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate debt instruments. The fund also may invest in debt instruments of domestic and foreign issuers, including mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities.

The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks.

The fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions to earn additional income. The fund also may seek to obtain market exposure to the instruments in which it invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques (such as mortgage dollar rolls).

The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.

Principal risks

The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include:

Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money.

Investment Style Risk. The fund invests in securities of the bond market, as measured by the index. The fund is designed to follow the performance of the index during upturns as well as downturns. As a result, the fund will not take steps to reduce market exposure or lessen the effects of a declining market.

Tracking Error Risk. The fund is designed to track the performance of its benchmark index, although it may not be successful in doing so. The divergence between the performance of a fund and its benchmark index, positive or negative, is called “tracking error.” Tracking error can be caused by many factors and it may be significant. For example, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in securities represented in its benchmark index and may not invest in certain securities in the benchmark index, or match the securities’ weightings to the benchmark, due to regulatory, operational, custodial or liquidity constraints; corporate transactions; asset valuations; transaction costs and timing; tax considerations; and index rebalancing, which may result in tracking error.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be.

Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price.

Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price.

Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security.

Foreign Investment Risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve certain risks that are greater than those associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These include: risks of adverse changes in foreign economic, political, regulatory and other conditions; changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations (including limitations on currency movements and exchanges); differing accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and practices; differing securities market structures; and higher transaction costs.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls Risk. Mortgage dollar rolls are transactions in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. The fund’s mortgage dollar rolls could lose money if the price of the mortgage-backed securities sold falls below the agreed upon repurchase price, or if the counterparty is unable to honor the agreement.

Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives and mortgage dollar rolls, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights in the collateral or delay in recovery of the collateral if the borrower fails to return the security loaned or becomes insolvent.

Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.

Performance

The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.

Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31

Best quarter: 4.28% Q3 2002
Worst quarter: (2.20%) Q1 2008
Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 3.80%

Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11

Average Annual Total Returns	1 year	5 years	10 years
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund	7.40%	3.54%	4.25%
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund After taxes on distributions	6.32%	2.10%	2.64%
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund After taxes on distributions and sale of shares	4.78%	2.16%	2.69%
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index	7.84%	6.50%	5.78%

The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.29% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees. The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to advance the fund certain litigation expenses in connection with certain legal matters (excluding amounts paid in connection with judgments and settlements) to the extent necessary to maintain these expense limitations. These advances are subject to repayment by the fund to the extent the litigation expenses are subsequently paid or reimbursed to the fund by its insurance carriers.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Schwab Tax-Free Bond FundTM
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund seeks high current income that is exempt from federal income tax, consistent with capital preservation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fund fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses 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 % of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 102% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	102.00%
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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Expenses on a $10,000 investment
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in investment-grade municipal securities — those in the four highest credit rating categories (rated AAA to BBB- or the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser). The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities the interest from which is exempt from federal income tax, including the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). The fund does not currently intend to invest in municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT; however, this would not prevent the fund from investing in such securities as a temporary defensive measure discussed below. The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate securities from municipal issuers around the country and in U.S. territories and possessions. These may include general obligation issues, which typically are backed by the issuer’s ability to levy taxes, and revenue issues, which typically are backed by a stream of revenue from a given source, such as an electric utility or a public water system. The fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in municipal securities financing similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities and may also invest in municipal notes. Many of the fund’s securities carry credit enhancements (such as bond insurance) or liquidity enhancements (such as a letter of credit), which are designed to provide incremental levels of creditworthiness or liquidity. In choosing securities, the fund’s investment adviser seeks to maximize current income within the limits of the fund’s credit and average maturity standards. The investment adviser’s credit research department analyzes and monitors the securities that the fund owns or is considering buying. The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in below investment grade bonds (sometimes called junk bonds) that are rated, at the time of investment, at least B by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or are the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser. If a bond is downgraded below B or the unrated equivalent, the fund may continue to hold it unless the investment adviser determines the risk of holding the bond is unacceptable when compared to the bond’s total return potential. The manager may adjust the fund’s holdings or its average maturity based on actual or anticipated changes in interest rates or credit quality. The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks. During unusual market conditions, the fund may invest entirely in taxable securities and municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT as a temporary defensive measure. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment objective.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include: Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money. Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results. Investment Style Risk. The fund is not designed to offer substantial capital appreciation. In exchange for its goal of capital preservation, the fund may offer lower long-term performance than stock investments or certain other types of bond investments. The fund’s emphasis on quality and preservation of capital also could cause it to underperform certain other types of bond investments, particularly those that take greater maturity and credit risks. At the same time, some of the fund’s investments may have greater risks than securities in taxable bond funds. Non-Diversification Risk. The fund is non-diversified and, as such, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund that is diversified. A non-diversified fund is more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund. Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be. Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations. Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price. High Yield Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (sometimes called junk bonds) that the fund may invest in are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks. High yield securities are considered primarily speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price. Municipal Securities Risk. The fund primarily invests in municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of the issuers’ counsel, is exempt from federal income tax and from the AMT. Neither the investment adviser nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will agree with such counsel’s opinion. If certain types of investments the fund buys as tax-exempt are later ruled to be taxable, a portion of the fund’s income could be taxable. To the extent that the fund invests in municipal securities from a given state or geographic region, its share price and performance could be affected by local, state and regional factors, including erosion of the tax base and changes in the economic climate. In addition, many municipal securities are issued to finance specific projects (especially those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities) and conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. National governmental actions, such as the elimination of tax-exempt status or the reduction of financial support to municipalities, also could affect performance. Municipalities continue to experience difficulties in the current economic and political environment. Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security. Taxable Investments. The fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate income that is not exempt from federal income tax and, in addition, with respect to any temporary defensive investments by the fund, in securities whose interest is subject to the AMT. These investments could generate taxable income for shareholders. Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Non-Diversification Risk. The fund is non-diversified and, as such, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund that is diversified. A non-diversified fund is more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best quarter: 5.41% Q3 2002 Worst quarter: (2.91%) Q4 2010 Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 5.30%
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed benefit from any losses on a sale of shares at the end of the measurement period.
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund | Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	rr_ShareholderFeeOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.59%
Less expense reduction	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.10%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.49%	[1]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	50
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	157
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	274
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	616
2002	rr_AnnualReturn2002	10.90%
2003	rr_AnnualReturn2003	5.47%
2004	rr_AnnualReturn2004	4.00%
2005	rr_AnnualReturn2005	2.06%
2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	3.95%
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	1.61%
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	0.37%
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	11.71%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	3.33%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	9.57%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2012
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	5.30%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2002
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	5.41%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2010
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(2.91%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	9.57%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.22%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	5.23%
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund | After taxes on distributions | Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	9.57%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.22%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	5.23%
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund | After taxes on distributions and sale of shares | Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.43%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.04%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	5.09%
Schwab Tax-Free Bond Fund | Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays 7-Year Municipal Bond Index
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	10.14%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.38%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	5.63%

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.49% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Schwab® Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund seeks to provide total return and inflation protection.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fund fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses 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 % of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 32% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	32.00%
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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Expenses on a $10,000 investment
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in Treasury inflation-protected fixed income securities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. Inflation-protected securities are fixed income securities that are structured to provide protection against inflation. The value of the bond’s principal or the interest paid on the bond is adjusted to track changes (up or down) in an official inflation measure. The U.S. Treasury, the largest domestic issuer of inflation-protected securities (i.e., Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS)), currently uses the non-seasonally adjusted U.S. City Average All Items Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as its inflation measure. Inflation protected bonds issued by U.S. corporations are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable measure of inflation determined by that government or corporation. The fund may invest in inflation-protected fixed income securities of any type, including those issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities and U.S. corporations. The fund may invest in inflation-protected fixed income securities with effective or final maturities of any length. The fund also may invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying security or as part of an overall strategy designed to reduce the fund’s risk exposure. In addition, the fund may invest in other financial instruments or use other investment techniques to seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it may invest. For temporary defensive purposes during unusual market conditions, the fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or other high quality short-term investments. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment goal. The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include: Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money. Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results. Inflation Protected Security Risk. The value of inflation protected securities, including TIPS, generally will fluctuate in response to changes in “real” interest rates, generally decreasing when real interest rates rise and increasing when real interest rates fall. In addition, interest payments on inflation-indexed securities will generally vary up or down along with the rate of inflation. Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be. Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations. Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price. Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security. Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus. On August 10, 2009, the Investor Share class and Select Share class were combined into a single class of shares of the fund, and the fund no longer offers multiple classes of shares. The performance history of the fund is that of the fund’s former Select Shares. Accordingly, the past performance information of the fund’s former Select Shares is shown below.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best quarter: 5.12% Q1 2008 Worst quarter: (3.53%) Q3 2008 Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 6.00%
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund | Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	rr_ShareholderFeeOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.34%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.64%
Less expense reduction	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.35%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.29%	[1]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	30
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	93
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	163
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	368
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	10.57%
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(1.96%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	9.24%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	5.82%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	12.80%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2012
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	6.00%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2008
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	5.12%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(3.53%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	12.80%
5 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	7.17%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	6.61%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 31, 2006
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund | After taxes on distributions | Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	11.14%
5 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.82%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.21%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 31, 2006
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund | After taxes on distributions and sale of shares | Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	8.31%
5 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.36%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.84%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 31, 2006
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund | Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. TIPS Index
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	13.56%
5 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	7.95%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	7.38%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 31, 2006

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.29% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund’s Board of Trustees.

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Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund

Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund^TM

Investment objective

The fund seeks high current income exempt from federal and California personal income tax that is consistent with capital preservation.

Fund fees and expenses

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

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees (USD $)	Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year
as a % of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Management fees		0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees		none
Other expenses		0.29%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.59%
Less expense reduction		(0.10%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	[1]	0.49%

Example

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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expenses on a $10,000 investment

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund	50	157	274	616

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 101% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in investment-grade municipal securities — those in the four highest credit rating categories (rated AAA to BBB- or the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser) from California issuers. The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities the interest from which is exempt from federal and California personal income tax and federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). The fund does not currently intend to invest in municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT; however, this would not prevent the fund from investing in such securities as a temporary defensive measure discussed below.

The fund may invest in securities from municipal issuers in California and in U.S. territories and possessions. These may include general obligation issues, which typically are backed by the issuer’s ability to levy taxes, and revenue issues, which typically are backed by a stream of revenue from a given source, such as an electric utility or a public water system. The fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in municipal securities financing similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities and may also invest in municipal notes. Many of the fund’s securities carry credit enhancements (such as bond insurance) or liquidity enhancements (such as a letter of credit), which are designed to provide incremental levels of creditworthiness or liquidity.

In choosing securities, the fund’s investment adviser seeks to maximize current income within the limits of the fund’s credit and average maturity standards. The investment adviser’s credit research department analyzes and monitors the securities that the fund owns or is considering buying. The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in below investment grade bonds (sometimes called junk bonds) that are rated, at the time of investment, at least B by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or are the unrated equivalent as determined by the investment adviser. If a bond is downgraded below B or the unrated equivalent, the fund may continue to hold it unless the investment adviser determines the risk of holding the bond is unacceptable when compared to the bond’s total return potential. The investment adviser may adjust the fund’s holdings or its average maturity based on actual or anticipated changes in interest rates or credit quality.

The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks.

During unusual market conditions, the fund may invest entirely in taxable securities and municipal securities whose interest is subject to the AMT as a temporary defensive measure. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment objective.

Principal risks

The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include:

Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money.

Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.

Investment Style Risk. The fund is not designed to offer substantial capital appreciation. In exchange for its goal of capital preservation, the fund may offer lower long-term performance than stock investments or certain other types of bond investments. The fund’s emphasis on quality and preservation of capital also could cause it to underperform certain other types of bond investments, particularly those that take greater maturity and credit risks. At the same time, some of the fund’s investments may have greater risks than securities in taxable bond funds.

Non-Diversification Risk. The fund is non-diversified and, as such, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund that is diversified. A non-diversified fund is more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be.

Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price.

High Yield Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (sometimes called junk bonds) that the fund may invest in are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks. High yield securities are considered primarily speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.

Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price.

Municipal Securities Risk. The fund primarily invests in municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of the issuers’ counsel, is exempt from federal income tax and from the AMT. Neither the investment adviser nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with such counsel’s opinion. If certain types of investments the fund buys as tax-exempt are later ruled to be taxable, a portion of the fund’s income could be taxable. To the extent that the fund invests in municipal securities from a given state or geographic region, its share price and performance could be affected by local, state and regional factors, including erosion of the tax base and changes in the economic climate. In addition, many municipal securities are issued to finance specific projects (especially those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities) and conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. National governmental actions, such as the elimination of tax-exempt status or the reduction of financial support to municipalities, also could affect performance. Municipalities continue to experience difficulties in the current economic and political environment.

California State-Specific Risk. Because the fund concentrates its investments in California municipal securities, the fund may be affected significantly by economic, regulatory or political developments affecting the ability of California issuers to pay interest or repay principal.

Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security.

Taxable Investments. The fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate income that is not exempt from federal income tax and, in addition, with respect to any temporary defensive investments by the fund, in securities whose interest is subject to the AMT. These investments could generate taxable income for shareholders.

Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.

Performance

The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.

Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31

Best quarter: 5.79% Q3 2002
Worst quarter: (3.44%) Q4 2010
Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 5.66%

Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11

Average Annual Total Returns	1 year	5 years	10 years
Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund	9.26%	4.39%	4.74%
Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund After taxes on distributions	9.26%	4.39%	4.72%
Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund After taxes on distributions and sale of shares	7.21%	4.29%	4.65%
Schwab California Tax-Free Bond Fund Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays 7-Year Municipal Bond Index	10.14%	6.38%	5.63%

The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed benefit from any losses on a sale of shares at the end of the measurement period.

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.49% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

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Schwab Premier Income Fund

Schwab Intermediate-Term Bond Fund^TM (formerly, Schwab^® Premier Income Fund)

Investment objective

The fund seeks total return.

Fund fees and expenses

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

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees (USD $)	Schwab Premier Income Fund
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year
as a % of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		Schwab Premier Income Fund
Management fees		0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees		none
Other expenses		0.32%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.62%
Less expense reduction		(0.17%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	[1]	0.45%

Example

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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expenses on a $10,000 investment

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
Schwab Premier Income Fund	46	144	252	567

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 304% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes) in debt instruments. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. The fund invests primarily in fixed income instruments issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and U.S. companies and entities. The fund may also invest in U.S. dollar denominated fixed income instruments issued by non-U.S. and emerging market governments, governmental agencies, companies and entities and supranational entities. Under normal circumstances, the dollar- weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio is expected to be between three years and ten years.

The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate bonds of any kind, including, government and agency bonds, corporate bonds, commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, hybrid securities and preferred securities.

The fund invests at least 75% of its net assets in investment grade bonds as rated by independent rating agencies, or if unrated, determined by the investment adviser to be of comparable quality. The fund may also invest up to 10% of its net assets in bonds rated below investment-grade (sometimes called junk bonds) or their unrated equivalents as determined by the investment adviser. The fund may invest in bonds having ultra-short, short-, intermediate-and long-term maturities.

The fund also may invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses derivatives as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a strategy designed to manage exposure to other risks. The fund may also invest in mortgage dollar rolls.

The fund selects investments across and within various market sectors based on the investment adviser’s assessment of economic, market, political and industry conditions and analysis of each issuer. In making this determination, the investment adviser may consider a variety of factors that it determines to be relevant from time to time, such as projected interest rate movements, volatility forecasts, technical data, industry cycles, political events and the issuer’s financial condition, earning estimates, management and industry position.

The fund may hold all of its assets in cash, cash equivalents and other short-term investments for temporary or defensive purposes. The fund may utilize such tactics when the investment adviser believes that market or economic or political conditions are unfavorable for investors. Under such circumstances, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.

Principal risks

The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include:

Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money.

Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be.

Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price.

Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price.

High Yield Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (sometimes called junk bonds) that the fund may invest in are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks. High yield securities are considered primarily speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.

Foreign Investment Risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve certain risks that are greater than those associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These include: risks of adverse changes in foreign economic, political, regulatory and other conditions; changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations (including limitations on currency movements and exchanges); differing accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and practices; differing securities market structures; and higher transaction costs. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets.

Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in market or economic conditions than more developed countries. Such countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements and greater risk associated with the custody of securities. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility associated with the fund’s investments in emerging market countries and, at times, it may be difficult to value such investments.

Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls Risk. Mortgage dollar rolls are transactions in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. The fund’s mortgage dollar rolls could lose money if the price of the mortgage-backed securities sold falls below the agreed upon repurchase price, or if the counterparty is unable to honor the agreement.

Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives and mortgage dollar rolls, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.

Performance

The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus. On August 10, 2009, the Investor Share class and Select Share class were combined into a single class of shares of the fund, and the fund no longer offers multiple classes of shares. The performance history of the fund is that of the fund’s former Select Shares. Accordingly, the past performance information of the fund’s former Select Shares is shown below. Prior to December 15, 2012, the fund operated under a different investment objective and different investment strategies.

Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31

Best quarter: 6.04% Q3 2009
Worst quarter: (1.70%) Q4 2008
Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 3.22%

Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11

Average Annual Total Returns	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Schwab Premier Income Fund	5.63%	6.65%	Oct. 31, 2007
Schwab Premier Income Fund After taxes on distributions	4.34%	4.70%	Oct. 31, 2007
Schwab Premier Income Fund After taxes on distributions and sale of shares	3.79%	4.54%	Oct. 31, 2007
Schwab Premier Income Fund Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. Aggregate Intermediate Bond Index	5.97%	6.04%	Oct. 31, 2007

The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.45% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Schwab Short-Term Bond Market FundTM
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund seeks high current income by tracking the performance of the Barclays U.S. Government/Credit: 1-5 Years Index.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fund fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses 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 % of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 92% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	92.00%
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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Expenses on a $10,000 investment
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of debt instruments that is designed to track the performance of the Barclays U.S. Government/Credit: 1-5 Years Index. The fund uses the index as a guide in structuring the fund’s portfolio and selecting its investments. However, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in the securities represented in the index. Under normal circumstances, the dollar-weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio is not expected to exceed three years. The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in debt instruments of varying maturities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. The fund invests primarily in investment grade instruments. The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate debt instruments. The fund also may invest in debt instruments of domestic and foreign issuers. The fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions to earn additional income. The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks. The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include: Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money. Investment Style Risk. The fund invests in securities of the short-term bond market, as measured by the index. The fund is designed to follow the performance of the index during upturns as well as downturns. As a result, the fund will not take steps to reduce market exposure or lessen the effects of a declining market. Tracking Error Risk. The fund is designed to track the performance of its benchmark index, although it may not be successful in doing so. The divergence between the performance of a fund and its benchmark index, positive or negative, is called “tracking error.” Tracking error can be caused by many factors and it may be significant. For example, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in securities represented in its benchmark index and may not invest in certain securities in the benchmark index, or match the securities’ weightings to the benchmark, due to regulatory, operational, custodial or liquidity constraints; corporate transactions; asset valuations; transaction costs and timing; tax considerations; and index rebalancing, which may result in tracking error. Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be. Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations. Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price. Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security. Foreign Investment Risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve certain risks that are greater than those associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These include: risks of adverse changes in foreign economic, political, regulatory and other conditions; changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations (including limitations on currency movements and exchanges); differing accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and practices; differing securities market structures; and higher transaction costs. Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights in the collateral or delay in recovery of the collateral if the borrower fails to return the security loaned or becomes insolvent. Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best quarter: 3.24% Q3 2002 Worst quarter: (1.58%) Q1 2008 Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 1.73%
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund | Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	rr_ShareholderFeeOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.32%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.62%
Less expense reduction	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.33%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.29%	[1]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	30
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	93
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	163
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	368
2002	rr_AnnualReturn2002	6.58%
2003	rr_AnnualReturn2003	3.46%
2004	rr_AnnualReturn2004	2.03%
2005	rr_AnnualReturn2005	1.54%
2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	4.58%
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	4.60%
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(5.41%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	2.42%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	3.57%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	2.74%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2012
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	1.73%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2002
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	3.24%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(1.58%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	2.74%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	1.52%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	2.57%
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund | After taxes on distributions | Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	2.28%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.48%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	1.37%
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund | After taxes on distributions and sale of shares | Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.78%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.69%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	1.49%
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund | Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. Government/Credit: 1-5 Years Index
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	3.14%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.84%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.30%

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.29% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund

Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund^TM

Investment objective

The fund seeks high current income by tracking the performance of the Barclays U.S. Government/Credit: 1-5 Years Index.

Fund fees and expenses

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

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees (USD $)	Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year
as a % of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund
Management fees		0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees		none
Other expenses		0.32%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.62%
Less expense reduction		(0.33%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	[1]	0.29%

Example

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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expenses on a $10,000 investment

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund	30	93	163	368

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 92% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of debt instruments that is designed to track the performance of the Barclays U.S. Government/Credit: 1-5 Years Index. The fund uses the index as a guide in structuring the fund’s portfolio and selecting its investments. However, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in the securities represented in the index. Under normal circumstances, the dollar-weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio is not expected to exceed three years.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in debt instruments of varying maturities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. The fund invests primarily in investment grade instruments. The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate debt instruments. The fund also may invest in debt instruments of domestic and foreign issuers.

The fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions to earn additional income. The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks.

The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.

Principal risks

The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include:

Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money.

Investment Style Risk. The fund invests in securities of the short-term bond market, as measured by the index. The fund is designed to follow the performance of the index during upturns as well as downturns. As a result, the fund will not take steps to reduce market exposure or lessen the effects of a declining market.

Tracking Error Risk. The fund is designed to track the performance of its benchmark index, although it may not be successful in doing so. The divergence between the performance of a fund and its benchmark index, positive or negative, is called “tracking error.” Tracking error can be caused by many factors and it may be significant. For example, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in securities represented in its benchmark index and may not invest in certain securities in the benchmark index, or match the securities’ weightings to the benchmark, due to regulatory, operational, custodial or liquidity constraints; corporate transactions; asset valuations; transaction costs and timing; tax considerations; and index rebalancing, which may result in tracking error.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be.

Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price.

Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security.

Foreign Investment Risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve certain risks that are greater than those associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These include: risks of adverse changes in foreign economic, political, regulatory and other conditions; changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations (including limitations on currency movements and exchanges); differing accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and practices; differing securities market structures; and higher transaction costs.

Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights in the collateral or delay in recovery of the collateral if the borrower fails to return the security loaned or becomes insolvent.

Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.

Performance

The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.

Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31

Best quarter: 3.24% Q3 2002
Worst quarter: (1.58%) Q1 2008
Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 1.73%

Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11

Average Annual Total Returns	1 year	5 years	10 years
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund	2.74%	1.52%	2.57%
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund After taxes on distributions	2.28%	0.48%	1.37%
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund After taxes on distributions and sale of shares	1.78%	0.69%	1.49%
Schwab Short-Term Bond Market Fund Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. Government/Credit: 1-5 Years Index	3.14%	4.84%	4.30%

The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.29% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Schwab GNMA Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Schwab GNMA FundTM
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund seeks high current income consistent with preservation of capital.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fund fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses 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 % of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 567% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	567.00%
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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Expenses on a $10,000 investment
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) securities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. In addition to GNMA securities, the fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its other agencies and instrumentalities, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs). The fund may also invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, repurchase agreements, and commercial paper. The fund also may invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks. The fund is not subject to any maturity or duration restrictions. The fund also may seek to obtain market exposure to the instruments in which it invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques, such as mortgage dollar rolls. For temporary defensive purposes during unusual market conditions, the fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or other high quality short-term investments. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment goal. The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include: Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money. Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results. Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be. Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations. Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price. Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price. Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security. Mortgage Dollar Rolls Risk. Mortgage dollar rolls are transactions in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. The fund’s mortgage dollar rolls could lose money if the price of the mortgage-backed securities sold falls below the agreed upon repurchase price, or if the counterparty is unable to honor the agreement. Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives and mortgage dollar rolls, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus. On August 10, 2009, the Investor Share class and Select Share class were combined into a single class of shares of the fund, and the fund no longer offers multiple classes of shares. The performance history of the fund is that of the fund’s former Select Shares. Accordingly, the past performance information of the fund’s former Select Shares is shown below.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best quarter: 3.54% Q4 2007 Worst quarter: (1.14%) Q2 2004 Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 2.65%
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Schwab GNMA Fund | Schwab GNMA Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	rr_ShareholderFeeOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.29%
Distribution (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.31%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.60%
Less expense reduction	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.05%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.55%	[1]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	56
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	176
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	307
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	689
2004	rr_AnnualReturn2004	3.37%
2005	rr_AnnualReturn2005	2.64%
2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	3.82%
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	7.93%
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	6.03%
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	5.71%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	5.61%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	7.70%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2012
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	2.65%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2007
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	3.54%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2004
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(1.14%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.70%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.59%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.97%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 03, 2003
Schwab GNMA Fund | After taxes on distributions | Schwab GNMA Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	6.29%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.05%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.44%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 03, 2003
Schwab GNMA Fund | After taxes on distributions and sale of shares | Schwab GNMA Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	5.05%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	4.74%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.34%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 03, 2003
Schwab GNMA Fund | Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays GNMA Index
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.90%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.95%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.53%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 03, 2003

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.55% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Schwab Premier Income Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Schwab Intermediate-Term Bond FundTM (formerly, Schwab® Premier Income Fund)
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund seeks total return.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fund fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses 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 % of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 304% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	304.00%
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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Expenses on a $10,000 investment
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes) in debt instruments. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. The fund invests primarily in fixed income instruments issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and U.S. companies and entities. The fund may also invest in U.S. dollar denominated fixed income instruments issued by non-U.S. and emerging market governments, governmental agencies, companies and entities and supranational entities. Under normal circumstances, the dollar- weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio is expected to be between three years and ten years. The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate bonds of any kind, including, government and agency bonds, corporate bonds, commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, hybrid securities and preferred securities. The fund invests at least 75% of its net assets in investment grade bonds as rated by independent rating agencies, or if unrated, determined by the investment adviser to be of comparable quality. The fund may also invest up to 10% of its net assets in bonds rated below investment-grade (sometimes called junk bonds) or their unrated equivalents as determined by the investment adviser. The fund may invest in bonds having ultra-short, short-, intermediate-and long-term maturities. The fund also may invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses derivatives as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a strategy designed to manage exposure to other risks. The fund may also invest in mortgage dollar rolls. The fund selects investments across and within various market sectors based on the investment adviser’s assessment of economic, market, political and industry conditions and analysis of each issuer. In making this determination, the investment adviser may consider a variety of factors that it determines to be relevant from time to time, such as projected interest rate movements, volatility forecasts, technical data, industry cycles, political events and the issuer’s financial condition, earning estimates, management and industry position. The fund may hold all of its assets in cash, cash equivalents and other short-term investments for temporary or defensive purposes. The fund may utilize such tactics when the investment adviser believes that market or economic or political conditions are unfavorable for investors. Under such circumstances, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include: Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money. Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results. Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be. Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations. Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price. Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price. High Yield Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (sometimes called junk bonds) that the fund may invest in are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks. High yield securities are considered primarily speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. Foreign Investment Risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve certain risks that are greater than those associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These include: risks of adverse changes in foreign economic, political, regulatory and other conditions; changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations (including limitations on currency movements and exchanges); differing accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and practices; differing securities market structures; and higher transaction costs. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets. Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in market or economic conditions than more developed countries. Such countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements and greater risk associated with the custody of securities. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility associated with the fund’s investments in emerging market countries and, at times, it may be difficult to value such investments. Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security. Mortgage Dollar Rolls Risk. Mortgage dollar rolls are transactions in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. The fund’s mortgage dollar rolls could lose money if the price of the mortgage-backed securities sold falls below the agreed upon repurchase price, or if the counterparty is unable to honor the agreement. Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives and mortgage dollar rolls, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus. On August 10, 2009, the Investor Share class and Select Share class were combined into a single class of shares of the fund, and the fund no longer offers multiple classes of shares. The performance history of the fund is that of the fund’s former Select Shares. Accordingly, the past performance information of the fund’s former Select Shares is shown below. Prior to December 15, 2012, the fund operated under a different investment objective and different investment strategies.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best quarter: 6.04% Q3 2009 Worst quarter: (1.70%) Q4 2008 Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 3.22%
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Schwab Premier Income Fund | Schwab Premier Income Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	rr_ShareholderFeeOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.32%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.62%
Less expense reduction	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.17%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.45%	[1]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	46
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	144
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	252
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	567
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(2.24%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	14.34%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	7.65%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	5.63%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2012
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	3.22%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	6.04%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(1.70%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	5.63%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	6.65%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2007
Schwab Premier Income Fund | After taxes on distributions | Schwab Premier Income Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	4.34%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.70%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2007
Schwab Premier Income Fund | After taxes on distributions and sale of shares | Schwab Premier Income Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	3.79%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.54%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2007
Schwab Premier Income Fund | Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. Aggregate Intermediate Bond Index
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	5.97%
Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	6.04%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Oct. 31, 2007

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.45% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 15, 2012
Risk/Return:
Document Type	485BPOS
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2012
Registrant Name	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Central Index Key	0000869365
Amendment Flag	false
Document Creation Date	Dec. 14, 2012
Document Effective Date	Dec. 14, 2012
Prospectus Date	Dec. 15, 2012

XML

Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Schwab^® Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Investment objective

The fund seeks to provide total return and inflation protection.

Fund fees and expenses

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

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees (USD $)	Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year
as a % of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund
Management fees		0.30%
Distribution (12b-1) fees		none
Other expenses		0.34%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.64%
Less expense reduction		(0.35%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	[1]	0.29%

Example

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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expenses on a $10,000 investment

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund	30	93	163	368

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 32% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in Treasury inflation-protected fixed income securities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy.

Inflation-protected securities are fixed income securities that are structured to provide protection against inflation. The value of the bond’s principal or the interest paid on the bond is adjusted to track changes (up or down) in an official inflation measure. The U.S. Treasury, the largest domestic issuer of inflation-protected securities (i.e., Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS)), currently uses the non-seasonally adjusted U.S. City Average All Items Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as its inflation measure. Inflation protected bonds issued by U.S. corporations are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable measure of inflation determined by that government or corporation.

The fund may invest in inflation-protected fixed income securities of any type, including those issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities and U.S. corporations. The fund may invest in inflation-protected fixed income securities with effective or final maturities of any length. The fund also may invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying security or as part of an overall strategy designed to reduce the fund’s risk exposure. In addition, the fund may invest in other financial instruments or use other investment techniques to seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it may invest.

For temporary defensive purposes during unusual market conditions, the fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or other high quality short-term investments. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment goal.

The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.

Principal risks

The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include:

Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money.

Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.

Inflation Protected Security Risk. The value of inflation protected securities, including TIPS, generally will fluctuate in response to changes in “real” interest rates, generally decreasing when real interest rates rise and increasing when real interest rates fall. In addition, interest payments on inflation-indexed securities will generally vary up or down along with the rate of inflation.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be.

Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price.

Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security.

Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.

Performance

The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus. On August 10, 2009, the Investor Share class and Select Share class were combined into a single class of shares of the fund, and the fund no longer offers multiple classes of shares. The performance history of the fund is that of the fund’s former Select Shares. Accordingly, the past performance information of the fund’s former Select Shares is shown below.

Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31

Best quarter: 5.12% Q1 2008
Worst quarter: (3.53%) Q3 2008
Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 6.00%

Average annual total returns (%) as of
12/31/11

Average Annual Total Returns	1 year	5 year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund	12.80%	7.17%	6.61%	Mar. 31, 2006
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund After taxes on distributions	11.14%	5.82%	5.21%	Mar. 31, 2006
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund After taxes on distributions and sale of shares	8.31%	5.36%	4.84%	Mar. 31, 2006
Schwab Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. TIPS Index	13.56%	7.95%	7.38%	Mar. 31, 2006

The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.29% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund’s Board of Trustees.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Schwab Total Bond Market FundTM
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund seeks high current income by tracking the performance of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fund fees and expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses 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 % of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 160% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	160.00%
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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Expenses on a $10,000 investment
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	To pursue its goal, the fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of debt instruments that is designed to track the performance of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The fund uses the index as a guide in structuring the fund’s portfolio and selecting its investments. However, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in the securities represented in the index. The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in debt instruments of varying maturities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. The fund invests primarily in investment grade instruments. The fund may invest in fixed-, variable- or floating-rate debt instruments. The fund also may invest in debt instruments of domestic and foreign issuers, including mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities. The fund may also invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as a part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks. The fund may lend its securities to certain financial institutions to earn additional income. The fund also may seek to obtain market exposure to the instruments in which it invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques (such as mortgage dollar rolls). The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include: Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money. Investment Style Risk. The fund invests in securities of the bond market, as measured by the index. The fund is designed to follow the performance of the index during upturns as well as downturns. As a result, the fund will not take steps to reduce market exposure or lessen the effects of a declining market. Tracking Error Risk. The fund is designed to track the performance of its benchmark index, although it may not be successful in doing so. The divergence between the performance of a fund and its benchmark index, positive or negative, is called “tracking error.” Tracking error can be caused by many factors and it may be significant. For example, the fund is not required to invest any percentage of its assets in securities represented in its benchmark index and may not invest in certain securities in the benchmark index, or match the securities’ weightings to the benchmark, due to regulatory, operational, custodial or liquidity constraints; corporate transactions; asset valuations; transaction costs and timing; tax considerations; and index rebalancing, which may result in tracking error. Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be. Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations. Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price. Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price. Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security. Foreign Investment Risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve certain risks that are greater than those associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These include: risks of adverse changes in foreign economic, political, regulatory and other conditions; changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations (including limitations on currency movements and exchanges); differing accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and practices; differing securities market structures; and higher transaction costs. Mortgage Dollar Rolls Risk. Mortgage dollar rolls are transactions in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. The fund’s mortgage dollar rolls could lose money if the price of the mortgage-backed securities sold falls below the agreed upon repurchase price, or if the counterparty is unable to honor the agreement. Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives and mortgage dollar rolls, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights in the collateral or delay in recovery of the collateral if the borrower fails to return the security loaned or becomes insolvent. Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Best quarter: 4.28% Q3 2002 Worst quarter: (2.20%) Q1 2008 Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 3.80%
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund | Schwab Total Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	rr_ShareholderFeeOther	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.26%
Distribution (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.30%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.56%
Less expense reduction	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.27%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.29%	[1]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	30
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	93
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	163
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	368
2002	rr_AnnualReturn2002	8.77%
2003	rr_AnnualReturn2003	4.28%
2004	rr_AnnualReturn2004	4.57%
2005	rr_AnnualReturn2005	2.67%
2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	4.62%
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	4.71%
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(4.41%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	4.43%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	6.00%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	7.40%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	Year-to-date performance
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2012
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	3.80%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Best quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2002
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	4.28%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Worst quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(2.20%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.40%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	3.54%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.25%
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund | After taxes on distributions | Schwab Total Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	6.32%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.10%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	2.64%
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund | After taxes on distributions and sale of shares | Schwab Total Bond Market Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	4.78%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	2.16%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	2.69%
Schwab Total Bond Market Fund | Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	7.84%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	6.50%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	5.78%

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.29% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees. The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to advance the fund certain litigation expenses in connection with certain legal matters (excluding amounts paid in connection with judgments and settlements) to the extent necessary to maintain these expense limitations. These advances are subject to repayment by the fund to the extent the litigation expenses are subsequently paid or reimbursed to the fund by its insurance carriers.

XML

Schwab GNMA Fund

Schwab GNMA Fund^TM

Investment objective

The fund seeks high current income consistent with preservation of capital.

Fund fees and expenses

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

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees (USD $)	Schwab GNMA Fund
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)	none

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year
as a % of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		Schwab GNMA Fund
Management fees		0.29%
Distribution (12b-1) fees		none
Other expenses		0.31%
Total annual fund operating expenses		0.60%
Less expense reduction		(0.05%)
Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction	[1]	0.55%

Example

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 time periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The figures are based on total annual fund operating expenses after expense reduction. The expenses would be the same whether you stayed in the fund or sold your shares at the end of each period. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.

Expenses on a $10,000 investment

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
Schwab GNMA Fund	56	176	307	689

Portfolio turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 the 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 567% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) securities. The fund will notify its shareholders at least 60 days before changing this policy. In addition to GNMA securities, the fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its other agencies and instrumentalities, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs).

The fund may also invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, repurchase agreements, and commercial paper. The fund also may invest in derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. The fund typically uses futures as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset or as part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks. The fund is not subject to any maturity or duration restrictions. The fund also may seek to obtain market exposure to the instruments in which it invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques, such as mortgage dollar rolls.

For temporary defensive purposes during unusual market conditions, the fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or other high quality short-term investments. When the fund engages in such activities, the fund would not be pursuing its investment strategy and, as a result, it may not achieve its investment goal.

The fund may buy and sell portfolio securities actively. If it does, its portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs will rise, which may lower fund performance and increase the likelihood of capital gain distributions.

Principal risks

The fund is subject to risks, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. The fund’s principal risks include:

Market Risk. Bond markets rise and fall daily. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate, which means that you could lose money.

Management Risk. As an actively managed mutual fund, the fund is subject to the risk that its investment adviser will make poor security selections. The fund’s investment adviser applies its own investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates will rise and fall over time. During periods when interest rates are low, the fund’s yield and total return also may be low. Changes in interest rates also may affect the fund’s share price: a sharp rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s share price to fall. The longer the fund’s duration, the more sensitive to interest rate movements its share price is likely to be.

Credit Risk. The fund is subject to the risk that a decline in the credit quality of a portfolio investment could cause the fund to lose money or underperform. The fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a portfolio investment fails to make timely principal or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

Liquidity Risk. A particular investment may be difficult to purchase or sell. The fund may be unable to sell a security at an advantageous time or price.

Prepayment and Extension Risk. The fund’s investments are subject to the risk that the securities may be paid off earlier or later than expected. Either situation could cause the fund to hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest, which could hurt the fund’s yield or share price.

Derivatives Risk. The fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments and could cause the fund to lose more than the principal amount invested. In addition, investments in derivatives may involve leverage, which means a small percentage of assets invested in derivatives can have a disproportionately large impact on the fund. However, these risks are less severe when the fund uses derivatives for hedging rather than to enhance the fund’s returns or as a substitute for a position or security.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls Risk. Mortgage dollar rolls are transactions in which the fund sells mortgage-backed securities to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price. The fund’s mortgage dollar rolls could lose money if the price of the mortgage-backed securities sold falls below the agreed upon repurchase price, or if the counterparty is unable to honor the agreement.

Leverage Risk. Certain fund transactions, such as derivatives and mortgage dollar rolls, may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the fund to greater risk. Leverage tends to magnify the effect of any decrease or increase in the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may cause the fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Lack of Governmental Insurance or Guarantee. An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

For more information on the risks of investing in the fund please see the “Fund details” section in the prospectus.

Performance

The bar chart below 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 compared to that of an index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. All figures assume distributions were reinvested. Keep in mind that future performance (both before and after taxes) may differ from past performance. For current performance information, please see www.schwabfunds.com/prospectus. On August 10, 2009, the Investor Share class and Select Share class were combined into a single class of shares of the fund, and the fund no longer offers multiple classes of shares. The performance history of the fund is that of the fund’s former Select Shares. Accordingly, the past performance information of the fund’s former Select Shares is shown below.

Annual total returns (%) as of 12/31

Best quarter: 3.54% Q4 2007
Worst quarter: (1.14%) Q2 2004
Year-to-date performance (non-annualized and pre-tax) as of 9/30/12: 2.65%

Average annual total returns (%) as of 12/31/11

Average Annual Total Returns	1 year	5 years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Schwab GNMA Fund	7.70%	6.59%	4.97%	Mar. 03, 2003
Schwab GNMA Fund After taxes on distributions	6.29%	5.05%	3.44%	Mar. 03, 2003
Schwab GNMA Fund After taxes on distributions and sale of shares	5.05%	4.74%	3.34%	Mar. 03, 2003
Schwab GNMA Fund Comparative Index (reflects no deduction for expenses or taxes) Barclays GNMA Index	7.90%	6.95%	5.53%	Mar. 03, 2003

The after-tax figures reflect the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during the period and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation. 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, IRA or other tax-advantaged account.

[1] The investment adviser and its affiliates have agreed to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and certain non-routine expenses) of the fund to 0.55% for so long as the investment adviser serves as the adviser to the fund. This agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	SCHWAB INVESTMENTS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 15, 2012
Document Creation Date	dei_DocumentCreationDate	Dec. 14, 2012