2.2.0.25truefalse040000 - Disclosure - Risk/Return Detail Data {Elements}truetruefalse1falsefalsefalsefalse5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 chttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000088808duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00RatioStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421702true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:3false0dei_DocumentTypedeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00485BPOSfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:SECReportItemTypenaThe type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, N-1A, etc). The document type should be limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type. The acceptable values are as follows: S-1, S-3, S-4, S-11, F-1, F-3, F-4, F-9, F-10, 6-K, 8-K, 10, 10-K, 10-Q, 20-F, 40-F, N-1A, 485BPOS, NCSR, N-Q, and Other.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseDocument Type4false0dei_DocumentPeriodEndDatedeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002010-12-31falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateThe end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements this will be the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePeriod End Date5false0dei_EntityRegistrantNamedeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00SELECTED AMERICAN SHARES INCfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:normalizedStringItemTypenormalizedstringThe exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation 12B -Number 240 -Section 12b -Subsection 1 falsefalseRegistrant Name6false0dei_EntityCentralIndexKeydeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse000000088808falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:centralIndexKeyItemTypenaA unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation 12B -Number 240 -Section 12b -Subsection 1 falsefalseCIK7false0dei_AmendmentFlagdeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:booleanItemTypenaIf the value is true, then the document as an amendment to previously-filed/accepted document.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAmendment8false0dei_DocumentCreationDatedeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002011-05-01falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateThe date the document was made available and submitted, in CCYY-MM-DD format. The date of submission, date of acceptance by the recipient, and the document effective date are all potentially different.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCreation Date9false0dei_DocumentEffectiveDatedeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002011-05-01falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateThe date when a document, upon receipt and acceptance, becomes officially effective, in CCYY-MM-DD format. Usually it is a system-assigned date time value, but it may be declared by the submitter in some cases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseEffective Date10false0rr_ProspectusDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002011-05-01falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateThe date of the prospectus.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 1 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection a falsefalseProspectus Date11false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://xbrl.sec.gov/rr/role/riskreturndetaildata1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Selected American Shares 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 c_S000003448http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000088808duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseSelected American Sharesdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_S000003448Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberRatioStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSelected American Shares12true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:13false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 <big> Fund Summary: Selected American Shares </big> falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return14false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<big>Investment Objective</big>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseINVESTMENT OBJECTIVE:15false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Selected American Shares' investment objective is to achieve both capital growth and income. In the current market environment, income is expected to be low.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseINVESTMENT OBJECTIVE16false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<big>Fees and Expenses of Selected American Shares</big>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) 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 you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseFees and expenses of the fund:17false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of Selected American Shares. falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseFees and expenses of the fund, narrative18false0rr_ShareholderFeesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringShareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection table falsefalseShareholder fees, caption19false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseAnnual fund operating expenses, heading20false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<big>Portfolio Turnover</big>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio turnover, heading21false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 Selected American Shares pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual Fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 9% of the average value of its portfolio. falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio turnover, narrative22false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverRaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.09000.0900falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureThis element represents the rate of portfolio turnover presented as a percentage (SEC Form N-1A 2006-09-14 A.3.example.3 Portfolio Turnover A.3.instructions.5 Portfolio Turnover).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover Rate23false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<big>Example</big>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExample, heading24false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Selected American Shares for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. This example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be: falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, Narrative25false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<big>Principal Investment Strategies</big>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy, Heading26false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. ("Davis Advisors" or the "Adviser"), the Fund's investment adviser, uses the Davis Investment Discipline to invest at least 80% of Selected American Shares' net assets, plus any borrowing for investment purposes, in securities issued by American companies. The Fund will primarily invest in equity securities (typically common stocks, but may also include preferred stocks, and other forms of equity securities) issued by large companies with market capitalizations of at least $10 billion. Historically, the Fund has invested a significant portion of its assets in financial services companies. The Fund has the flexibility to invest in foreign securities. Davis Investment Discipline. Davis Advisors manages equity funds using the Davis Investment Discipline. Davis Advisors conducts extensive research to try to identify businesses that possess characteristics that Davis Advisors believes foster the creation of long-term value, such as proven management, a durable franchise and business model, and sustainable competitive advantages. Davis Advisors aims to invest in such businesses when they are trading at discounts to their intrinsic worth. Davis Advisors emphasizes individual stock selection and believes that the ability to evaluate management is critical. Davis Advisors routinely visits managers at their places of business in order to gain insight into the relative value of different businesses. Such research, however rigorous, involves predictions and forecasts that are inherently uncertain. After determining which companies Davis Advisors believes the Fund should own, Davis Advisors then turns its analysis to determining the intrinsic value of those companies' equity securities. Davis Advisors seeks equity securities which can be purchased at attractive valuations relative to their intrinsic value. Davis Advisors' goal is to invest in companies for the long term. Davis Advisors considers selling a company's equity securities if the securities' market price exceeds Davis Advisors' estimates of intrinsic value, or if the ratio of the risks and rewards of continuing to own the company's equity securities is no longer attractive. falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy, Narrative27false0rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentrationrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund may not concentrate its investments in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalsePortfolio Concentration28false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<big>Principal Risks of Investing in Selected American Shares </big>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk, Heading29false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 You may lose money by investing in Selected American Shares. Investors in the Fund should have a long-term perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in value. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are: <ul> <li> Stock Market risk. Stock markets tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising prices and periods of falling prices, including the possibility of sharp declines. </li> <li> Manager risk. Poor security selection or focus on securities in a particular sector, category, or group of companies may cause the Fund to underperform relevant benchmarks or other funds with a similar investment objective. </li> <li> Common Stock risk. Common stock represents an ownership position in a company. An adverse event may have a negative impact on a company and could result in a decline in the price of its common stock. Common stock is generally subordinate to an issuer's other securities, including preferred, convertible, and debt securities. </li> <li> Financial Services risk. Investing a significant portion of assets in the financial services sector may cause the Fund to be more sensitive to problems affecting financial companies. </li> <li> Foreign Country risk. Foreign companies may be subject to greater risk as foreign economies may not be as strong or diversified, foreign political systems may not be as stable, and foreign financial reporting standards may not be as rigorous as they are in the United States. </li> <li> Emerging Market risk. The Fund invests in emerging or developing markets. Securities of issuers in emerging and developing markets may offer special investment opportunities, but present risks not found in more mature markets. </li> <li> Foreign Currency risk. Securities issued by foreign companies are frequently denominated in foreign currencies. The change in value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the U.S. dollar value of securities denominated in that foreign currency. </li> <li> Trading Markets and Depositary Receipts risk. Foreign securities may trade in the form of depositary receipts, including American, European and Global Depositary Receipts. Although depositary receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying securities listed on an exchange. </li> <li> Headline risk. The Fund may invest in a company when the company becomes the center of controversy after receiving adverse media attention concerning its operations, long-term prospects, or management or for other reasons. While Davis Advisors researches companies subject to such contingencies, it cannot be correct every time, and the company's stock may never recover or may become worthless. </li> <li> Fees and Expenses risk. The Fund may not earn enough through income and capital appreciation to offset the operating expenses of the Fund. All mutual funds incur operating fees and expenses. Fees and expenses reduce the return which a shareholder may earn by investing in a fund, even when a fund has favorable performance. A low return environment, or a bear market, increases the risk that a shareholder may lose money. </li> </ul> Your investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency, entity or person. falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk, Narrative30false0rr_RiskLoseMoneyrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Your investment is not guaranteed and you may lose money.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringSummarize the principal risks of investing in the Fund, including the risks to which the Fund's portfolio as a whole is subject and the circumstances reasonably likely to affect adversely the Fund's net asset value, yield, and total return. Unless the Fund is a Money Market Fund, disclose that loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalseMay Lose Money31false0rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitutionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Your investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency, entity or person.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf the Fund is advised by or sold through an insured depository institution, state that An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of the bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. A Money Market Fund that is advised by or sold through an insured depository institution should combine the disclosure required by Items 2(c)(1)(ii) and (iii) in a single statement.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph iii -Subsection b falsefalseNot Insured Depository Institution32false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<big>Performance Results</big>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table, Heading33false0rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturnsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The bar chart below provides some indication of the risks of investing in Selected American Shares by showing how the Fund's investment results have varied from year to year.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInclude the bar chart and table required by paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section. Provide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance, Information Illustrates Variability of Returns34false0rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhonerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse001-800-243-1575falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf applicable, include a statement explaining that updated performance information is available and providing a Web site address and/or toll-free (or collect) telephone number where the updated information may be obtained.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance, Availability by Phone35false0rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddressrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00www.selectedfunds.comfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf applicable, include a statement explaining that updated performance information is available and providing a Website address and/or toll-free (or collect) telephone number where the updated information may be obtained.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance, Availability at Web Site Address36false0rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuturerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInclude the bar chart and table required by paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section. Provide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance, Past Does Not Indicate Future37false0rr_BarChartHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Calendar Year Total Returns for Class S SharesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart, Heading38false0rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 The bar chart below provides some indication of the risks of investing in Selected American Shares by showing how the Fund's investment results have varied from year to year. The following table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns for the periods indicated compare with those of the S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated information on the Fund's results can be obtained by visiting www.selectedfunds.com or by calling 1-800-243-1575. After-tax returns are shown only for Class S shares; after-tax returns for Class D shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement accounts. falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringProvide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart, Narrative39false0rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoadsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Results do not include a sales charge. If a sales charge were included, results would be lower.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInclude the bar chart and table required by Item 4 (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section. Provide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Provide annual total returns beginning with the earliest calendar year. Calculate annual returns using the Instructions to Item 8(a), except that the calculations should be based on calendar years. If a Fund's shares are sold subject to a sales load or account fees, state that sales loads or account fees are not reflected in the bar chart and that, if these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart, Does Not Reflect Sales Loads40false0rr_PerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Selected American Shares Average Annual Total ReturnsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThis item represents Average Anuual Total Returns. If a Multiple Class Fund offers a Class in the prospectus that converts into another Class after a stated period, compute average annual total returns in the table by using the returns of the other Class for the period after conversion.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit c -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Table:41false0rr_PerformanceTableDoesReflectSalesLoadsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00(With Maximum Sales Charges)falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a table showing the Fund's (A) average annual total return; (B) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions); and (C) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption). A Money Market Fund should show only the returns described in clause (A) of the preceding sentence. All returns should be shown for 1-, 5-, and 10- calendar year periods ending on the date of the most recently completed calendar year (or for the life of the Fund, if shorter), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. The table also shouldshow the returns of an appropriate broadbased securities market index as defined in Instruction 5 to Item 22(b)(7) for the same periods. A Fund that has been in existence for more than 10 years also may include returns for the life of the Fund. A Money Market Fund may provide the Fund's 7-day yield ending on the date of the most recent calendar year or disclose a toll-free (or collect) telephone number that investors can use to obtain the Fund's current 7-day yield. For a Fund (other than a Money Market Fund or a Fund described in General Instruction C.3.(d)(iii)), provide the information in the following table with the specified captions AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (For the periods ended December 31, _____)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Table Does Reflect Sales Loads42false0rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringProvide a brief explanation that after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate43false0rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferredrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement accounts.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringProvide a brief explanation that the actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iv -Clause B -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred44false0rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00for the periods ended December 31, 2010falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a table showing the Fund's (A) average annual total return; (B) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions); and (C) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption). A Money Market Fund should show only the returns described in clause (A) of the preceding sentence. All returns should be shown for 1-, 5-, and 10- calendar year periods ending on the date of the most recently completed calendar year (or for the life of the Fund, if shorter), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. The table also shouldshow the returns of an appropriate broadbased securities market index as defined in Instruction 5 to Item 22(b)(7) for the same periods. A Fund that has been in existence for more than 10 years also may include returns for the life of the Fund. A Money Market Fund may provide the Fund's 7-day yield ending on the date of the most recent calendar year or disclose a toll-free (or collect) telephone number that investors can use to obtain the Fund's current 7-day yield. For a Fund (other than a Money Market Fund or a Fund described in General Instruction C.3.(d)(iii)), provide the information in the following table with the specified captions AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (For the periods ended December 31, _____). For a Fund that provides annual total returns for only one calendar year or for a Fund that does not include the bar chart because it does not have annual returns for a full calendar year, modify, as appropriate, the narrative explanation required by paragraph (c)(2)(i) (e.g., by stating that the information gives some indication of the risks of an investment in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance with a broad measure of market performance).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iv -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Table Narrative45false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://xbrl.sec.gov/rr/role/riskreturndetaildata1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Selected American Shares {rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis} : Selected American Shares - Class S 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 USD ($) $c_S000003448_C000009551http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000088808duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseSelected American Sharesdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_S000003448Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass S sharesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_C000009551Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberRatioStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSelected American Shares | Class S shares46true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:47false0rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPricerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price). If a sales charge (load) is imposed on shares purchased with reinvested capital gains distributions or returns of capital, include the bracketed words in the third caption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection table falsefalseMaximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)48false0rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOtherrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of ____) "Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)" includes the maximum total deferred sales charge (load) payable upon redemption, in installments, or both, expressed as a percentage of the amount or amounts stated in response to Item 7(a), except that, for a sales charge (load) based on net asset value at the time of purchase, show the sales charge (load) as a percentage of the offering price at the time of purchase. A Fund may include in a footnote to the table, if applicable, a tabular presentation showing the amount of deferred sales charges (loads) over time or a narrative explanation of the sales charges (loads) (e.g., __% in the first year after purchase, declining to __% in the __ year and eliminated thereafter). If more than one type of sales charge (load) is imposed (e.g., a deferred sales charge (load) and a front-end sales charge (load)), the first caption in the table should read "Maximum Sales Charge (Load)" and show the maximum cumulative percentage. Show the percentage amounts and the terms of each sales charge (load) comprising that figure on separate lines below.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph a -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseMaximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a percentage of the lesser of the net asset value of the shares redeemed or the total cost of such shares.)49false0rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOtherrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends[and other Distributions] (as a percentage of ____)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 3 -Subsection table falsefalseMaximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends50false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00530.0053falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement Fees51false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureDistribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) Fees52false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther Expenses53false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00930.0093falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses54false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue9595falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 Year55false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue296296falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 Years56false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue515515falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 Years57false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue11431143falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 Years58false0rr_AnnualReturn2001rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.1117-0.1117falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse200159false0rr_AnnualReturn2002rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.1706-0.1706falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse200260false0rr_AnnualReturn2003rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.30900.3090falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse200361false0rr_AnnualReturn2004rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.11970.1197falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse200462false0rr_AnnualReturn2005rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.09900.0990falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse200563false0rr_AnnualReturn2006rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.15190.1519falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse200664false0rr_AnnualReturn2007rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.04790.0479falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse200765false0rr_AnnualReturn2008rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.3944-0.3944falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse200866false0rr_AnnualReturn2009rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.31640.3164falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalse200967false0rr_AnnualReturn2010rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.12530.1253falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalse201068false0rr_BarChartClosingTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00 Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were: Highest 21.04% for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 Lowest (24.36%) for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 Total return for the three months ended March 31, 2011 (not annualized) was 4.56%. falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart, Closing69false0rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002011-03-31falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseYear to Date Return, Date70false0rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.04560.0456falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseYear to Date Return71false0rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabelrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Highest quarterfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseHighest Quarterly Return, Label72false0rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002009-06-30falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseHighest Quarterly Return Date73false0rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.21040.2104falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseHighest Quarterly Return74false0rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabelrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Lowest quarterfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseLowest Quarterly Return, Label75false0rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002008-12-31falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseLowest Quarterly Return Date76false0rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.2436-0.2436falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseLowest Quarterly Return77false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.12530.1253falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 1 Year78false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01600.0160falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 5 Years79false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.02540.0254falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 10 Years80false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://xbrl.sec.gov/rr/role/riskreturndetaildata1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Selected American Shares {rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis} : Selected American Shares - Class S {rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis} : return after taxes on distributions 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 c_S000003448_C000009551_AfterTaxesOnDistributionshttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000088808duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseSelected American Sharesdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_S000003448Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass S sharesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_C000009551Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsereturn after taxes on distributionsrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldirr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberRatioStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSelected American Shares | Class S shares | return after taxes on distributions81true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:82false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.12330.1233falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 1 Year83false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01450.0145falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 5 Years84false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.02370.0237falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 10 Years85false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://xbrl.sec.gov/rr/role/riskreturndetaildata1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Selected American Shares {rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis} : Selected American Shares - Class S {rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis} : return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 c_S000003448_C000009551_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsAndSaleshttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000088808duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseSelected American Sharesdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_S000003448Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass S sharesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_C000009551Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsereturn after taxes on distributions and sale of fund sharesrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldirr_AfterTaxesOnDistributionsAndSalesMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberRatioStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSelected American Shares | Class S shares | return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares86true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:87false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.08400.0840falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 1 Year88false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01350.0135falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 5 Years89false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.02140.0214falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 10 Years90false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://xbrl.sec.gov/rr/role/riskreturndetaildata1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Selected American Shares {rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis} : Selected American Shares - Class D 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 USD ($) $c_S000003448_C000009552http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000088808duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseSelected American Sharesdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_S000003448Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass D sharesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_C000009552Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170RatioStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSelected American Shares | Class D shares91true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:92false0rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPricerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price). If a sales charge (load) is imposed on shares purchased with reinvested capital gains distributions or returns of capital, include the bracketed words in the third caption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection table falsefalseMaximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)93false0rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOtherrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of ____) "Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)" includes the maximum total deferred sales charge (load) payable upon redemption, in installments, or both, expressed as a percentage of the amount or amounts stated in response to Item 7(a), except that, for a sales charge (load) based on net asset value at the time of purchase, show the sales charge (load) as a percentage of the offering price at the time of purchase. A Fund may include in a footnote to the table, if applicable, a tabular presentation showing the amount of deferred sales charges (loads) over time or a narrative explanation of the sales charges (loads) (e.g., __% in the first year after purchase, declining to __% in the __ year and eliminated thereafter). If more than one type of sales charge (load) is imposed (e.g., a deferred sales charge (load) and a front-end sales charge (load)), the first caption in the table should read "Maximum Sales Charge (Load)" and show the maximum cumulative percentage. Show the percentage amounts and the terms of each sales charge (load) comprising that figure on separate lines below.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph a -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseMaximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a percentage of the lesser of the net asset value of the shares redeemed or the total cost of such shares.)94false0rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOtherrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureMaximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends[and other Distributions] (as a percentage of ____)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 3 -Subsection table falsefalseMaximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends95false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00530.0053falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement Fees96false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureDistribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) Fees97false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00070.0007falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther Expenses98false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00600.0060falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses99false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue6161falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 Year100false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue192192falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 Years101false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue335335falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 Years102false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue750750falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 Years103false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.12090.1209falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 1 Year104false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01940.0194falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 5 Years105false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInceptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.04290.0429falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalseLifetime106false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse002004-05-03falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 4 -Subsection b falsefalseInception Date107false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://xbrl.sec.gov/rr/role/riskreturndetaildata1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Selected American Shares {rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis} : S&P 500® Index - reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 c_S000003448__SnPIndexhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000088808duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseSelected American Sharesdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_S000003448Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseS&P 500® Index - reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxesrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisas_SnPIndexMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberRatioStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSelected American Shares | S&P 500® Index - reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes108true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:109false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.15060.1506falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 1 Year110false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.02290.0229falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 5 Years111false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01410.0141falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePast 10 Years1110Risk/Return Detail Data (USD $)NoRoundingUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruetrue