| Form N-CSR Cover | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2024 | |
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | N-CSRS |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Registrant Name | American Balanced Fund |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000004568 |
| Entity Investment Company Type | N-1A |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2024 |
| Shareholder Report | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2024 USD ($) Holdings | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | N-CSRS | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Registrant Name | American Balanced Fund | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000004568 | |
| Entity Investment Company Type | N-1A | |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2024 | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-6 | |
| Trading Symbol | RLBGX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R6 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R6 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-6 $13 0.25 % * *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 13 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.25% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24 % | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio assets *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-5 | |
| Trading Symbol | RLBFX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? investment Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-5 $16 0.30 % * *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 16 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.30% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-5E | |
| Trading Symbol | RLEFX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5E | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R5E | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-5E $21 0.40%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 21 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.40% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-4 | |
| Trading Symbol | RLBEX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R4 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R4 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-4 $31 0.60%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 31 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.60% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-3 | |
| Trading Symbol | RLBCX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R3 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R3 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? 10,000 Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-3 $46 0.89%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 46 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.89% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-2E | |
| Trading Symbol | RAMHX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2E | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2E | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? 10,000 Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-2E $54 1.04%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 54 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 1.04% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-2 | |
| Trading Symbol | RLBBX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R2 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? 10,000 Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-2 $68 1.32%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 68 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 1.32% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class R-1 | |
| Trading Symbol | RLBAX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R1 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-R1 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? 10,000 Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class R-1 $68 1.32%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 68 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 1.32% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class 529-F-3 | |
| Trading Symbol | FBONX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F3 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F3 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? 10,000 Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class 529-F-3 $16 0.31%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 16 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.31% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class 529-F-2 | |
| Trading Symbol | FBAFX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F2 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F2 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? 10,000 Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class 529-F-2 $18 0.35%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 18 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.35% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class 529-F-1 | |
| Trading Symbol | CLBFX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F1 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529F1 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? 10,000 Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class 529-F-1 $22 0.42%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 22 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.42% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class 529-T | |
| Trading Symbol | TAFBX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class 529-T $19 0.37%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 19 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.37% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class 529-E | |
| Trading Symbol | CLBEX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529E | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529E | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class 529-E $43 0.83%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 43 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.83% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class 529-C | |
| Trading Symbol | CLBCX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529C | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529C | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class 529-C $70 1.35%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 70 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 1.35% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class 529-A | |
| Trading Symbol | CLBAX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529A | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-529A | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class 529-A $31 0.60%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 31 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.60% | |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including transactions 76% Portfolio turnover 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class F-3 | |
| Trading Symbol | AFMBX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F3 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F3 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? hypothetical Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class F-3 $13 0.25%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 13 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.25% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class F-2 | |
| Trading Symbol | AMBFX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F2 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F2 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class F-2 $18 0.35%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 18 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.35% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class F-1 | |
| Trading Symbol | BALFX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F1 | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-F1 | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class F-1 $32 0.61%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 32 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.61% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class T | |
| Trading Symbol | TABFX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class T $16 0.31%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 16 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.31% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class C | |
| Trading Symbol | BALCX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-C | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-C | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class C $68 1.31%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 68 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 1.31% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio holdings 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar roll transactions 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | American Balanced Fund® | |
| Class Name | Class A | |
| Trading Symbol | ABALX | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about American Balanced Fund for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | semi-annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the fund at capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-A | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | (800) 421-4225 | |
| Additional Information Website | capitalgroup.com/mutual-fund-literature-A | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | What were the fund costs for the last six months? Share class Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment Class A $29 0.56%* *Annualized | |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 29 | |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.56% | [1] |
| Net Assets | $ 226,631,000,000 | |
| Holdings Count | Holdings | 2,975 | |
| Investment Company, Portfolio Turnover | 76% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | Key fund statistics Fund net assets (in millions) $226,631 Total number of portfolio 2,975 Portfolio turnover rate including 76% Portfolio turnover rate excluding 24% | |
| Holdings [Text Block] | Portfolio holdings by asset type *Includes derivatives. | |
| [1]Annualized | ||
| Shareholder Report, Holdings (Details) | Jun. 30, 2024 | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-6 - RLBGX | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.30% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5 - RLBFX | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.30% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-5E - RLEFX | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.30% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-4 - RLBEX | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-3 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2E | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-2 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class R-1 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-3 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-2 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund® Class 529-F-1 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-T | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-E | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-C | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class 529-A | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F-3 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fun Class F-2 | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class F | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class T | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class C | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Common stocks [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 65.53% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 11.48% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Corporate bonds, notes & loans [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 6.88% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | U.S. Treasury bonds & notes [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 5.02% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Asset-backed obligations [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 3.01% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies outside the U.S. [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.41% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Municipals [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.29% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Investment funds [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 2.84% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Other securities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 0.10% | |
| American Balanced Fund Class A | Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | ||
| Percent of Net Asset Value | 4.44% | [1] |
| [1]Includes derivatives. | ||
