485BPOS

SEC File Nos. 002-10760

811-00032

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

__________________

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 (X)

and

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 47 (X)

__________________

American Funds Fundamental Investors

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

One Market, Steuart Tower, Suite 2000, San Francisco, California 94105-1409

 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (ZIP Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:  (415) 421-9360

__________________

Patrick F. Quan

Secretary

American Funds Fundamental Investors

One Market

Steuart Tower, Suite 2000

San Francisco, California 94105-1409

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copy to:

Mark D. Perlow

K&L Gates LLP

Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 1200

San Francisco, California  94111-5994

(Counsel for the Registrant)

__________________

Approximate date of proposed public offering:

It is proposed that this filing become effective immediately pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City and County of San Francisco, and State of California on the 21st day of March, 2012.

AMERICAN FUNDS FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS

By: /s/ Patrick F. Quan

(Patrick F. Quan, Secretary)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below on March 21, 2012, by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

	Signature	Title
(1)	Principal Executive Officer:
	/s/ Paul F. Roye (Paul F. Roye)	Executive Vice President
(2)	Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer:
	/s/ Jeffrey P. Regal (Jeffrey P. Regal)	Treasurer
(3)	Trustees:
	Ronald P. Badie*	Trustee
	Joseph C. Berenato*	Chairman of the Board (Independent and Non-Executive)
	Louise H. Bryson*	Trustee
	Robert J. Denison*	Trustee
	Mary Anne Dolan*	Trustee
	Robert A. Fox*	Trustee
	John G. Freund*	Trustee
	Leonade D. Jones*	Trustee
	William H. Kling*	Trustee
	John G. McDonald*	Trustee
	/s/ Dina N. Perry	President and Trustee
	(Dina N. Perry)
	/s/ James F. Rothenberg	Vice Chairman and Trustee
	(James F. Rothenberg)
	Christopher E. Stone*	Trustee
	/s/ Patrick F. Quan
	(Patrick F. Quan, Attorney-in-Fact, Powers of Attorney enclosed)

Counsel represents that this amendment does not contain disclosures that would make the amendment ineligible for effectiveness under the provisions of rule 485(b).

/s/ Katherine H. Newhall

(Katherine H. Newhall, Counsel)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Ronald P. Badie, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Jeffrey P. Regal

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at La Canada Flintridge, CA, this 16th day of November, 2011.

          (City, State)

/s/ Ronald P. Badie                                                             

Ronald P. Badie, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Joseph C. Berenato, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   Capital Income Builder (File No. 033-12967, File No. 811-05085)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-54444, File No. 811-07338)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The New Economy Fund  (File No. 002-83848, File No. 811-03735)

-   The New Economy Fund

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Jeffrey P. Regal Neal F. Wellons

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA, this 1st day of December, 2011.

     (City, State)

/s/ Joseph C. Berenato                                                             

Joseph C. Berenato, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Louise H. Bryson, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   AMCAP Fund (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   American Funds Global Balanced Fund (File No. 333-170605, File No. 811-22496)

-   American Mutual Fund (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Brian D. Bullard Karl C. Grauman Jeffrey P. Regal Ari M. Vinocor

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at San Marino, CA, this 17th day of November, 2011.

    (City, State)

/s/ Louise H. Bryson                                                             

Louise H. Bryson, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Robert J. Denison, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   Capital Income Builder (File No. 033-12967, File No. 811-05085)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-54444, File No. 811-07338)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The New Economy Fund  (File No. 002-83848, File No. 811-03735)

-   The New Economy Fund

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Jeffrey P. Regal Neal F. Wellons

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA, this 1st day of December, 2011.

    (City, State)

/s/ Robert J. Denison                                                             

Robert J. Denison, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Mary Anne Dolan, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   AMCAP Fund (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   American Funds Global Balanced Fund (File No. 333-170605, File No. 811-22496)

-   American Mutual Fund (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-   Capital Income Builder (File No. 033-12967, File No. 811-05085)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-54444, File No. 811-07338)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

-   The New Economy Fund  (File No. 002-83848, File No. 811-03735)

-   The New Economy Fund

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Brian D. Bullard Karl C. Grauman Jeffrey P. Regal Ari M. Vinocor Neal F. Wellons

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA, this 16th day of November, 2011.

    (City, State)

/s/ Mary Anne Dolan                                                             

Mary Anne Dolan, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Robert A. Fox, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   American Balanced Fund (File No. 002-10758, File No. 811-00066)

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   EuroPacific Growth Fund (File No. 002-83847, File No. 811-03734)

-   EuroPacific Growth Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc.  (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The Income Fund of America (File No. 002-33371, File No. 811-01880)

-   International Growth and Income Fund (File No. 333-152323, File No. 811-22215)

-   New Perspective Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-47749, File No. 811-02333)

-   New Perspective Fund

-   New World Fund, Inc. (File No. 333-67455, File No. 811-09105)

-   American Funds New World Fund, Inc.

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. M. Susan Gupton Brian C. Janssen Jeffrey P. Regal

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA, this 1st day of December, 2011.

    (City, State)

/s/ Robert A. Fox                                                             

Robert A. Fox, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, John G. Freund, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Jeffrey P. Regal

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Palo Alto, CA, this 16th day of November, 2011.

 (City, State)

/s/ John G. Freund                                                             

John G. Freund, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Leonade D. Jones, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   American Balanced Fund (File No. 002-10758, File No. 811-00066)

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   Capital Income Builder (File No. 033-12967, File No. 811-05085)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-54444, File No. 811-07338)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The Income Fund of America (File No. 002-33371, File No. 811-01880)

-   International Growth and Income Fund (File No. 333-152323, File No. 811-22215)

-   The New Economy Fund  (File No. 002-83848, File No. 811-03735)

-   The New Economy Fund

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. M. Susan Gupton Jeffrey P. Regal Neal F. Wellons

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Washington, DC, this 22nd day of November, 2011.

    (City, State)

/s/ Leonade D. Jones                                                             

Leonade D. Jones, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, William H. Kling, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   AMCAP Fund (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   American Funds Global Balanced Fund (File No. 333-170605, File No. 811-22496)

-   American Mutual Fund (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-   EuroPacific Growth Fund (File No. 002-83847, File No. 811-03734)

-   EuroPacific Growth Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

-   New Perspective Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-47749, File No. 811-02333)

-   New Perspective Fund

-   New World Fund, Inc. (File No. 333-67455, File No. 811-09105)

-   American Funds New World Fund, Inc.

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Brian D. Bullard Karl C. Grauman Brian C. Janssen Jeffrey P. Regal Ari M. Vinocor

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Minneapolis, MN, this 17th day of November, 2011.

    (City, State)

/s/ William H. Kling                                                             

William H. Kling, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, John G. McDonald, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   AMCAP Fund (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-   American Balanced Fund (File No. 002-10758, File No. 811-00066)

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   American Funds Global Balanced Fund (File No. 333-170605, File No. 811-22496)

-   American Mutual Fund (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-   EuroPacific Growth Fund (File No. 002-83847, File No. 811-03734)

-   EuroPacific Growth Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The Income Fund of America (File No. 002-33371, File No. 811-01880)

-   International Growth and Income Fund (File No. 333-152323, File No. 811-22215)

-   The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

-   New Perspective Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-47749, File No. 811-02333)

-   New Perspective Fund

-   New World Fund, Inc. (File No. 333-67455, File No. 811-09105)

-   American Funds New World Fund, Inc.

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Brian D. Bullard Karl C. Grauman M. Susan Gupton Brian C. Janssen Jeffrey P. Regal

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Stanford, CA, this 15th day of November, 2011.

 (City, State)

/s/ John G. McDonald                                                             

John G. McDonald, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Christopher E. Stone, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-   American Funds Fundamental Investors (File No. 002-10760, File No. 811-00032)

-   Capital Income Builder (File No. 033-12967, File No. 811-05085)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-54444, File No. 811-07338)

-   Capital World Growth and Income Fund

-   The Growth Fund of America, Inc.  (File No. 002-14728, File No. 811-00862)

-   The Growth Fund of America

-   The New Economy Fund  (File No. 002-83848, File No. 811-03735)

-   The New Economy Fund

-   SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-   SMALLCAP World Fund

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti Steven I. Koszalka Patrick F. Quan Courtney R. Taylor Julie E. Lawton Tanya Schneider Raymond F. Sullivan, Jr. Jeffrey P. Regal Neal F. Wellons

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Cambridge, MA, this 16th day of November, 2011.

   (City, State)

/s/ Christopher E. Stone                                                             

Christopher E. Stone, Board member

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Description
EX-101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
EX-101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
EX-101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
EX-101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
EX-101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
EX-101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
ProspectusDate	rr_ProspectusDate	Mar. 01, 2012
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return, Heading	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Fundamental InvestorsSM
Investment Objective, Heading	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment objective
investment Objective, Primary	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund's investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital and income.
Expense, Heading	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and expenses of the fund
Expense, Narrative	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in American Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the "Sales charge reductions and waivers" section on page 27 of the prospectus and on page 57 of the fund's statement of additional information.
Shareholder Fees, Caption	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder fees ( fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses, Caption	rr_OperatingExpensesCaption	Annual fund operating expenses ( expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover, Heading	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's investment results. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund's portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	28.00%
Expense Breakpoint, Discounts	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in American Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required Amount	rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount	25,000
Expense Example, Heading	rr_ExpenseExampleHeading	Example
Expense Example, Narrative	rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock	This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same.
Expense Example, By Year, Caption	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption	For the share classes listed below, you would pay the following if you did not redeem your shares:
Investment Strategy, Heading	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal investment strategies
Investment Strategy, Narrative	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The fund seeks to invest primarily in common stocks of companies that appear to offer superior opportunities for capital growth and most of which have a history of paying dividends. In addition, the fund may invest significantly in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States. The investment adviser uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing the fund's assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of the fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors who decide how their respective segments will be invested. The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively valued companies that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment opportunities. The investment adviser believes that an important way to accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors. Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.
Risk, Heading	rr_RiskHeading	Principal risks
Risk, Narrative	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	This section describes the principal risks associated with the fund's principal investment strategies. You may lose money by investing in the fund. The likelihood of loss may be greater if you invest for a shorter period of time. Investors in the fund should have a long-term perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in value. Market conditions - The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may decline due to market conditions and other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of securities held by the fund. Investing in growth-oriented stocks - Growth-oriented stocks may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments. Investing in income-oriented stocks - Income provided by the fund may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available at, the companies in which the fund invests. Investing outside the United States - Securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, or with significant operations outside the United States, may lose value because of political, social, economic or market developments or instability in the countries or regions in which the issuer operates. These securities may also lose value due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar and/or currencies of other countries. Securities markets in certain countries may be more volatile and/or less liquid than those in the United States. Investments outside the United States may also be subject to different settlement and accounting practices and different regulatory, legal and reporting standards, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the United States. The risks of investing outside the United States may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging and developing countries. Management - The investment adviser to the fund actively manages the fund's investments. Consequently, the fund is subject to the risk that the methods and analyses employed by the investment adviser in this process may not produce the desired results.  This could cause the fund to lose value or its investment results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives. Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, entity or person. You should consider how this fund fits into your overall investment program.
Risk, Lose Money	rr_RiskLoseMoney	You may lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk, Not Insured Depository Institution	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, entity or person.
Bar Chart and Performance Table, Heading	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Investment results
Performance, Narrative	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market results. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The Lipper Growth & Income Funds Index includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to the fund's objective. The MSCI World Index reflects certain market sectors in which the fund may invest. Past investment results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment results. Updated information on the fund's investment results can be obtained by visiting americanfunds.com.
Performance, Information Illustrates Variability of Returns	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market results.
Performance, Additional Market Index	rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex	The Lipper Growth & Income Funds Index includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to the fund's objective. The MSCI World Index reflects certain market sectors in which the fund may invest.
Performance, Availability Website Address	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	americanfunds.com
Performance, Past Does Not Indicate Future	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Past investment results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment results.
Bar Chart, Heading	rr_BarChartHeading	Calendar year total returns for Class A shares
Bar Chart, Narrative	rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock	The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market results.
Bar Chart, Does Not Reflect Sales Loads	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included, results would be lower.)
Bar Chart, Closing	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period time. Highest 17.14% (quarter ended June 30,2009) Lowest -23.34% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)
Performance Table, Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	After-tax returns are calculated using the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table, Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Performance Table, One Class of after Tax Shown	rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown	After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares;
Performance Table, Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Performance Table, Footnotes	rr_PerformanceTableFootnotesTextBlock	Class A annualized 30-day yield at December 31, 2011: 1.69% (For current yield information, please call American FundsLine® at 800/325-3590.)
Average Annual Returns, Caption	rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaption	Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2011 (with maximum sales charge):
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | S&P 500
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	S&P 500 (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	2.09%
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.25%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	2.92%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.04%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Aug. 01, 1978
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Lipper Growth & Income Funds Index
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Lipper Growth & Income Funds Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.82%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(1.17%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	3.12%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	10.31%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Aug. 01, 1978
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | MSCI® World Index
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	MSCI® World Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(5.02%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(1.82%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.15%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	9.95%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Aug. 01, 1978
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class A
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	1.00%	[1]
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.23%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.15%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.63%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	636
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	765
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	906
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,316
Annual Return 2002	rr_AnnualReturn2002	(17.34%)
Annual Return 2003	rr_AnnualReturn2003	31.96%
Annual Return 2004	rr_AnnualReturn2004	13.91%
Annual Return 2005	rr_AnnualReturn2005	11.68%
Annual Return 2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	19.24%
Annual Return 2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	13.55%
Annual Return 2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(39.70%)
Annual Return 2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	33.36%
Annual Return 2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	14.05%
Annual Return 2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(1.89%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Highest
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	17.14%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	Lowest
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(23.34%)
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class A - Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(7.54%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.75%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.77%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.86%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Aug. 01, 1978
Thirty Day Yield, Caption	rr_ThirtyDayYieldCaption	Class A annualized 30-day yield at December 31, 2011:
Thirty Day Yield, Phone Number	rr_ThirtyDayYieldPhone	800/325-3590
Thirty Day Yield	rr_ThirtyDayYield	1.69%
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class A - After taxes on distributions
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(7.77%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(1.18%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.30%
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class A - After taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(4.58%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.64%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.08%
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class B
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	5.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.15%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.40%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	643
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	843
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	966
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,469
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	143
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	443
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	766
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	1,469
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class B before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(7.46%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.69%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.75%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.50%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 15, 2000
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class C
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	1.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.19%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.44%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	247
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	456
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	787
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,724
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	147
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	456
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	787
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	1,724
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class C before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(3.64%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.37%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.53%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	3.90%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 15, 2001
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class F-1
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.17%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.67%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	68
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	214
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	373
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	835
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class F-1 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.92%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.43%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	5.37%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.67%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 15, 2001
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class F-2
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.17%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.42%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	43
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	135
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	235
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	530
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class F-2 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.67%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.74%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Aug. 01, 2008
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-A
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	1.00%	[1]
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)	rr_MaximumAccountFee	10
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.21%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.71%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	663
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	828
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,006
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,512
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class 529-A before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(7.61%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.80%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.05%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Feb. 15, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-B
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	5.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)	rr_MaximumAccountFee	10
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.26%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.51%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	673
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	916
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	1,081
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,687
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	173
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	516
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	881
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	1,687
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class 529-B before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(7.57%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.79%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.15%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Feb. 19, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-C
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	1.00%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)	rr_MaximumAccountFee	10
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.26%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.51%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	273
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	516
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	881
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,901
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	173
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	516
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	881
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	1,901
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class 529-C before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(3.69%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.43%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.82%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Feb. 15, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-E
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)	rr_MaximumAccountFee	10
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.23%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.98%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	120
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	351
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	600
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,305
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class 529-E before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.23%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.08%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.79%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 07, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-F-1
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)	rr_MaximumAccountFee	10
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.50%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	71
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	200
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	339
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	735
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class 529-F-1 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.75%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.58%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	8.73%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Sep. 23, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-1
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.18%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.43%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	146
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	452
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	782
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,713
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class R-1 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.65%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.37%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.29%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Jun. 19, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-2
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.75%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.41%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	144
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	446
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	771
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,691
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class R-2 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.64%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	(0.38%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	4.70%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	May 21, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-3
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.50%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.21%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.96%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	98
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	306
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	531
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,178
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class R-3 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(2.22%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.10%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.49%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Jun. 04, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-4
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.66%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	67
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	211
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	368
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	822
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class R-4 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.92%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.40%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	8.23%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Jul. 25, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-5
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.11%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.36%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	37
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	116
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	202
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	456
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class R-5 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.62%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	0.70%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	5.73%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	May 15, 2002
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-6
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption or exchange fees	rr_RedemptionFee	none
Management fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.06%
Total annual fund operating expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.31%
Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	32
Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	100
Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	174
Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	393
Average Annual Returns, Label	rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel	Share class R-6 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(1.57%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	15.21%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	May 01, 2009

[1] A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge.

XML

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS

Fundamental InvestorsSM

Investment objective

The fund's investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital and
income.

Fees and expenses of the fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your
family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in American
Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your
financial professional and in the "Sales charge reductions and waivers" section
on page 27 of the prospectus and on page 57 of the fund's statement of
additional information.

Shareholder fees ( fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (USD $)	Class A		Class B	Class C	Class F-1	Class F-2	Class 529-A		Class 529-B	Class 529-C	Class 529-E	Class 529-F-1	Class R-1	Class R-2	Class R-3	Class R-4	Class R-5	Class R-6
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none	none	none	none	5.75%		none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed)	1.00%	[1]	5.00%	1.00%	none	none	1.00%	[1]	5.00%	1.00%	none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends Redemption or exchange fees	none		none	none	none	none	none		none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none
Redemption or exchange fees	none		none	none	none	none	none		none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none	none
Maximum annual account fee (529 share classes only)							10		10	10	10	10

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class F-1	Class F-2	Class 529-A	Class 529-B	Class 529-C	Class 529-E	Class 529-F-1	Class R-1	Class R-2	Class R-3	Class R-4	Class R-5	Class R-6
Management fees	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%	0.25%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	0.23%	1.00%	1.00%	0.25%	none	0.21%	1.00%	1.00%	0.50%	none	1.00%	0.75%	0.50%	0.25%	none	none
Other expenses	0.15%	0.15%	0.19%	0.17%	0.17%	0.25%	0.26%	0.26%	0.23%	0.25%	0.18%	0.41%	0.21%	0.16%	0.11%	0.06%
Total annual fund operating expenses	0.63%	1.40%	1.44%	0.67%	0.42%	0.71%	1.51%	1.51%	0.98%	0.50%	1.43%	1.41%	0.96%	0.66%	0.36%	0.31%

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
fund's operating expenses remain the same.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (USD $)	Expense Example, With Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, With Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, With Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, With Redemption, 10 Years
Class A	636	765	906	1,316
Class B	643	843	966	1,469
Class C	247	456	787	1,724
Class F-1	68	214	373	835
Class F-2	43	135	235	530
Class 529-A	663	828	1,006	1,512
Class 529-B	673	916	1,081	1,687
Class 529-C	273	516	881	1,901
Class 529-E	120	351	600	1,305
Class 529-F-1	71	200	339	735
Class R-1	146	452	782	1,713
Class R-2	144	446	771	1,691
Class R-3	98	306	531	1,178
Class R-4	67	211	368	822
Class R-5	37	116	202	456
Class R-6	32	100	174	393

For the share classes listed below, you would pay the following if you did not redeem your shares:

Expense Example, No Redemption FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (USD $)	Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year	Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years	Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years
Class B	143	443	766	1,469
Class C	147	456	787	1,724
Class 529-B	173	516	881	1,687
Class 529-C	173	516	881	1,901

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 rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher
taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not
reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's
investment results. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund's portfolio
turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal investment strategies

The fund seeks to invest primarily in common stocks of companies that appear to
offer superior opportunities for capital growth and most of which have a history
of paying dividends. In addition, the fund may invest significantly in
securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States.

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

The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make
decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment
philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively valued
companies that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment
opportunities. The investment adviser believes that an important way to
accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with
company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors.
Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.

Principal risks

This section describes the principal risks associated with the fund's principal
investment strategies. You may lose money by investing in the fund. The
likelihood of loss may be greater if you invest for a shorter period of time.
Investors in the fund should have a long-term perspective and be able to
tolerate potentially sharp declines in value.

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

Investing in growth-oriented stocks - Growth-oriented stocks may involve larger
price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.

Investing in income-oriented stocks - Income provided by the fund may be reduced
by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available at,
the companies in which the fund invests.

Investing outside the United States - Securities of issuers domiciled outside
the United States, or with significant operations outside the United States, may
lose value because of political, social, economic or market developments or
instability in the countries or regions in which the issuer operates. These
securities may also lose value due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates
against the U.S. dollar and/or currencies of other countries. Securities markets
in certain countries may be more volatile and/or less liquid than those in the
United States. Investments outside the United States may also be subject to
different settlement and accounting practices and different regulatory, legal
and reporting standards, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the
United States. The risks of investing outside the United States may be
heightened in connection with investments in emerging and developing countries.

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

Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
governmental agency, entity or person. You should consider how this fund fits
into your overall investment program.

Investment results

The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total
returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market
results. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in
the fund. The Lipper Growth & Income Funds Index includes the fund and other
funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably
comparable to the fund's objective. The MSCI World Index reflects certain market
sectors in which the fund may invest. Past investment results (before and after
taxes) are not predictive of future investment results. Updated information on
the fund's investment results can be obtained by visiting americanfunds.com.

The following bar chart shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the following table shows how the fund's average annual total
returns for various periods compare with different broad measures of market
results.

Calendar year total returns for Class A shares

Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period time.

Highest 17.14% (quarter ended June 30,2009)

Lowest -23.34% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other
share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest
individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods
shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual
after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ
from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if
you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k)
plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.

Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2011 (with maximum sales charge):

Average Annual Total Returns FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS	Average Annual Returns, Label	Average Annual Returns, 1 Year	Average Annual Returns, 5 Years	Average Annual Returns, 10 Years	Average Annual Returns, Since Inception	Average Annual Returns, Inception Date
Class A	Share class A - Before taxes	(7.54%)	(0.75%)	4.77%	11.86%	Aug. 01, 1978
Class A After Taxes on Distributions	Share class A - After taxes on distributions	(7.77%)	(1.18%)	4.30%
Class A After Taxes on Distributions and Sales	Share class A - After taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares	(4.58%)	(0.64%)	4.08%
Class B	Share class B before taxes	(7.46%)	(0.69%)	4.75%	3.50%	Mar. 15, 2000
Class C	Share class C before taxes	(3.64%)	(0.37%)	4.53%	3.90%	Mar. 15, 2001
Class F-1	Share class F-1 before taxes	(1.92%)	0.43%	5.37%	4.67%	Mar. 15, 2001
Class F-2	Share class F-2 before taxes	(1.67%)			0.74%	Aug. 01, 2008
Class 529-A	Share class 529-A before taxes	(7.61%)	(0.80%)		5.05%	Feb. 15, 2002
Class 529-B	Share class 529-B before taxes	(7.57%)	(0.79%)		5.15%	Feb. 19, 2002
Class 529-C	Share class 529-C before taxes	(3.69%)	(0.43%)		4.82%	Feb. 15, 2002
Class 529-E	Share class 529-E before taxes	(2.23%)	0.08%		4.79%	Mar. 07, 2002
Class 529-F-1	Share class 529-F-1 before taxes	(1.75%)	0.58%		8.73%	Sep. 23, 2002
Class R-1	Share class R-1 before taxes	(2.65%)	(0.37%)		5.29%	Jun. 19, 2002
Class R-2	Share class R-2 before taxes	(2.64%)	(0.38%)		4.70%	May 21, 2002
Class R-3	Share class R-3 before taxes	(2.22%)	0.10%		5.49%	Jun. 04, 2002
Class R-4	Share class R-4 before taxes	(1.92%)	0.40%		8.23%	Jul. 25, 2002
Class R-5	Share class R-5 before taxes	(1.62%)	0.70%		5.73%	May 15, 2002
Class R-6	Share class R-6 before taxes	(1.57%)			15.21%	May 01, 2009
S&P 500	S&P 500 (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or taxes)	2.09%	(0.25%)	2.92%	11.04%	Aug. 01, 1978
Lipper Growth & Income Funds Index	Lipper Growth & Income Funds Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or taxes)	(1.82%)	(1.17%)	3.12%	10.31%	Aug. 01, 1978
MSCI® World Index	MSCI® World Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or taxes	(5.02%)	(1.82%)	4.15%	9.95%	Aug. 01, 1978

Class A annualized 30-day yield at December 31, 2011: 1.69% (For current yield information, please call American FundsLine®
at 800/325-3590.)

[1] A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Document Type	dei_DocumentType	485BPOS
Document Period End Date	dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate	Dec. 31, 2011
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	AMERICAN FUNDS FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS
Central Index Key	dei_EntityCentralIndexKey	0000039473
Amendment Flag	dei_AmendmentFlag	false
Document Creation Date	dei_DocumentCreationDate	Feb. 29, 2012
Document Effective Date	dei_DocumentEffectiveDate	Mar. 01, 2012
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class A
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	ANCFX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class B
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	AFIBX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class C
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	AFICX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class F-1
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	AFIFX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class F-2
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	FINFX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-A
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	CFNAX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-B
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	CFNBX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-C
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	CFNCX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-E
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	CFNEX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class 529-F-1
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	CFNFX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-1
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	RFNAX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-2
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	RFNBX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-3
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	RFNCX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-4
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	RFNEX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-5
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	RFNFX
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS (Prospectus Summary) | FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS | Class R-6
Risk Return [Abstract]	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Trading Symbol	dei_TradingSymbol	RFNGX