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INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA®  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA®
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment objectives
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund’s investment objectives are to achieve long-term growth of capital and income.
Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading Fees and expenses of the fund
Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. In addition to the fees and expenses described below, you may also be required to pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Class F-2 or F-3 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, in the “Sales charge reductions and waivers” sections on page 29 of the prospectus and on page 64 of the fund’s statement of additional information, and in the sales charge waiver appendix to this prospectus.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading Portfolio turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 36.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] 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 [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

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


The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. You may be required to pay brokerage commissions on your purchases and sales of Class F-2 or F-3 shares of the fund, which are not reflected in the example.
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] 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 [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption For the share classes listed to the right, you would pay the following if you did not redeem your shares:
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading Principal investment strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund invests primarily in common stocks, most of which have a history of paying dividends. The fund’s equity investments are limited to securities of companies that are included on its eligible list. Securities are added to, or deleted from, the eligible list based upon a number of factors, such as the fund’s investment objectives and policies, whether a company is deemed to be an established company of sufficient quality and a company’s dividend payment prospects. Although the fund focuses on investments in medium to larger capitalization companies, the fund’s investments are not limited to a particular capitalization size. In the selection of common stocks and other securities for investment, potential for capital appreciation and future dividends are given more weight than current yield.


The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets, at the time of purchase, in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States.


The investment adviser uses a system of multiple portfolio managers in managing the fund’s assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of the fund is divided into segments managed by individual managers 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 [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

This section describes the principal risks associated with investing in the fund. 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 – sometimes rapidly or unpredictably – due to various factors, including events or conditions affecting the general economy or particular industries; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental, governmental agency or central bank responses to economic conditions; and currency exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations.


Issuer risks — The prices of, and the income generated by, securities held by the fund may decline in response to various factors directly related to the issuers of such securities, including reduced demand for an issuer’s goods or services, poor management performance, major litigation against the issuer, changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or its competitive environment and strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives.


Investing in income-oriented stocks — The value of the fund’s securities and income provided by the fund may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available for dividend payments at, the companies in which the fund invests.


Investing in growth-oriented stocks — Growth-oriented common stocks and other equity-type securities (such as preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks and convertible bonds) may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.


Investing outside the United States — Securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, or with significant operations or revenues outside the United States, may lose value because of adverse political, social, economic or market developments (including social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war) in the countries or regions in which the issuers operate or generate revenue. 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. Issuers of these securities may be more susceptible to actions of foreign governments, such as nationalization, currency blockage or the imposition of price controls or punitive taxes, each of which could adversely impact the value of these securities. 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 accounting practices and different regulatory, legal and reporting standards and practices, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the United States. In addition, the value of investments outside the United States may be reduced by foreign taxes, including foreign withholding taxes on interest and dividends. Further, there may be increased risks of delayed settlement of securities purchased or sold by the fund. The risks of investing outside the United States may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets.


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, including models, tools and data, employed by the investment adviser in this process may be flawed or incorrect and 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 [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney You may lose money by investing in the fund.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text] 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 [Text Block] 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 a broad measure of securities market results and other applicable measures of market results. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to those of the fund. 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 [Text] 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 a broad measure of securities market results and other applicable measures of market results.
Performance Additional Market Index [Text] rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex The Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index includes the fund and other funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to those of the fund.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress americanfunds.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] 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 (Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included, results would be lower.)
Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block] 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 a broad measure of securities market results and other applicable measures of market results.
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads (Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales were included, results would be lower.)
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period were:

 

Highest 15.30% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)

 

Lowest -14.41% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Highest
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 15.30%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Lowest
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (14.41%)
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-favored arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

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-favored arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.
Caption rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaption Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2018 (with maximum sales charge):
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | S&P 500 Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel S&P 500 Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (4.38%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.49%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 13.12%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 10.73%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 01, 1934
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or U.S. federal income taxes)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.72%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.59%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.78%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 01, 1934
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class A  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.24%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.57%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. Contingent deferred sales charge is calculated based on the lesser of the offering price and market value of shares being sold.
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 630
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 747
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 875
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,248
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 27.18%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 10.86%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 (1.76%)
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 15.60%
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 32.42%
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 12.09%
Annual Return 2015 rr_AnnualReturn2015 (1.44%)
Annual Return 2016 rr_AnnualReturn2016 14.59%
Annual Return 2017 rr_AnnualReturn2017 19.73%
Annual Return 2018 rr_AnnualReturn2018 (6.51%)
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel A — Before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.87%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.96%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.97%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 11.87%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 01, 1934
Thirty Day Yield Caption rr_ThirtyDayYieldCaption Class A annualized 30–day yield at December 31, 2018:
Thirty Day Yield Phone rr_ThirtyDayYieldPhone (800) 325-3590
Thirty Day Yield rr_ThirtyDayYield 2.08%
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel A — After taxes on distributions
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (14.05%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 3.87%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 9.48%
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel A — After taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.41%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 4.51%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.95%
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class 529-A  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.23%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.65%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. Contingent deferred sales charge is calculated based on the lesser of the offering price and market value of shares being sold.
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 638
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 771
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 916
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,339
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529–A before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.96%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.85%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.87%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.51%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 15, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class C  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption 1.00%
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.14%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.37%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 239
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 434
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 750
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,646
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 139
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 434
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 750
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,646
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel C before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (8.07%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.37%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.74%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.97%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class 529-C  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption 1.00%
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.42%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 245
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 449
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 776
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,702
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 145
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 449
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 776
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,702
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529–C before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (8.12%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.31%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.67%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.47%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Feb. 19, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class 529-E  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.17%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.90%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 92
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 287
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 498
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,108
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529–E before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.78%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.87%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.25%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.46%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 01, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class T  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 2.50%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.13%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.61%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 311
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 440
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 582
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 993
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class 529-T  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 2.50%
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.67%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 317
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 459
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 614
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,064
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class F-1  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.18%
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
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel F–1 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.59%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.13%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.56%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.43%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Mar. 15, 2001
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class 529-F-1  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.19%
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
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel 529–F–1 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.34%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.36%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.78%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.20%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Sep. 16, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class F-2  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.39%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 40
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 125
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 219
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 493
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel F–2 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.31%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.42%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.86%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.27%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 01, 2008
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class F-3  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.07%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.30%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 31
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 97
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 169
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 381
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel F–3 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.24%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.42%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 27, 2017
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-1  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.39%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 142
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 440
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 761
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,669
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R–1 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.24%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.36%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.74%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.33%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 06, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-2  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.41%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.39%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 142
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 440
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 761
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,669
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R–2 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (7.26%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.36%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 10.74%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.09%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 21, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-3  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.21%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.94%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 96
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 300
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 520
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,155
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R–3 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.84%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 6.83%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.23%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.73%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 04, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-4  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.64%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 65
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 205
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 357
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 798
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R–4 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.58%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.15%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.58%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.91%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 28, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-5  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.34%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 35
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 109
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 191
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 431
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R–5 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.27%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.48%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 11.91%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.18%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 15, 2002
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-6  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.06%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.29%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 30
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 93
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 163
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 368
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R–6 before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.25%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.53%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 12.41%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2009
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-2E  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.09%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 111
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 347
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 601
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,329
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R–2E before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.99%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.35%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 29, 2014
INVESTMENT CO OF AMERICA® | Class R-5E  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.23%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.20%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.43%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 44
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 138
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 241
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 542
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel R-5E before taxes
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (6.35%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.54%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 20, 2015
[1] A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. Contingent deferred sales charge is calculated based on the lesser of the offering price and market value of shares being sold.