v3.23.3
Label Element Value
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading American Funds Mortgage Fund
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading Investment objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund’s investment objective is to provide current income and preservation of capital.

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, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. For example, 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, F-3, 529-F-2 or 529-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 $100,000 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 38 of the prospectus and on page 81 of the fund’s statement of additional information, and in the sales charge waiver appendix to the 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)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination Nov. 01, 2024
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 most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 1185% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 1185.00%
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 $100,000 in American Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount $ 100,000
Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text] rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent Restated to reflect current fees.
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. The example reflects the fee waiver described above through the expiration date of such waiver and total annual fund operating expenses thereafter. You may be required to pay brokerage commissions on your purchases and sales of Class F-2, F-3, 529-F-2 or 529-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

Normally at least 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in mortgage-related securities, including securities collateralized by mortgage loans and contracts for future delivery of such securities (such as to be announced contracts and mortgage dollar rolls). The fund invests primarily in mortgage-related securities that are sponsored or guaranteed by the U.S. government, such as securities issued by government-sponsored entities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and nongovernment mortgage-related securities that are rated in the Aaa or AAA rating category (by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations designated by the fund’s investment adviser) or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality by the fund’s investment adviser. The fund may also invest in debt issued by federal agencies. In the case of to be announced contracts, each contract for future delivery is normally of short duration.

The fund may also invest in futures contracts and swaps, which are types of derivatives. A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which is based on the value of an underlying financial asset (such as a stock, bond or currency), a reference rate or a market index.

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.

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 priced securities that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment opportunities. Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.

Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading Principal risks
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 Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Average includes mutual funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to those of the fund. The Lipper GNMA Funds Average includes 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. Prior to October 30, 2020, certain fees, such as 12b-1 fees, were not charged on Class 529-F-1 shares. If these expenses had been deducted, results would have been lower. Updated information on the fund’s investment results can be obtained by visiting capitalgroup.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 Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Average includes mutual funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to those of the fund. The Lipper GNMA Funds Average includes funds that disclose investment objectives and/or strategies reasonably comparable to those of the fund.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress capitalgroup.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 F-2 shares (Class F-2 shares are not subject to sales charges.)
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 (Class F-2 shares are not subject to sales charges.)
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period were:

 

Highest 4.41% (quarter ended March 31, 2020)

 


Lowest -4.98% (quarter ended September 30, 2022)

 

The fund's total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was -2.58%.

Year to Date Return, Label rr_YearToDateReturnLabel The fund's total return for the nine months ended
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate Sep. 30, 2023
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn (2.58%)
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Highest
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2020
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 4.41%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Lowest
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2022
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (4.98%)
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 F-2 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 F-2 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.

Average Annual Return, Caption rr_AverageAnnualReturnCaption Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2022:
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Risk Lose Money [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock You may lose money by investing in the fund.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Risk Not Insured [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock 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.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Investing in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities — Mortgage-related securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities, include debt obligations that represent interests in pools of mortgages or other income-bearing assets, such as consumer loans or receivables. While such securities are subject to the risks associated with investments in debt instruments generally (for example, credit, extension and interest rate risks), they are also subject to other and different risks. Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are subject to changes in the payment patterns of borrowers of the underlying debt, potentially increasing the volatility of the securities and the fund’s net asset value. When interest rates fall, borrowers are more likely to refinance or prepay their debt before its stated maturity. This may result in the fund having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities, effectively reducing the fund’s income. Conversely, if interest rates rise and borrowers repay their debt more slowly than expected, the time in which the mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are paid off could be extended, reducing the fund’s cash available for reinvestment in higher yielding securities. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to the risk that underlying borrowers will be unable to meet their obligations and the value of property that secures the mortgages may decline in value and be insufficient, upon foreclosure, to repay the associated loans. Investments in asset-backed securities are subject to similar risks.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Market conditions [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Market conditions — The prices of, and the income generated by, the 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 or companies; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental, governmental agency or central bank responses to economic conditions; changes in inflation rates; and currency exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are highly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, wars, terrorism, cybersecurity events, natural disasters, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious disease), bank failures and other circumstances in one country or region, including actions taken by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities in response to any of the foregoing, could have impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Issuer risks [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock 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, investigations or other controversies related to the issuer, changes in the issuer’s financial condition or credit rating, 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. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer or the securities markets as a whole, and conversely an industry or sector or the securities markets may be affected by a change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Investing in debt instruments [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in debt instruments — The prices of, and the income generated by, bonds and other debt securities held by the fund may be affected by factors such as the interest rates, maturities and credit quality of these securities. Rising interest rates will generally cause the prices of bonds and other debt securities to fall. Also, when interest rates rise, issuers of debt securities which may be prepaid at any time, such as mortgage- or other asset-backed securities, are less likely to refinance existing debt securities, causing the average life of such securities to extend. A general change in interest rates may cause investors to sell debt securities on a large scale, which could also adversely affect the price and liquidity of debt securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the fund. Falling interest rates may cause an issuer to redeem, call or refinance a debt security before its stated maturity, which may result in the fund having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities. Longer maturity debt securities generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than shorter maturity debt securities. Bonds and other debt securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that the credit strength of an issuer or guarantor will weaken or be perceived to be weaker, and/or an issuer of a debt security will fail to make timely payments of principal or interest and the security will go into default. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. A downgrade or default affecting any of the fund’s securities could cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease. Lower quality debt securities generally have higher rates of interest and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than higher quality debt securities. Credit risk is gauged, in part, by the credit ratings of the debt securities in which the fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the rating agencies issuing them and are not guarantees as to credit quality or an evaluation of market risk. The fund’s investment adviser relies on its own credit analysts to research issuers and issues in assessing credit and default risks.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Liquidity risk [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Liquidity risk — Certain fund holdings may be or may become difficult or impossible to sell, particularly during times of market turmoil. Liquidity may be impacted by the lack of an active market for a holding, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or the reduced number and capacity of market participants to make a market in such holding. Market prices for less liquid or illiquid holdings may be volatile or difficult to determine, and reduced liquidity may have an adverse impact on the market price of such holdings. Additionally, the sale of less liquid or illiquid holdings may involve substantial delays (including delays in settlement) and additional costs and the fund may be unable to sell such holdings when necessary to meet its liquidity needs or to try to limit losses, or may be forced to sell at a loss.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Investing in securities backed by the U.S. government [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in securities backed by the U.S. government — Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates and the credit rating of the U.S. government. Securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and federal agencies and instrumentalities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. U.S. government securities are subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Investing in future delivery contracts [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in future delivery contracts — The fund may enter into contracts, such as to-be-announced contracts and mortgage dollar rolls, that involve the fund selling mortgage-related securities and simultaneously contracting to repurchase similar securities for delivery at a future date at a predetermined price. This can increase the fund’s market exposure, and the market price of the securities that the fund contracts to repurchase could drop below their purchase price. While the fund can preserve and generate capital through the use of such contracts by, for example, realizing the difference between the sale price and the future purchase price, the income generated by the fund may be reduced by engaging in such transactions. In addition, these transactions increase the turnover rate of the fund.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Investing in inflation-linked bonds [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in inflation-linked bonds — The values of inflation-linked bonds generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates — i.e., rates of interest after factoring in inflation. A rise in real interest rates may cause the prices of inflation-linked securities to fall, while a decline in real interest rates may cause the prices to increase. Inflation-linked bonds may experience greater losses than other debt securities with similar durations when real interest rates rise faster than nominal interest rates. There can be no assurance that the value of an inflation-linked security will be directly correlated to changes in interest rates; for example, if interest rates rise for reasons other than inflation, the increase may not be reflected in the security’s inflation measure. Investing in inflation-linked bonds may also reduce the fund’s distributable income during periods of deflation. If prices for goods and services decline throughout the economy, the principal and income on inflation-linked securities may decline and result in losses to the fund.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Investing in derivatives [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock Investing in derivatives — The use of derivatives involves a variety of risks, which may be different from, or greater than, the risks associated with investing in traditional securities, such as stocks and bonds. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with, and may be more sensitive to market events than, the underlying asset, rate or index, and a derivative instrument may cause the fund to lose significantly more than its initial investment. Derivatives may be difficult to value, difficult for the fund to buy or sell at an opportune time or price and difficult, or even impossible, to terminate or otherwise offset. The fund’s use of derivatives may result in losses to the fund, and investing in derivatives may reduce the fund’s returns and increase the fund’s price volatility. The fund’s counterparty to a derivative transaction (including, if applicable, the fund’s clearing broker, the derivatives exchange or the clearinghouse) may be unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations in respect of the transaction. In certain cases, the fund may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivative instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses. Derivatives are also subject to operational risk (such as documentation issues, settlement issues and systems failures) and legal risk (such as insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, and issues with the legality or enforceability of a contract).
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Management [Member]  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Risk [Text Block] rr_RiskTextBlock 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.
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Bloomberg U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.81%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.53%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.74%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.26%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Lipper Intermediate U.S. Government Funds Average (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.08%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.31%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.30%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.82%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Lipper GNMA Funds Average (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees or U.S. federal income taxes)  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.77%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.76%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.10%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.76%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class A  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 0.75% [1]
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.23% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.72%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.70%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 0.75% for Class A shares and 1.00% for Class 529-A shares applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $500,000 or more for Class A and $1 million or more for Class 529-A 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 $ 444
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 595
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 759
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,234
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (13.51%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.70%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.44%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.97%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class 529-A  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 3.50%
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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.23%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.27% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.74%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.72%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block] rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock A contingent deferred sales charge of 0.75% for Class A shares and 1.00% for Class 529-A shares applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $500,000 or more for Class A and $1 million or more for Class 529-A 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 $ 421
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 576
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 745
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,234
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (13.30%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.69%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.39%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.92%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class C  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.23% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.47%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.45%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 248
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 463
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 801
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,552
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 148
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 463
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 801
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,552
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.60%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.69%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.18%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.76%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class 529-C  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.28% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.52%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.50%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 253
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 478
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 827
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,315
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 153
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 478
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 827
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 $ 1,315
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (11.66%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.74%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.35%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.89%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class 529-E  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.21% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.95%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.93%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 95
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 301
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 524
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,165
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.32%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.20%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.53%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.98%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | 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 deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.29% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.78%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.76%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 326
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 491
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 671
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,190
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class T  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 2.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.24% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.73%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.71%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 321
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 476
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 644
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,132
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | 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 deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.22% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.71%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.69%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 70
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 225
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 393
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 881
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.90%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.25%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.99%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.44%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class F-1  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.65%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.63%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 64
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 206
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 360
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 809
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.09%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.07%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.82%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.28%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class F-2  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.16% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.40%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.38%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 39
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 126
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 222
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 503
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 (1.85%)
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 5.42%
Annual Return 2015 rr_AnnualReturn2015 2.11%
Annual Return 2016 rr_AnnualReturn2016 2.21%
Annual Return 2017 rr_AnnualReturn2017 1.49%
Annual Return 2018 rr_AnnualReturn2018 0.86%
Annual Return 2019 rr_AnnualReturn2019 5.06%
Annual Return 2020 rr_AnnualReturn2020 6.90%
Annual Return 2021 rr_AnnualReturn2021 (0.36%)
Annual Return 2022 rr_AnnualReturn2022 (9.85%)
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.85%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.35%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 1.10%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.54%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
Thirty Day Yield Caption rr_ThirtyDayYieldCaption Class F-2 annualized 30-day yield at August 31, 2023
Thirty Day Yield Phone rr_ThirtyDayYieldPhone (800) 421-4225
Thirty Day Yield rr_ThirtyDayYield 4.56%
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class F-2 | After Taxes on Distributions  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.60%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.64%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.16%
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class F-2 | After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (5.82%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.09%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.46%
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class F-3  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.04% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.28%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 27
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 88
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 155
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 354
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.74%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.45%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.62%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jan. 27, 2017
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class 529-F-2  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.20% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.44%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.42%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 43
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 139
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 244
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 553
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.87%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception (4.65%)
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Oct. 30, 2020
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class 529-F-3  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.34%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.32%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 33
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 107
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 189
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 429
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.79%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception (4.55%)
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Oct. 30, 2020
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-1  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.17% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.41%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.39%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 142
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 444
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 769
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,689
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.68%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.69%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.27%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.71%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-2  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.75%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.39% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.38%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.36%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 138
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 435
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 753
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,656
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.68%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.66%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.07%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.56%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-3  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.50%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.20% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.94%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.92%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 94
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 298
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 518
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,153
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.27%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.25%)
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.52%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.99%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-4  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.15% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.64%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.62%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 63
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 203
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 355
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 796
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.06%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.10%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 0.87%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.32%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-5  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.11% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.35%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.33%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 34
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 110
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 195
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 441
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.79%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.39%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 1.14%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.59%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-6  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.04% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.28%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.26%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 27
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 88
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 155
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 354
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.74%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.46%
Average Annual Returns, 10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 1.21%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 1.65%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 01, 2010
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-2E  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.09%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.07%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 109
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 345
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 599
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 1,327
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (10.36%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.32%)
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.47%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Aug. 29, 2014
AMERICAN FUNDS MORTGAGE FUND | Class R-5E  
Risk/Return: 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 rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther none
Redemption or exchange fees rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.24%
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.20% [2]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.44%
Fee waiver rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets 0.02% [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.42%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 $ 43
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 139
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 244
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 $ 553
Average Annual Returns, 1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 (9.80%)
Average Annual Returns, 5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 0.29%
Average Annual Returns, Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 0.72%
Average Annual Returns, Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Nov. 20, 2015
[1] A contingent deferred sales charge of 0.75% for Class A shares and 1.00% for Class 529-A shares applies on certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $500,000 or more for Class A and $1 million or more for Class 529-A 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.
[2] Restated to reflect current fees.
[3] The investment adviser is currently waiving a portion of its management fee. This waiver will be in effect through at least November 1, 2024. The adviser may elect at its discretion to extend, modify or terminate the waiver at that time.