v3.26.3
Performance Management - GROWTH FUND OF AMERICA
Oct. 30, 2026
Prospectus [Line Items]  
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] Investment results
Performance Narrative [Text Block]

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, if applicable, other measures of market results that reflect the fund’s investment universe. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in 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 capitalgroup.com.
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] Past investment results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future investment results.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] 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, if applicable, other measures of market results that reflect the fund’s investment universe.
Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

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, if applicable, other measures of market results that reflect the fund’s investment universe.
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text] (Class F-2 shares are not subject to sales charges.)
Bar Chart [Heading] Calendar year total returns for Class F-2 shares (Class F-2 shares are not subject to sales charges.)
Bar Chart [Table]

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this period were:

 

Highest 26.08% (quarter ended June 30, 2020)

 

Lowest -21.94% (quarter ended June 30, 2022)

 

The fund's total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, was 9.92%.
Year to Date Return, Label [Optional Text] The fund's total return for the nine months ended
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return 9.92%
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date Sep. 30, 2026
Highest Quarterly Return, Label [Optional Text] Highest
Highest Quarterly Return 26.08%
Highest Quarterly Return, Date Jun. 30, 2020
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label [Optional Text] Lowest
Lowest Quarterly Return (21.94%)
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date Jun. 30, 2022
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate 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 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]
           
Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2025:
Share class Inception date 1 year 5 years 10 years Lifetime
F-2 − Before taxes 8/1/2008 20.16% 12.04% 15.39% 12.46%
− After taxes on distributions   17.27 10.02 13.37 N/A
− After taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares 13.90 9.21 12.31 N/A
           
Share classes (before taxes) Inception date 1 year 5 years 10 years Lifetime
A (with maximum sales charge) 12/1/1973 13.04% 10.49% 14.47% 13.70%
C 3/15/2001 18.03 10.97 14.45 9.77
F-1 3/15/2001 19.86 11.75 15.09 10.03
F-3 1/27/2017 20.29 12.16 N/A 15.72
529-A (with maximum sales charge) 2/15/2002 15.70 10.97 14.68 10.50
529-C 2/15/2002 17.97 10.91 14.66 10.47
529-E 3/1/2002 19.60 11.49 14.82 10.32
529-F-2 10/30/2020 20.17 12.04 N/A 15.44
529-F-3 10/30/2020 20.23 12.09 N/A 15.50
R-1 6/6/2002 19.00 10.95 14.26 10.34
R-2 5/21/2002 18.99 10.94 14.26 10.12
R-2E 8/29/2014 19.34 11.26 14.60 13.31
R-3 5/21/2002 19.52 11.44 14.77 10.60
R-4 5/28/2002 19.87 11.77 15.11 10.96
R-5E 11/20/2015 20.13 11.99 15.34 14.95
R-5 5/15/2002 20.23 12.10 15.45 11.19
R-6 5/1/2009 20.28 12.16 15.51 15.40
         
Index 1 year 5 years 10 years Lifetime
(from Class F-2 inception)
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deductions for sales charges, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes) 17.88% 14.42% 14.82% 12.34%
Average Annual Return, Caption [Optional Text] Average annual total returns For the periods ended December 31, 2025:
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] 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]

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.
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] capitalgroup.com