detailed balancing (principle of)

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01626
When equilibrium is reached in a reaction system (containing an arbitrary number of components and reaction paths), as many atoms, in their respective @M03986@ will pass forward, as well as backwards, along each individual path in a given finite time interval. Accordingly, the @R05174@ in the reverse direction must in every detail be the reverse of the @R05174@ in the forward direction (provided always that the system is at equilibrium). The principle of detailed balancing is a consequence for macroscopic systems of the principle of @M03916@.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1105 [Terms] [Paper]
See also:
PAC, 1996, 68, 149. (A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)) on page 162 [Terms] [Paper]