As usual the BBC has a bit more info.
Mr Abudmutallab allegedly concealed two explosives - PETN and TATP - in his clothing with other ingredients to make a bomb, according to the court document.
The indictment said the bomb was designed for him to detonate at a time of his choosing.
The counts are:
* attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction
* attempted murder within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the US
* willful attempt to destroy and wreck an aircraft
* willfully placing a destructive device in or near an aircraft which was likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft
* two counts of possession of a firearm, ie the bomb, in furtherance of violent crime.