No, XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) itself is an open standard for digital business reporting, not a software application. While the XBRL standard is freely available for use, software implementations that utilize XBRL vary in their licensing and cost.
XBRL is developed and maintained by XBRL International Inc. (XII), an international, non-profit-making consortium dedicated to improving the transparency and usability of business information. This ensures that the underlying standard is openly accessible and can be adopted by anyone without licensing fees for the standard itself.
Understanding the Nuance: Standard vs. Software
It's crucial to differentiate between the XBRL standard and the software that uses it.
- XBRL Standard: This is a freely available, open specification or language that defines how to exchange business information digitally. It provides the framework for tagging data, making it machine-readable and enabling automated analysis. As an open standard, it is not "software" in the executable sense, but rather a set of rules and definitions.
- XBRL Software: These are actual applications developed by various vendors that allow users to create, validate, view, or process XBRL-formatted data. Examples include XBRL preparation tools, validation software, and reporting platforms.
Availability of XBRL Software
The availability and cost of XBRL software vary significantly:
- Commercial Software: Many professional XBRL software solutions are developed by private companies and are sold commercially, requiring a purchase or subscription fee. These often come with advanced features, dedicated support, and robust capabilities for large enterprises.
- Free Downloads and Trials: As mentioned, some vendors, like SAG Infotech with their Gen XBRL software, offer versions that are available for free download or provide free trials for a limited period or with restricted functionalities. This allows users to experience the software before committing to a purchase. However, "free download" or "free trial" does not necessarily mean they are "free software" in the sense of open-source software that grants users the freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute copies.
- Open-Source Options: While less common for comprehensive filing tools, some open-source projects or libraries exist that deal with specific aspects of XBRL processing. These would typically align with the definition of "free software," offering greater flexibility and transparency in their code.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | XBRL Standard | XBRL Software Implementations |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Open, royalty-free specification/language | Applications that create, validate, or consume XBRL data |
| Developed By | XBRL International Inc. (XII) (non-profit consortium) | Various commercial and open-source vendors |
| Availability | Freely available for global adoption | Varies: commercial licenses, free downloads, free trials, or open-source solutions |
| Cost to Use | No cost to use the standard | Can be paid, free of charge (for download/trial), or open-source |
| "Free Software" | An open standard, not software itself | Some might be "free software" (open-source), others are just "free of cost" for a trial or specific version |
In conclusion, while the XBRL standard promotes open and transparent data exchange and is developed by a non-profit, the software applications built to implement this standard come in various forms, including commercial products and solutions that offer free downloads or trials.
