Interactive Data Viewers

The SEC has produced some interactive data viewers that can be downloaded free and used by analysts and others interested in using the data. Last week it announced a new tool, called Financial Explorer, which is designed to facilitate the analysis of intractive data, including the production of graphics and ratios. The SEC page for its interactive data viewers is at the following link: Interactive Data Viewers

In the SEC’s Progress Report on Improving Financial Reporting, released today (please see link below to the complete report) the SEC recommends “ … a gradual phase-in of interactive disclosure technology (i.e., XBRL-tagging) to facilitate the ability of investors to more easily access comparative arrays of company information, while minimizing the burdens on preparers (especially smaller companies). A phase-in approach would allow for enhanced understanding of the technology, proven use of the new XBRL U.S. GAAP Taxonomy, and further development of tagging and rendering software.”

There is a whole section in the document about XBRL…an interesting read

http://www.sec.gov/about/offices/oca/acifr/acifr-pr-021408-final.pdf

Dissent on SEC panel over XBRL | IR Web Report

The movement towards mandatory XBRL is continuing, but not without dissent. However, it does not seem to be appreciably slowing down the movement, as the dissent is in a minority. Dissent on SEC panel over XBRL IR Web Report

Welcome to XBRL Canada

Rather than adding to the complexities involved with IFRS conversion, XBRL implementation may actually be a part of the solution. That's because of new tools being developed by XBRL Canada and the IASB Foundation that may be used to link IFRS standards to country GAAP, including Canadian GAAP. Stay tuned. Welcome to XBRL Canada

Bowne Launches Interactive XBRL Viewer -- Provides Previews of SEC XBRL Edgar Filings

In a press release issued yesterday, Bowne has announced the release of a new XBRL viewer that is free and available on their own website (www.bowne.com/xbrl). The new viewer makes use of the source code made available by the SEC and will be an important tool for companies wishing to review their filings before submission. Bowne Launches Interactive XBRL Viewer -- Provides Previews of SEC XBRL Edgar Filings

XBRL: The Ugliest Acronym - Regulatory Issues - CFO.com

XBRL is gaining prominence and with it the critics are getting louder. Despite this, XBRL seems to be gaining momentum. XBRL: The Ugliest Acronym - Regulatory Issues - CFO.com

Microsoft Investor Central - Home

Microsoft has launched a new Investor Central site at the following link which sets a high standard for Web Reporting and makes use of XBRL. It's interesting to note that XBRL is invisible on the site, which means that it is likely being used correctly. This is not to be confused with the Microsoft Investor Relations site, which has featured XBRL for years. In the Investor Central site, the menus are all drop down and offer excellent drill down opportunities for more detailed information about operating items or links to the MD&A, Notes to the Financials and Accounting Policies. Microsoft Investor Central - Home