Updated Articles

  1. What are element templates and how can I use them?

    Element templates are files that you can create from XBRL reports that contain information about the elements used within that report. You can create an element template from one report and apply it to another to quickly map or “tag” the new report ...
  2. How do I create a namespace for my XBRL report?

    The namespace identifies the extended elements being used in the report as well as the data for the report. When using GoFiler Complete or GoXBRL, you do not need to know how to create a namespace. The application will create a namespace based on in...
  3. Does an XBRL report need to be posted on a corporate website?

    Yes.  As part of the SEC's ruling for interactive data disclosure, filers are required to post their financial statements in interactive data format on their corporate website the same day it was filed (or was required to be filed) to the SEC.  See ...
  4. How do I add a balance type for a custom element?

    Almost all standard monetary elements in the US-GAAP taxonomy have a normal balance type of either credit or debit, depending on the accounting principal that element represents. When creating a custom monetary element, it is a good idea to decide w...
  5. What do I do when a standard element has no balance type?

    Almost all standard monetary elements in the US-GAAP taxonomy have a normal balance type of either credit or debit, depending on the accounting principal that element represents. It is rare to encounter an element that does not have a normal balance...
  6. Understanding XBRL Calculations

    The balance type of an element is an inherent property set by US-GAAP. Elements usually have a default balance type assigned to them (debit or credit), according to the basic rule of double entry accounting. Assets and expenses have a normal balance...
  7. Why can't I control the pagination of my HTML document?

    As users of word processing and spreadsheet applications, we are used to being able to control page parameters such as the orientation of data and margins. When data is presented in EDGAR HTML, controlling page orientation and margins becomes more d...
  8. How do I import a table to XBRL?

    You cannot directly copy a table from Microsoft Word or other word processing applications and paste it into XBRL View. If you have a Word document as your source, the document that contains the table should be brought into GoFiler and converted to ...
  9. What do View/Edit Monetary Facts and Default Precision really mean?

    The difference between these two fields on the Add Presentation , Presentation Wizards and Presentation Properties dialog is subtle but important. Before discussing the fields, it is important to remember that on an XBRL report, a financial fi...
  10. How do I change the precision of facts on a presentation?

    A common mistake occurs when the Default Precision and View/Edit Monetary Facts In fields are left as their default values when creating new presentations during the Add Presentation or Presentation Wizard process. Unfortunately, you cannot simp...