differences between xbrl and ixbrl

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN XBRL AND iXBRL

Since 2009, XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) has been the standard business information reporting format. This technology allows for a clearly defined and more credible organization of the information because the data is divided into tags, similar to an XML file. This works for computers. But to register the data, it is necessary to use an interpreter because the file structure can be confusing for users.

In that sense, iXBRL (inline XBRL) comes in. This new technology, which the regulators have been implementing since 2018, allows the user to take advantage of the HTML language and to unite it with the traditional XBRL, making the final file easily readable for both the user and the machine.

These differences bring substantial advantages to the functioning of companies, mainly at a financial level. The main one is reducing cost and time, both for filling and revising the files, since now XBRL and HTML are united in a single file.

Another big difference will be in need to use an interpreter in XBRL (an XBRL Viewer). In the case of iXBRL, files can be quickly rendered in a browser or directly on a printer.

Millions of companies around the world use the iXBRL format when preparing their financial statements. This provides the structured data that regulators and analysts require. At the same time, preparers can retain full control over the layout and presentation of their report.