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How do I use the codification files?

The zip files are for information purposes only – the FASB codification references are available to preparers, along with the label and definition, to help preparers choose the best elements to match up with their financial statement captions. They are also used by consumers of XBRL data to better understand the information they receive.

What Zip Files should I use?

The file you use depends on whether the XBRL creation tool you are using is Web-based or on your own local file system. Use the relative reference files if the 2009 taxonomy is located on a local file system. Use the absolute reference file if the 2009 taxonomy used is located at http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009.

• Using the Relative Reference Files

  Figure 1 shows where the contents of the “Codification Relative.zip” file should be placed relative to the local copy of the 2009 taxonomy. The folder name should be called “Codification.” Each of the entry points listed in the left hand pane of the figure define various entry points that align with the industry entry points in the taxonomy. The entry point “us-gaap-entryPoint-all-cod-2009-01-31.xsd” is the entry point for all industries.

  Figure 1
  
  

• Using the Absolute Reference Files

  The absolute reference file references the taxonomy files located on the web at the XBRL US website http://xbrl.us. These files can be downloaded to any location on your local file system and used to open the taxonomy as long as you have an internet connection.

• Codification Parts

  Both files contain a file called “codification-parts.xsd” that is used to define codification reference parts. This file includes the following additional Codification reference parts that were not included in the 2009 taxonomy:

  1. Topic
  2. SubTopic
  3. Glossary

  This file must not be removed as it identifies the additional reference categories provided by the Codification and is used by the Codification linkbase.

Do I need to submit the codification file to the SEC?

No, you refer to them to give you more information when you’re selecting which elements you want to use, but they are not needed for submission of your SEC XBRL filing. Simply submit your XBRL documents that reference the 2009 taxonomy as defined by the SEC filing manual.

If I submit a copy of the FASB codification extension file with my XBRL submission to the SEC, will it be rejected?

Yes, the EDGAR system will not accept it. You simply need to submit your XBRL-formatted financial statements that reference the relative components of the 2009 US GAAP Taxonomy including any company-specific extension files you have created. This is the same process you will follow in 2010.

How do I use the codification files when I’m creating XBRL-formatted financials working with the US GAAP 2009 Release?

First, download the codification files from the XBRL US web site, then open up your XBRL creation software tool and download the 2009 US GAAP Release. When you select an element in the tool, you will see a URL to the FASB codification reference for that element. You can use that URL to go directly to the FASB codification site and view the reference. When you submit your completed XBRL document to the SEC’s EDGAR system, only submit your instance file and your company extension file (if extensions were created). This is the same process you will file in 2010 with the 2010 release of the US GAAP Taxonomy.

How do I view the Codification References?

You can view the Codification either by accessing it from the URL link in your XBRL creation tool (as noted above) or use the XBRL US Taxonomy viewer located at http://viewer.xbrl.us. The figure below shows the Codification references as they appear in the viewer. The Codification URI or link can be followed to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. To link to the Codification you will need to set up a Codification account on the FASB website at http://asc.fasb.org. You can sign up for either professional or basic access to the FASB site. Once you have a username and account you will be able to link directly to the FASB Codification from the 2009 taxonomy.

By clicking on the URI link associated with Assets, Current, Total (Topic 210, Subtopic 10, Section 45) you will be taken to the FASB Codification website in Figure 3 below.

How will this change in 2010?

In 2010, companies will not need to download the codification files from the XBRL US web site. They will simply open their software tool and download the 2010 taxonomy release. The codification will be embedded within the 2010 taxonomy. As they do with the 2009 Release, when the preparer selects an element in the tool, they will see a URL to the FASB codification reference for that element. They can use that URL to go directly to the FASB codification site and view the reference. They will still be required to log in to the FASB site to access the codification references. The only change from 2009 is that they will no longer need to download the codification files from the XBRL US web site.

Why didn’t XBRL US just publish a new release of the US GAAP Taxonomy that includes the FASB codification?

XBRL US releases one new taxonomy each year to ensure 1) that preparers are not confused about which taxonomy should be used, and 2) that data produced from XBRL submissions is consistent and comparable. The FASB and XBRL US have an agreed-upon process such that when new accounting standards are promulgated, they are released as a set of extensions that can be used by those preparers that need them.

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