Units of measure are applied to XBRL fact values as part of the tagging process. This article describes the standard units that are available, as well as how to create a custom XBRL unit.
Using Predefined Units
Select units for facts in the XBRL Fact Properties panel, such as:
- Shares
- Common currencies
- R Per Share
- Number (such as percentages, rates, and ratios)
To use predefined units:
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Click the XBRL Fact Properties (X) button at the bottom of the Wdesk window.
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Select the appropriate unit from the the Unit drop-down list. This list shows only the units that fit the selected concept.
To select a different unit, click the search symbol next to the Unit setting and search for another symbol.
Creating a Custom Unit
If you need to use a unit that isn’t available on the default list, you can create a custom unit.
In the XBRL Fact Properties dialog box, click the search symbol next to the Unit setting.
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Click Create New Unit and enter the necessary information:
Advanced: Check this box when you need to specify unit measure.
Unit ID: The technical name of the unit, as referenced by XBRL. For consistency, always enter the ID in lowercase letters. The ID cannot contain spaces.
Unit Type: This is either Simple measure or Ratio measure. Simple measure, the most common, represents a measure of just one type. For example, ZAR or shares. Ratio measure represents a complex unit composed of a numerator and a denominator, each of which is assigned its own unit (such as ZA Rand per share).
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Unit Measure: Type the text that indicates the value of the unit, such as employee.
NOTE: If you plan to use the same unit as both numerator and denominator, such as ZAR to ZAR, create a unit of simple measure rather than a ratio measure.
Unit Description: Enter a brief definition for this unit, for example, Number of Employees.
Click Save to add it to the Unit drop-down list on the XBRL Fact Properties tab.
The new unit is now available for all XBRL facts in your account.