Maintaining consistent XBRL tagging and linking ensures that data remains accurate across documents and reporting periods. Follow the guidelines below to maintain document integrity, reduce rework, and ensure a smooth filing process with XBRL.
XBRL Best Practices
Preserve source links during text edits
To keep your XBRL tags intact, edit linked text carefully rather than deleting or pasting over it. If you need to update content, modify the text within the existing link or re-link it to the original source to ensure the XBRL relationship remains unbroken.
Use appropriate row management for table updates
To maintain the structural integrity of your tables, insert a new row when updating line item descriptions. Once the new description and row are in place, delete or hide the old row. This method ensures the XBRL structure remains properly aligned.
Standardize duration formats
While the Workiva platform uses automated translations to format standard values, specific presentations require manual precision. In cases where a value is disclosed without its scale (e.g. the number "3" appears without the word "years"), these values should be entered directly in ISO (PYMD) format (e.g. P3Y) to ensure successful validation. You can convert dates to this format using the tool on the Convert decimal duration to ISO 8601 article.
Use chain linking for varied data scaling
When the same data point is presented differently across schedules and footnotes, such as being rounded to thousands in one place and millions in another, use chain linking. This allows you to report the same underlying data accurately across various scales without creating XBRL validation conflicts.
Move sources links with cut and paste
To move a source location while preserving its XBRL tagging, use the Cut and Paste commands. Unlike Copy and Paste, which will disconnect XBRL tags, Cut and Paste retains the XBRL fact along with the value. This proactive step prevents disconnected tags and avoids unnecessary cleanup and additional service fees.
Ensure every value has a source link
XBRL requires a valid source link to be applied. Link all values from a spreadsheet or create a dedicated in-text source link. Even when using placeholder values, establishing a formal link ensures that your XBRL tags have a stable foundation.