Arelle

Overview

Arelle is a free, open-source platform for validating and processing XBRL, a format for structured business data. The project, founded in 2010, is intended for regulators, software providers, auditors, and filers that need a standards-based way to work with this information. It is released under the Apache License 2.0.

Rather than a single desktop tool, Arelle is offered through several interfaces: a desktop application, command-line interface, Python API, Docker image, and web service. This gives teams options for local use, scripted workflows, and service or container deployments. Arelle is available for on-premises deployment, but it does not submit filings to regulators.

Key features

Arelle supports XBRL 2.1, XBRL Dimensions, Inline XBRL, xBRL-JSON, and xBRL-CSV. Its filing validation rules cover programs including ESMA ESEF, SEC EDGAR, US FERC, Japan EDINET, and South Africa CIPC, along with other national programs. The product listing identifies 10 supported jurisdictions.

Validation rules and API access are included in the product’s capabilities. The Web Service API supports integration with applications such as Excel, Java, and Oracle, making it possible to connect XBRL processing to other tools. Arelle’s role is validation and processing rather than regulator submission.

An extensible plugin architecture lets users add capabilities, including custom validation and data-processing rules. Community plugins are bundled with desktop builds and the full Docker image. With Python package or source installations, plugins need to be added and configured separately.

The published Docker image can be used for local validation or run as an HTTP service. The built-in web server has no authentication or authorization, however, and is intended for trusted callers. It is not designed for public-internet exposure or multi-tenant use.

Pricing

Arelle’s listed plan costs nothing. The free plan includes the open-source XBRL platform, desktop builds, Python package, Docker image, and community plugins. There is no free trial because the product is free.

Platforms

Official desktop builds are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Other listed deployment options include a Python API, Docker image, command-line interface, and web service. The product listing also identifies API access and on-premises deployment.

Who it's for

Arelle is aimed at organizations and professionals working with XBRL-based business reporting: regulators, software providers, auditors, and filers. It may suit teams that need to validate reports against supported filing rules or build XBRL processing into their own applications. Users who require a tool to submit reports directly to a regulator will need a separate submission capability.

It is also a better fit for teams able to manage their deployment and configuration. In particular, Python package and source installations require separate plugin setup, while the built-in web server should only be made available to trusted callers.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free, open-source platform released under the Apache License 2.0.
• Supports multiple XBRL formats and filing rules for a range of jurisdictions.
• Available through desktop, command-line, API, Docker, and web-service interfaces.
• Plugin architecture supports custom validation and data-processing rules.

Cons

• Does not submit filings to regulators.
• Python package and source installations require plugins to be added and configured separately.
• The built-in web server has no authentication or authorization and is unsuitable for public or multi-tenant use.

Alternatives

For a broader view of tools in this category, see our Regulatory Reporting Software list. Other products to consider include REGREP, Altova Regulatory Solutions, FIS Data Integrity Manager, Reg360, REGnosys, Diligence XBRL Suite, Complyfirst Regulatory Reporting, and LSEG Corporate Treasury Risk.

Verdict

Arelle is a substantial free option for organizations that need to validate and process XBRL across desktop, code, or service-based workflows. Its standards coverage, filing rules, and plugin model give it flexibility, while its lack of regulator submission means it is not a complete filing workflow on its own. Teams considering web-service deployment should account for the built-in server’s lack of authentication and authorization, and choose a trusted, appropriately controlled environment.

The project directs users to GitHub issues, its Google Group, and support email for assistance. Issues arising inside third-party products should be raised with those product developers.