XBRL guide for small companies

Large accelerated filers are likely well on their way down the XBRL learning path; some have been experimenting for quite some time. But smaller companies perhaps have farther to go. Of course, they also have more time. They will generally be required to file in the new format for financial statements for periods after June 15, 2011.

Still, you can't take this lightly. This is extra work, as the rules requiring filings in ASCII and HTML will not go away. The SEC is allowing early compliance, which might not be a bad idea. But you want to make sure you are ready, as the rules require the new XBRL data to be posted on the company's website as well as filed to the SEC. To get you started, here's a guide for small companies from the SEC.

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