Arelle is a free, open-source platform for validating and processing XBRL, a format for structured business data. Users can work with it as a desktop application, command-line tool, Python API, Docker image, or web service. It supports XBRL 2.1, XBRL Dimensions, Inline XBRL, xBRL-JSON, and xBRL-CSV, and includes filing-rule support for programs such as ESMA ESEF, SEC EDGAR, US FERC, Japan EDINET, and South Africa CIPC. Its Web Service API can connect to applications including Excel, Java, and Oracle. Plugins can add custom validation and data-processing rules. Desktop builds are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, while the Docker image can provide local validation or an HTTP service. The software is released under Apache License 2.0. Community plugins come with desktop builds and the full Docker image, but users of Python package or source installations must add and configure plugins separately. The built-in web server has no authentication or authorization and is intended for trusted callers, not public internet or multi-tenant use.
Who it is for
Arelle suits regulators, software providers, auditors, and filers who need a standards-based XBRL platform. It also fits teams that want desktop, command-line, API, container, or on-premises use.
What is good
- Free open-source platform under Apache License 2.0.
- Supports XBRL 2.1, Inline XBRL, xBRL-JSON, and xBRL-CSV.
- Filing-rule support includes SEC EDGAR and ESMA ESEF.
- Desktop builds cover Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Plugins can add custom validation and processing rules.
What to know first
- Built-in web server has no authentication or authorization.
- Web server is intended for trusted callers, not public use.
- Python package and source installs need separate plugin setup.
Verdict
Arelle offers several ways to validate and process XBRL, with broad standards and filing-rule support. Treat its built-in web server as a trusted-caller service, and account for separate plugin setup with Python package or source installations.
Arelle plans and pricing
All plansCompared on regulatory reporting software
- Free plan
- Yes
- XBRL support
- Yes
- Regulator submission
- No
- Validation rules
- Yes
- Deployment
- on-premises
- API access
- Yes
- Supported jurisdictions
- 10
