On September 2nd, XBRL International released its initial Public Working Draft of Project Tavi, the first public issuance of the next‑generation XBRL specification. Among other things, the draft was created to ensure that the specification progresses in step with real‑world reporting needs. XBRL International has released this draft to gather feedback from the global XBRL community, especially developers, taxonomy architects, and data-standard practitioners.
The draft introduces a modernized framework for creating digital business reports, replacing outdated XLink‑based structures with a streamlined JSON‑illustrated data model designed to reduce complexity, provide greater clarity, and make taxonomies easier for developers to implement. The draft also updates terminology and modeling to facilitate and enhance accessibility for AI systems working with structured financial and business data. Though foundational XBRL concepts—including dimensional modeling and constraints—would remain unchanged, the approach set forth by the Working Group responsible for developing Project Tavi aims to convey these concepts more effectively and in a syntax‑neutral way.
Key proposed plans and imminent actions presented in the draft include:
- remove XLink dependencies to eliminate outdated technical structures and make the model easier to understand
- provide simpler operational steps for developers supported by ordinary tools that can process taxonomies without specialized tools
- define upcoming syntax mapping that will connect the model to future formats
- streamline terminology and syntax‑neutral modeling to modernize how concepts are expressed
- clarify how relationships are structured to support consistent interpretation
“This is the first step toward the next generation of XBRL, and we encourage preparers, consumers, and developers to get involved in the transition process,” said Scott Theis, President and CEO of Novaworks and an active member of the XBRL International development working group.
For further information on the first draft, click here.
As progress continues toward a more adaptable, platform-independent, and next-generation reporting model, interested parties are encouraged to participate in ongoing community feedback related to the draft. Remarks can be provided via email at oim-feedback@xbrl.org.
Sources:
Next Generation XBRL – The First Public Working Draft (xbrl.org)
Understanding Project Tavi - Modernising XBRL for People and AI (xbrl.org)
