XBRL to enhance external financial reporting: Should we implement or not? Case Company X

•This case helps to identify the benefits of eXtensible Business Reporting Language.•The growing use of XBRL is a fundamental change for financial information flows.•The case helps to understand the different strategies of XBRL implementation.•Planning and investment decisions on accounting information processes are addressed.

The growing use of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) represents a fundamental change for financial information flows. In a number of countries XBRL has already been put to practical use, for instance through implementation within the financial processes of non-listed companies. This fictional case is designed to help identify the benefits of XBRL. In addition, it helps to create knowledge about the different strategies of XBRL implementation and to apply this knowledge when making investment decisions on accounting information processes.