Overview

Arelle is a free, open-source XBRL validation and processing platform for teams handling structured business reporting. It suits regulators, filers, auditors and software providers that need standards-based validation they can run in their own environment. Its range of interfaces and extensible rules are useful; the built-in web server’s lack of access controls rules out exposing it to untrusted users.

Key features

Arelle handles XBRL 2.1, XBRL Dimensions, Inline XBRL, xBRL-JSON and xBRL-CSV. Filing rules cover programs including ESMA ESEF, SEC EDGAR, US FERC, Japan EDINET and South Africa CIPC, across 10 supported jurisdictions. That breadth makes it a fit for validating filings against established reporting requirements, though it does not submit them to regulators.

Teams can work through a desktop application, command line, Python API, Docker image or web service. The Web Service API can connect with applications such as Excel, Java and Oracle, while the plugin architecture supports custom validation and data-processing rules. Desktop builds and the full Docker image bundle community plugins; Python package and source installations require users to add and configure them separately. That distinction matters when choosing a deployment path: the more minimal installation routes require extra setup.

The Docker image supports local validation or an HTTP service, and Arelle can be deployed on premises. Its built-in web server has no authentication or authorization, so it is intended for trusted callers—not public internet exposure or multi-tenant use. Teams needing an externally accessible service must account for that security boundary.

Arelle is licensed under Apache License 2.0. Project support channels include GitHub issues, a Google Group and support email; issues arising within third-party products should go to those product developers.

Pricing

Arelle: 0.00 USD per free. The free plan includes the open-source XBRL platform, desktop builds, Python package, Docker image and community plugins, with validation rules and API access. There is no free trial because the plan is free. It is the natural choice for teams able to operate and integrate the software themselves; the trade-off is that it validates and processes filings rather than submitting them.

Platforms

Arelle supports API, Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted use. Official desktop builds are available for Windows, macOS and Linux, alongside the Python package, Docker image and web service. This gives teams flexibility to match an existing environment, while plugin setup differs between packaged desktop or full Docker builds and Python or source installations.

Who it's for

Arelle is best for regulators, software providers, auditors and filers that need a free, standards-based XBRL engine and can manage deployment, integrations and any required plugin configuration. It is less suitable as a turnkey filing-submission service or as an unauthenticated web application for external or multi-tenant users.

Pros and cons

Pros: Broad XBRL format and filing-rule coverage supports validation across multiple reporting programs.
Pros: Desktop, CLI, Python, Docker and web-service interfaces give teams several ways to fit XBRL processing into their stack.
Pros: Apache 2.0 licensing, free access and extensible plugins allow teams to tailor validation without a paid plan.
Cons: Arelle does not submit filings to regulators, so submission workflows need another route.
Cons: The built-in web server has no authentication or authorization and should remain within trusted environments.
Cons: Python package and source deployments require separate plugin installation and configuration.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, see Regulatory Reporting Software.

REGREP is worth considering when a freemium option with web and API access and per-record or annual plans better matches the workflow.
Altova Regulatory Solutions may suit teams seeking a freemium product with a free trial and a per-user annual CbC Reporting App subscription.
Semansys Compliance Platform is a paid web and API option with custom proposals based on capabilities, jurisdictions, volume and deployment model.
FIS Data Integrity Manager is a paid web-based alternative.
CoreFiling Seahorse is a paid web-based alternative.
Reg360 is a paid web-based alternative with pricing available upon request.
Complyfirst Regulatory Reporting is a paid web option with custom proposals and licence and usage limits to consider.
LSEG Corporate Treasury Risk is a paid web alternative with pricing available by contacting sales.

Verdict

Choose Arelle if your team needs a free, extensible XBRL validation platform with multiple deployment paths and can handle its integration and operational requirements. Its strongest case is standards coverage without licensing cost; look elsewhere if you need regulator submission or a web service with built-in authentication and authorization.

	Arelle	AutoRek
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Windows	—
Free plan	Yes	—
XBRL support	Yes	—
Regulator submission	No	—
Validation rules	Yes	—
Deployment	on-premises	—
API access	Yes	—
Supported jurisdictions	10	—

Arelle vs AutoRek

Arelle

AutoRek