Taxonomies are the dictionaries used by XBRL. They define the specific tags for individual items of data (such as "net profit"). Different taxonomies will be required for different financial reporting purposes. Different XBRL jurisdictions may have their own financial reporting taxonomies to reflect their local accounting regulations. Many different organisations, including regulators, specific industries or even companies, may require taxonomies to cover their own business reporting needs.

Taxonomies which have been officially recognised by XBRL International are listed in this section. Financial Reporting Taxonomies are provided here. A special taxonomy has also been designed to support collation of data and internal reporting within organisations. This is the GL taxonomy.

XBRL International has two levels of recognition of taxonomies. Approved Taxonomies have to comply with the official XBRL guidelines for that type of taxonomy, as well as with the XBRL Specification. Acknowledged Taxonomies just have to comply with the XBRL Specification. For more information on the recognition process see Taxonomy Recognition.

Some important taxonomies sponsored by jurisdictions are under development and are not yet in the acknowledged category. See Under Development for contacts.