We first document attributes of 19 general-purpose
accounting standards issued by FASB over the last thirty
years. Based on recent evaluations of standard-setting systems
(SEC, 2003), we evaluate each accounting standard as
to whether the standard was (1) income statement- or balance
sheet-based (oriented to definitions of assets and
liabilities), (2) contained bright lines, (3) included implementation
guidance, or (4) allowed exceptions/alternative
applications. We also examine the disclosure provisions
for the standard. We find that the 19 accounting standards
contain both principle- and rule-based features. While only
three standards are considered income statement-based
and three standards contain bright lines, over half of the standards include implementation guidance or provide
exceptions or alternatives