Meanings of background colors in CCH Accounting Research Manager

An accounting student inquired yesterday about the meaning of the green document background in results after a search in CCH Accounting Research Manager. Green means the document is from the Securities and Exchange Commission. A white background means it is authoritative and beige means it is interpretation.

The student also wanted to know if the SEC documents are part of GAAP. As this is part of understanding Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), she was directed to check the FASBs standard, FAS 162 of the hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a reference and link to which was provided in a handout. FAS 162 may also be found on RIA Checkpoint and CCH Accounting Research Manager. (Searching FAS 162 for SEC, Securities and Exchange Commission or regulatory agencies will provide the answer.)