Overlapping Number Ranges for GL Accounts - does this allow duplicates?

Question

Hi there,.
I am just-trying to understand GL numbering ranges.
If I create two GL account groups with overlapping number ranges, what (if anything), is stopping me from creating two GL accounts with identical numbers. 
When l try to do this in fs00 I get a message telling me that the account already exists in the company code. Surely having the concept of an account group with overlapping number ranges implies that the account group forms part of the GL account's unique key and therefore allows duplicate GL account numbers.
Or does overlapping mean the ranges ovelap but the GL account numbers have to be unique?
Confused
Gerald.
Edited by: Gerald Dunn on Apr 26, 2011 6:57 PM

Answer 1

Hi,
Since a chart of accounts contains many different types of accounts, they can
be grouped into different account groups. Usually, one account group groups
accounts with the same tasks within the general ledger, for example, cash accounts,
material accounts, asset accounts, profit and loss statement accounts, and so on.
By assigning a number range to an account group, you can ensure that accounts
of the same type are within the same number range. Number intervals for G/L
account master records can overlap.
You must enter the account group in the chart of accounts segment; it controls the
appearance of the company code segment of a G/L account. For example, for all
of your cash accounts, you want to be able to display all of the line items. In
Customizing, you therefore alter the field status for your “Cash Accounts” account
group to make “line item display” a required entry field.
Thanks
R.K