| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of JLL and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in real estate ventures over which we exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for either at fair value or under the equity method. When applying principles of consolidation, we begin by determining whether an investee entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE") or a voting interest entity. U.S. GAAP draws a distinction between voting interest entities, which are embodied by common and traditional corporate and certain partnership structures, and VIEs, broadly defined as entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights. For voting interest entities, the interest holder with control through majority ownership and majority voting rights consolidates the entity. For VIEs, determination of the "primary beneficiary" dictates the accounting treatment. We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We perform the primary beneficiary analysis as of the inception of our investment and upon the occurrence of a reconsideration event. When we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the VIE; when we determine we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we account for our investment in the VIE at fair value or under the equity method. Our determination of the appropriate accounting method to apply for unconsolidated investments is based on the level of influence we have in the underlying entity. When we have an asset advisory contract with a real estate limited partnership in which we also hold an ownership interest, the combination of our limited partner interest and the advisory agreement generally provides us with significant influence over such real estate limited partnership. Accordingly, we account for such investments either at fair value or under the equity method. We eliminate transactions with such subsidiaries to the extent of our ownership in such subsidiaries. For less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries, noncontrolling interest is the portion of equity not attributable, directly or indirectly, to JLL. We evaluate whether noncontrolling interests possess any redemption features outside of our control. If such features exist, the noncontrolling interests are presented outside of permanent equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets within Redeemable noncontrolling interest. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted to the greater of their fair value or carrying value as of each balance sheet date through a charge to Additional paid-in capital, if necessary. If classification and presentation outside of permanent equity is not considered necessary, noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of permanent equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We report revenues, expenses and net income (loss) from less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries at the consolidated amounts, including both the amounts attributable to the Company and noncontrolling interests; the income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest holders is reflected in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Changes in amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. Changes in amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented in the following table. ($ in millions) Redeemable noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2014 $ 13.4 Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest (1) (2.8 ) Net income 1.6 Impact of exchange rate movements (1.1 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2015 11.1 Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest (1) (3.6 ) Net income 0.1 Impact of exchange rate movements (0.8 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2016 6.8 Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest (1) (3.5 ) Net loss (0.1 ) Impact of exchange rate movements 0.6 Redeemable noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2017 $ 3.8 (1) Reflects our redemption of a portion of the redeemable noncontrolling interest related to our 2014 acquisition of Tenzing AB and includes $1.1 million , $0.8 million , and $0.2 million representing the difference between the redemption value and the carrying value of the acquired interest as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015, respectively. Use of Estimates The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Such estimates include the value and allocation of purchase consideration, valuation of accounts receivable, warehouse receivables, investments in real estate ventures, goodwill, intangible assets, derivative financial instruments, other long-lived assets, legal contingencies, assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, incentive compensation, self-insurance program liabilities, and retirement and other post-employment benefits, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimate and judgment. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Market factors, such as illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations can increase the uncertainty in such estimates and assumptions. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. Although actual amounts will likely differ from such estimated amounts, we believe such differences are not likely to be material. Revenue Recognition We earn revenue from the following principal sources: • Transaction commissions; • Advisory and management fees; • Incentive fees; and • Project and development management fees. We recognize transaction commissions related to leasing services and capital markets services as revenue when we provide the related services, unless future contingencies exist. Advisory and management fees related to property and facility management services, valuation services, consulting services, mortgage servicing, and investment management are recognized in the period in which we perform the related services. We recognize incentive fees in the period earned, based on the performance of funds' investments, contractual benchmarks, and other contractual formulas. If future contingencies exist, we defer recognition of the related revenue until the respective contingencies have been satisfied. We recognize project and development management, including construction management, fees by applying the percentage of completion method of accounting. The costs incurred to total estimated costs method is used to determine the extent of progress towards completion. Gross and Net Accounting In certain parts of our business, primarily those involving management services, our clients reimburse us for expenses incurred on their behalf. We follow the guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB's") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605-45, Principal and Agent Considerations , when accounting for these expenses and the associated reimbursements received from clients, in consideration of the fee structure of the underlying contract. Accordingly, we report a contract that provides for fixed fees, fully inclusive of all personnel and other recoverable expenses, on a gross basis. When accounting on a gross basis, our reported revenue comprises the entire amount billed to our client and our reported expenses include all costs associated with the client. Certain contractual arrangements in our project and development services, including fit-out business activities, and our facility management services, tend to have characteristics that result in accounting on a gross basis. In Note 3, Business Segments, for client assignments in property and facility management and in project and development services accounted for on a gross basis, we identify the reimbursable gross contract costs, including third-party vendor and subcontractor costs ("gross contract costs"), and present separately their impact on both revenue and operating expense in our Real Estate Services ("RES") segments. We exclude these gross contract costs from revenue and operating expenses in determining "fee revenue" and "fee-based operating expenses" in our segment presentation. We account for a contract on a net basis when the fee structure comprises at least two distinct elements, namely (i) a fixed management fee and (ii) a separate component that allows for scheduled personnel costs or other third-party expenses to be billed directly to or reimbursed from the client. When accounting on a net basis, we include the fixed management fee in reported revenue and net the reimbursement revenue against the corresponding expenses. We base this accounting on the following factors, which define us as an agent rather than a principal: • The property owner or client, with ultimate approval rights relating to the employment and compensation of on-site personnel, and bearing all of the economic costs of such personnel, is determined to be the primary obligor in the arrangement; • Reimbursement to JLL is generally completed simultaneously with payment of payroll or soon thereafter; • The property owner is contractually obligated to fund all operating costs of the property from existing cash flow or direct funding from its building operating account and JLL bears little or no credit risk; and • JLL generally earns little to no margin on the reimbursement aspect of the arrangement, obtaining reimbursement only for actual costs incurred. We account for the majority of our service contracts on a net basis. The presentation of expenses pursuant to these arrangements under either a gross or net basis has no impact on operating income, net income, or net cash flows. Contracts accounted for on a gross basis resulted in certain reimbursable costs reflected in both revenue and operating expenses (gross contract costs) of $1,220.6 million , $1,023.5 million , and $801.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly-liquid investments purchased with maturities of less than three months to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments. Financing Receivables We account for Trade receivables, Notes and other receivables, Long-term receivables, and Warehouse receivables as financing receivables. Trade Receivables Pursuant to contractual arrangements, Trade receivables, net of allowances include unbilled amounts of $505.6 million and $402.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We estimate the allowance necessary to provide for uncollectible accounts receivable. The estimate includes specific amounts for which payment has become unlikely. We also base this estimate on historical experience combined with a review of current developments and client credit quality. The process by which we calculate the allowance begins with the individual business units where specific accounts for which uncollectability is uncertain are identified and reserved as part of an overall reserve that is formulaic and driven by the age profile of the receivables and our historical experience. We then review these allowances on a quarterly basis to ensure they are appropriate. After all collection efforts have been exhausted by management, the outstanding balance considered uncollectable is written off against the allowance. The following table details the changes in the allowance for uncollectible receivables. ($ in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Allowance as of January 1, $ 37.1 23.2 17.9 Charged to income 26.3 21.3 14.5 Write-off of uncollectible receivables (14.2 ) (7.6 ) (8.7 ) Reserves acquired from acquisitions — 0.3 0.3 Impact of exchange rate movements and other 2.1 (0.1 ) (0.8 ) Allowance as of December 31, $ 51.3 37.1 23.2 Notes and Other Receivables and Long-Term Receivables We make ongoing assessments of the collectability of outstanding Notes and other receivables and Long-term receivables, considering both objective and subjective factors such as the age profile of outstanding balances, the contractual terms of repayment, and credit quality. Aspects of credit quality considered in our assessments of collectability include historical experience, current developments, and the status of our broader business relationship with the obligor. We record an allowance against the outstanding balance when our assessments result in a determination that payment has become unlikely. After all collection efforts have been exhausted by management, the outstanding balance considered uncollectable is written off against the reserve. Historically, credit quality deterioration to the point of impairment or non-performance in our Notes and other receivables and Long-term receivables has been limited and has not had a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Warehouse Receivables We classify Warehouse receivables as held-for-sale as they represent originated mortgage loans for which we have simultaneously executed commitments to sell to a third-party investor, primarily the Government National Mortgage Association ( Ginnie Mae ), the Federal National Mortgage Association ( Fannie Mae ), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ( Freddie Mac ). These loans (also referred to as "Warehouse receivables") are funded directly to borrowers by our warehouse facilities and are generally repaid within a 45-day period after origination when the third-party investor buys the loan(s); upon surrender of control over each loan, we account for the transfer as a sale. Warehouse receivables have historically been carried at the lower of cost or fair value; however, effective January 1, 2017 , we elected the fair value option to measure and report new Warehouse receivables at fair value. As such, increases or decreases in the fair value of loans (originated after this election) are recognized as Revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. All Warehouse receivables carried at the lower of cost or fair value as of December 31, 2016 , were sold during the first three months of 2017 . Historically, we have not experienced credit quality deterioration or balances considered uncollectible with respect to our Warehouse receivables. We generally retain certain servicing rights upon sale of the mortgage loan (refer to the Mortgage Servicing Rights section below). We typically retain no exposure for credit losses on loans subsequent to sale, except for loans under Fannie Mae's Delegated Underwriting and Servicing ("DUS") program. See Note 13 for additional information on the risk of loss retained related to DUS program loans. Contractually specified servicing fees related to sold warehouse receivables were $43.3 million , $37.0 million and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, and are included in Revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Mortgage Servicing Rights We generally retain certain servicing rights in connection with the origination and sale of Warehouse receivables. We initially record mortgage servicing rights ("MSR" or "MSRs") based on the fair value of these rights on the date the loans are sold, which could result in net gains which we recognize as Revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had $186.7 million and $160.8 million , respectively, of MSRs carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value in Identified intangibles on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We amortize servicing rights over the estimated period that net servicing income is projected to be received. In addition, we evaluate MSR intangible assets for impairment on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if circumstances or events indicate a change in fair value. Other than write-offs due to prepayments of sold Warehouse receivables for which we retained the servicing rights (generally during only the last six months of loan term given the punitive contractual terms of any earlier prepayment), there have been no instances of impairment during the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 . However, an increase in loan prepayment activity or deterioration in the credit quality of borrowers could result in a decrease to our MSR balance. MSRs do not actively trade in an open market with readily available observable prices; therefore, if necessary, the fair value of these rights would be determined in part based on certain assumptions and judgments that are unobservable within the fair value hierarchy, including the estimation of the present value of future cash flows to be realized from servicing the underlying mortgages. T he estimated fair value of MSRs was $220.1 million and $180.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. See Note 4 and for additional information on MSRs. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily consists of cash amounts set aside to satisfy legal or contractual requirements arising in the normal course of business. We are restricted in our ability to withdraw these funds other than for their specified use. Restricted cash of $70.0 million and $72.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, was included in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Property and Equipment We record property and equipment at cost and depreciate these assets over their relevant useful lives. We capitalize certain direct costs relating to internal-use software development when incurred during the application development phase. We evaluate property and equipment for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. We record an impairment loss to the extent the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. We did not recognize any significant impairment losses related to property and equipment during the three years ended December 31, 2017 . We calculate depreciation on property and equipment for financial reporting purposes by using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of our assets. Depreciation expense related to property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $136.0 million , $117.7 million , and $97.2 million , respectively. The following table shows the gross value of major asset categories and the standard depreciable lives, as of December 31, 2017 , for each of these asset categories. December 31, ($ in millions) 2017 2016 Depreciable Life Furniture, fixtures and equipment $ 96.7 100.8 3 to 13 years Computer equipment and software 635.1 589.9 2.5 to 10 years Leasehold improvements 260.6 239.2 1 to 10 years Other (1) 66.4 59.1 2 to 30 years Total 1,058.8 989.0 Less: Accumulated depreciation 514.9 488.0 Net property and equipment $ 543.9 501.0 (1) Other includes certain assets, such as land, which are not depreciated. Business Combinations, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We have historically grown, in part, through a series of acquisitions. Consistent with the services nature of the majority of businesses we have acquired, we have recorded significant goodwill and intangible assets resulting from these acquisitions. Intangible assets are initially recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. They primarily represent management contracts and customer backlogs acquired as part of our acquisitions. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually. We define our four reporting units as the three geographic regions of RES: (i) Americas, (ii) Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"), and (iii) Asia Pacific; and (iv) LaSalle, which offers investment management services on a global basis. We have considered qualitative and quantitative factors while performing our annual impairment test of goodwill and determined it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of our Americas, Asia Pacific, and LaSalle reporting units are less than their carrying values. With respect to our EMEA reporting unit, we performed the first step of the goodwill impairment analysis during 2017. In doing so, we determined the fair value to be substantially in excess of the carrying value. In performing our assessments of all reporting units, we primarily considered (i) macroeconomic and industry trends, (ii) our overall financial performance, and nature of the key drivers thereof, during the year at both the reporting unit and consolidated reporting levels, (iii) near and longer-term forecasts of operating income and cash flows generated by our reporting units in relation to the carrying values of the net assets of each reporting unit, and (iv) our market capitalization in relation to the aggregate carrying value of our net assets. In addition to our annual impairment evaluation, we evaluated whether events or circumstances have occurred in the period subsequent to our annual impairment testing and determined it is not more-likely-than-not an impairment loss has occurred. It is possible our determination that goodwill for a reporting unit is not impaired could change in the future if current economic conditions deteriorate. We will continue to monitor the relationship between the Company's market capitalization and carrying value, as well as the ability of our reporting units to deliver current and projected EBITDA and cash flows sufficient to support the carrying values of the net assets of their respective businesses. We evaluate our Identified intangibles for impairment annually or more frequently if other events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. See Note 4 for additional information on business combinations, goodwill and other intangible assets. Investments in Real Estate Ventures We invest in certain ventures that primarily own and operate commercial real estate on a global basis across a wide array of sectors including retail, residential, and office. Historically, these investments have primarily been co-investments in funds our LaSalle business establishes in the ordinary course of business for its clients. These investments take the form of equity ownership interests generally ranging from less than 1% to 10% of the respective ventures and, based upon investment-specific objectives, have generally included five to nine-year investment periods. During the course of investment periods, in many instances the terms of the underlying investment agreements limit the transferability of our ownership interests to distinct events or circumstances, the timing or existence of which cannot be estimated. When in place, such restrictions are a result of our role beyond that of a passive investor, which generally means an advisory or management responsibility on behalf of the other investors who are typically clients of our LaSalle business. We primarily account for these investments at fair value utilizing information provided by investees, however, as further discussed below, we report certain of our investments under the equity method. For real estate limited partnerships in which we are a general partner, the entities are generally well-capitalized and grant the limited partners substantive participating rights, such as the right to replace the general partner without cause, to dissolve or liquidate the partnership, to approve the sale or refinancing of the principal partnership assets, or to approve the acquisition of principal partnership assets. We account for such general partner interests at fair value or under the equity method. For limited partnerships in which we are a limited partner, management has concluded we do not have a controlling interest in these limited partnerships. When we have an asset advisory contract with the limited partnership, the combination of our limited partner interest and the advisory agreement generally provides us with significant influence over the real estate limited partnership venture. Accordingly, we account for such investments at fair value or under the equity method. For investments in real estate ventures reported at fair value, we maintain an investment account that is increased or decreased each reporting period by the difference between the fair value of the investment and the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. These fair value adjustments are reflected as gains or losses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income within Equity earnings from real estate ventures. The fair value of these investments as of the balance sheet date is generally determined using net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent), an unobservable input in the fair value hierarchy, provided by the investee. See "Principles of Consolidation" above for additional discussion of the accounting for our co-investments. For investments in real estate ventures accounted for under the equity method, we maintain an investment account that is (i) increased by contributions made and by our share of net income earned by the real estate ventures, and (ii) decreased by distributions received and by our share of net losses realized by the real estate ventures. Our share of each real estate venture's net income or loss, including gains and losses from capital transactions, is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as Equity earnings from real estate ventures. We evaluate our investments in real estate ventures accounted for under the equity method for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis, or as events or changes in circumstances warrant such an evaluation. Our evaluations consider the existence of impairment indicators in the underlying real estate assets that compose the majority of our investments. We base such evaluations, in regard to both the investment and the investment’s underlying asset levels, on regular updates to future cash flow models, our share of co-investment cash flows, and factors such as operational performance, market conditions, major tenancy matters, legal and environmental concerns, and our ability and intent to hold each investment. If an investment is considered other-than-temporarily impaired, we record the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value as an impairment charge. Impairment charges to write down the carrying value of the real estate assets underlying our investments are generally based on the result of discounted cash flow models that primarily rely upon unobservable inputs to determine fair value. We recognize our proportionate share of such impairment within Equity earnings from real estate ventures on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See Notes 5 and 9 for additional information on Investments in real estate ventures. Deferred Income Deferred income includes advance payments from customers, where we are not yet able to recognize the related revenue because services have not been rendered or due to contractual requirements. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation in the form of restricted stock units ("RSUs") is an important element of our compensation programs. We determine the fair value of RSUs, which are subject only to service requirements, based on the market price of JLL's common stock on the grant date and amortize it on a straight-line basis over the associated vesting period for each separately vesting portion of an award. Effective January 1, 2017, we made an entity-wide election to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate forfeitures in our determination of periodic compensation expense. Refer to the New Accounting Standards section of this note for additional information on this election. Employees of a specific age, with a sum of age plus years of service with the Company which meets or exceeds 65 , based on the terms of the Jones Lang LaSalle 2017 Stock Award and Incentive Plan ("SAIP"), are eligible to be considered for receipt of retirement benefits upon departure from the Company. These award provisions trigger application of certain elements of ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation , whereby the recognition of compensation expense for restricted stock unit awards granted to employees meeting the age plus service criteria is accelerated such that all expense is recognized by the time these employees are considered retirement eligible. We also have a "noncompensatory" Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") for U.S. employees and a Jones Lang LaSalle Savings Related Share Option Plan ("Save As You Earn" or "SAYE") for U.K. employees. The fair value of options granted under the SAYE plan are determined on the grant date and amortized over the associated vesting period. See Note 6 for additional information on our stock-based compensation plans. Income Taxes We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. An increase or decrease in a deferred tax asset or liability that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes a change in our judgment about expected future tax consequences of events, would be included in the tax provision when the changes in circumstances and our judgment occurs. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established if we believe it is more-likely-than-not all or some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. An increase or decrease in a valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes a change in our judgment about the ability to realize the related deferred tax asset, would be included in the tax provision when the changes in circumstances and our judgment occurs. See Note 8 for additional information on income taxes. Derivatives and Hedging Activities We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. However, in the normal course of business, we do use derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward contracts to manage our foreign currency exchange rate risk. We currently do not use hedge accounting for these contracts, which are marked-to-market each period with changes in unrealized gains or losses recognized in earnings and offset by foreign currency gains and losses on associated intercompany loans and other foreign currency balances. The revaluations of our foreign currency forward contracts resulted in a net gain of $11.3 million and net losses of $14.2 million , and $11.7 million , for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Gains and losses from the revaluation of these contracts are recognized as a component of Operating, administrative and other expense and are offset by the gains and losses recognized on the revaluation of intercompany loans and other foreign currency balances suc |
