HFF 10-K 28 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 20, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	HF
Entity Registrant Name	HFF, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,380,509
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Class A Shares Outstanding		38,726,900
Entity Public Float			$ 1.3

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 272,801	$ 235,582
Restricted cash	4,001
Accounts receivable	2,272	2,124
Receivable from affiliate	0	0
Mortgage notes receivable	450,821	290,933
Prepaid taxes	978	1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,575	12,971
Total current assets	747,448	542,728
Property and equipment, net	17,897	15,837
Deferred tax asset	50,874	112,557
Goodwill	8,688	3,712
Intangible assets, net	58,837	36,614
Other noncurrent assets	8,461	5,211
Total assets	892,205	716,659
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	269	448
Warehouse line of credit	450,255	290,980
Accrued compensation and related taxes	52,574	44,685
Accounts payable	3,527	2,065
Current portion of payable under the tax receivable agreement	11,838	11,315
Other current liabilities	25,338	18,803
Total current liabilities	543,801	368,296
Deferred rent credit	12,700	11,485
Payable under the tax receivable agreement	49,101	100,077
Long-term debt, less current portion	136	259
Total liabilities	605,738	480,117
Stockholders' equity:
Treasury stock, 163,154 and 372,325 shares at cost, respectively	(4,971)	(11,477)
Additional paid-in-capital	144,304	132,513
Accumulated other comprehensive income	171
Retained earnings	146,576	115,121
Total equity	286,467	236,542
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	892,205	716,659
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 175,000,000 shares authorized; 38,742,698 and 38,463,448 shares issued, respectively; and 38,579,544 and 38,091,123 outstanding, respectively	$ 387	$ 385

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Treasury Stock, Shares	163,154	372,325
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	38,742,698	38,463,448
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,579,544	38,091,123

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues
Capital markets services revenue	$ 586,346	$ 498,590	$ 487,941
Interest on mortgage notes receivable	19,114	15,198	11,205
Other	4,018	3,638	2,844
Total revenues	609,478	517,426	501,990
Expenses
Cost of services	342,208	291,290	280,674
Personnel	62,174	51,171	47,732
Occupancy	16,165	14,133	12,236
Travel and entertainment	19,507	16,786	14,644
Supplies, research, and printing	8,934	7,700	7,769
Insurance	2,475	2,242	2,472
Professional fees	7,077	5,493	5,787
Depreciation and amortization	17,001	11,834	9,194
Interest on warehouse line of credit	14,583	9,385	5,540
Other operating	14,026	11,619	8,169
Total expenses	504,150	421,653	394,217
Operating income	105,328	95,773	107,773
Interest and other income, net	57,209	33,525	32,043
Interest expense	(21)	(42)	(47)
Decrease (increase) in payable under the tax receivable agreement	39,212	(1,025)	2,143
Income before taxes	201,728	128,231	141,912
Income tax expense	106,768	51,036	57,949
Net income	94,960	77,195	83,963
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	171
Comprehensive income	$ 95,131	$ 77,195	$ 83,963
Earnings per share - Basic and Diluted
Earnings per share available to HFF, Inc. common stockholders - Basic	$ 2.46	$ 2.02	$ 2.21
Earnings per share available to HFF, Inc. common stockholders -Diluted	$ 2.39	$ 1.99	$ 2.18
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic	38,662,118	38,245,682	37,975,997
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted	39,673,152	38,843,156	38,449,212

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]Class A Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 186,445	$ 381	$ (9,042)	$ 101,148		$ 93,958
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		36,677,981	447,382
Issuance of Class A common stock, net	229	$ 2	$ 40	187
Issuance of Class A common stock, net, shares		244,649	(18,645)
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(2,376)		$ (2,376)
Repurchase of Class A common stock, shares		(68,318)	68,318
Incremental tax adjustment from stock-based award activities	465			465
Stock compensation and other, net	13,599			13,599
Dividends paid	(67,821)			1,817		(69,638)
Net income	83,963					83,963
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	214,504	$ 383	$ (11,378)	117,216		108,283
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		37,854,312	497,055
Issuance of Class A common stock, net	93	$ 2	$ 2,880	(2,789)
Issuance of Class A common stock, net, shares		348,892	(236,811)
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(2,979)		$ (2,979)
Repurchase of Class A common stock, shares		(112,081)	112,081
Incremental tax adjustment from stock-based award activities	(581)			(581)
Stock compensation and other, net	16,672			16,672
Dividends paid	(68,362)			1,995		(70,357)
Net income	77,195					77,195
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	236,542	$ 385	$ (11,477)	132,513		115,121
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		38,091,123	372,325
Foreign currency translation income	171				$ 171
Issuance of Class A common stock, net		$ 2	$ 12,439	(12,441)
Issuance of Class A common stock, net, shares		681,970	(405,088)
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(5,933)		$ (5,933)
Repurchase of Class A common stock, shares		(193,549)	195,917
Stock compensation and other, net	20,744			21,301		(557)
Dividends paid	(60,017)			2,931		(62,948)
Net income	94,960					94,960
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 286,467	$ 387	$ (4,971)	$ 144,304	$ 171	$ 146,576
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		38,579,544	163,154

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating activities
Net income	$ 94,960	$ 77,195	$ 83,963
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock based compensation	17,385	12,310	8,579
Incremental tax adjustment from share-based award activities		581	(465)
Deferred income taxes	61,683	16,534	16,173
Payable under the tax receivable agreement	(39,212)	1,025	(2,143)
Depreciation and amortization:
Property and equipment	4,307	3,268	2,522
Intangibles	12,694	8,565	6,678
Gain on sale and initial recording of mortgage servicing rights	(29,935)	(16,033)	(16,761)
Mortgage service rights assumed	(4,425)	(4,420)	(4,090)
Proceeds from sale of mortgage servicing rights		2,612	6,096
Increase (decrease) in cash from changes in:
Accounts receivable	765	1,879	(2,541)
Payable to/ (receivable from) affiliate		4	(2)
Payable under the tax receivable agreement	(11,241)	(10,824)	(10,822)
Mortgage notes receivable	(159,275)	27,638	(133,490)
Net borrowings on warehouse line of credit	159,275	(27,638)	133,490
Prepaid taxes, prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,434)	(4,791)	(4,526)
Other noncurrent assets	(3,250)	(3,044)	(1,152)
Accrued compensation and related taxes	11,248	(7,431)	10,163
Accounts payable	1,455	(53)	31
Other accrued liabilities	6,135	328	(17,115)
Other long-term liabilities	1,215	1,611	3,102
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,350	79,316	77,690
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(6,579)	(5,254)	(5,897)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(6,198)
Net cash used in investing activities	(12,777)	(5,254)	(5,897)
Financing activities
Payments on long-term debt	(302)	(555)	(439)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		93	229
Incremental tax adjustment from share-based award activities		(581)	465
Treasury stock	(5,933)	(2,979)	(2,376)
Dividends paid	(60,017)	(68,362)	(67,821)
Net cash used in financing activities	(66,252)	(72,384)	(69,942)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(101)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	41,220	1,678	1,851
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	235,582	233,904	232,053
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	276,802	235,582	233,904
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for income taxes	41,889	34,601	43,311
Cash paid for interest	14,614	9,258	5,328
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities
Property acquired under capital leases	154	249	801
Dividends on unissued restricted stock units	$ 2,931	$ 1,995	$ 1,817

Organization and Basis of Prese

Organization and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	1. Organization and Basis of Presentation Organization HFF, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“HFF LP”), and HFF Securities L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and registered broker-dealer (“HFF Securities” and together with HFF LP, the “Operating Partnerships”), HFF Real Estate Limited and HFF Securities Limited, in the United Kingdom, is a commercial real estate financial intermediary providing commercial real estate and capital markets services including debt placement, investment advisory, equity placements, investment banking and advisory services, loan sales and loan sale advisory services, commercial loan servicing, and capital markets advice and maintains offices in 25 cities in the United States and effective January 17, 2017, one office in London, United Kingdom. The Company’s operations are impacted by the availability of equity and debt as well as credit and liquidity in the domestic and global capital markets especially in the commercial real estate sector. Significant disruptions or changes in domestic and global capital market flows, as well as credit and liquidity issues in the global and domestic capital markets, regardless of their duration, could adversely affect the supply and demand for capital from investors for commercial real estate investments which could have a significant impact on all of the Company’s capital market services revenues. Initial Public Offering and Reorganization The Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) in the first quarter of 2007 and the Company’s Class A Common Stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HF.” The proceeds of the initial public offering, including the exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares, were used to purchase from HFF Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“HFF Holdings”), all of the shares of Holliday GP Corp. (“Holliday GP”) and purchase from HFF Holdings partnership units of the Operating Partnerships (including partnership units in the Operating Partnerships held by Holliday GP). HFF Holdings used a portion of its proceeds to repay all outstanding indebtedness under HFF LP’s credit agreement. Accordingly, the Company did not retain any of the proceeds from the initial public offering. In addition to cash received for its sale of all of the shares of Holliday GP and approximately 45% of partnership units of each of the Operating Partnerships (including partnership units in the Operating Partnerships held by Holliday GP), HFF Holdings also received, through the issuance of one share of HFF, Inc.’s Class B common stock to HFF Holdings, an exchange right that permitted, subject to certain restrictions, HFF Holdings to exchange interests in the Operating Partnerships for shares of (i) the Company’s Class A common stock (the “Exchange Right”) and (ii) rights under a tax receivable agreement between the Company and HFF Holdings (the “TRA”). See Notes 13 and 17 for further discussion of the tax receivable agreement and the exchange right held by HFF Holdings. As a result of the reorganization into a holding company structure in connection with the IPO, the Company became a holding company through a series of transactions pursuant to a sale and purchase agreement. As a result of the IPO and reorganization, the Company’s sole assets were partnership interests in Operating Partnerships (that are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary HFF Partnership Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Partnership Holdings”)) and all of the shares of Holliday GP, the sole general partner of each of the Operating Partnerships. The transactions that occurred in connection with the IPO and reorganization are referred to as the “Reorganization Transactions.” The Reorganization Transactions were treated, for financial reporting purposes, as a reorganization of entities under common control. As of August 31, 2012, HFF Holdings had utilized its Exchange Right to exchange all of its remaining interests in the Operating Partnerships and therefore the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, became and continues to be the sole equity holder of the Operating Partnerships. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of HFF LP, HFF Securities, HFF Real Estate Limited and HFF Securities Limited, as well as the Company’s additional wholly-owned subsidiaries, Holliday GP and Partnership Holdings. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of HFF, Inc. have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for financial information and applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange act of 1934, as amended. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash. The Company places its cash with financial institutions in amounts which at times exceed the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any credit risk on cash other than as identified herein. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in bank accounts and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. At December 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents were invested or held in a mix of money market funds and bank demand deposit accounts at two financial institutions. Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents good faith deposits from borrowers that are held between the time we enter into a rate-lock commitment with the borrower and Freddie Mac’s purchase of the loan. The Company records a corresponding liability for such good faith deposits from borrowers within other current liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. Revenue Recognition Capital markets services revenues consist of origination fees, investment advisory fees, loan sales fees, placement fees and servicing fees. Origination fees are earned for the placement of debt, equity or structured financing for real estate transactions. Investment advisory and loan sales fees are earned for brokering sales of real estate and/or loans. Placement fees are earned by HFF Securities for discretionary and nondiscretionary equity capital raises and other investment banking services. These fees are negotiated between the Company and its clients, generally on a case-by-case Certain of the Company’s fee agreements provide for reimbursement of transaction-related costs which the Company recognizes as revenue. Reimbursements received from clients for out-of-pocket out-of-pocket Mortgage Notes Receivable The Company is qualified with the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) as a Freddie Mac Multifamily Approved Seller/Servicer for Conventional and Senior Housing Loan provider (“Freddie Mac Program”). Under the Freddie Mac Program, the Company originates mortgages based on commitments from Freddie Mac, and then sells the loans to Freddie Mac approximately one month following the loan origination. The Company recognizes interest income on the accrual basis during this holding period based on the contract interest rate in the loan that will be purchased by Freddie Mac (see Note 8). The Company records mortgage loans held for sale at period end at fair value. The fair value of the mortgage notes receivable is considered a Level 2 asset in the fair value hierarchy as it is based on prices observable in the market for similar loans. Freddie Mac requires HFF LP to meet minimum net worth and liquid assets requirements and to comply with certain other standards. As of December 31, 2017, HFF LP met Freddie Mac’s minimum net worth and liquid assets requirements. Advertising Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts are included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company depreciates furniture, office equipment and computer equipment on the straight-line method over three to seven years. Software costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over three years, while capital leases and leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or useful life of the asset. Depreciation expense was $4.3 million, $3.3 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments which substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Leases The Company leases all of its facilities under operating lease agreements. These lease agreements typically contain tenant improvement allowances. The Company records tenant improvement allowances as a leasehold improvement asset, included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheet, and a related deferred rent liability and amortizes them on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease or useful life of the asset as additional depreciation expense and a reduction to rent expense, respectively. Lease agreements sometimes contain rent escalation clauses or rent holidays, which are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease in accordance with ASC 840, Leases Computer Software Costs Certain costs related to the development or purchases of internal-use Business Combinations The Company accounts for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective estimated fair values. The cost to acquire a business is allocated to the underlying net assets of the acquired business based on estimates of their respective fair values. The purchase price allocation process requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions with respect to intangible assets. Acquired intangible assets are amortized over the expected life of the asset. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of October 1st or more frequently when indicators of impairment are present. The goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company uses a combination of a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) and a market approach to determine the current fair values of the reporting units. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market share, sales volume and pricing, costs of services, working capital changes and discount rates. Intangible Assets Intangible assets include mortgage servicing rights under agreements with third-party lenders, non-competition Servicing rights are capitalized for servicing assumed on loans originated and sold to Freddie Mac with servicing retained based on an allocation of the carrying amount of the loan and the servicing right in proportion to the relative fair values at the date of sale. Servicing rights are recorded at the lower of cost or market. Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active, open market and therefore, do not have readily available observable prices. Since there is no ready market value for the mortgage servicing rights, such as quoted market prices or prices based on sales or purchases of similar assets, the Company determines the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights by estimating the net present value of future cash flows associated with the servicing of the loans. Management makes certain assumptions and judgments in estimating the fair value of servicing rights. The estimate is based on a number of assumptions, including the benefits of servicing (contractual servicing fees and interest on escrow and float balances), the cost of servicing, prepayment rates (including risk of default), an inflation rate, the expected life of the cash flows and the discount rate. The cost of servicing, prepayment rates and discount rates are the most sensitive factors affecting the estimated fair value of the servicing rights. Management estimates a market participant’s cost of servicing by analyzing the limited market activity and considering the Company’s own internal servicing costs. Management estimates the discount rate by considering the various risks involved in the future cash flows of the underlying loans which include the cancellation of servicing contracts and the incremental risk related to large loans. Management estimates the prepayment levels of the underlying mortgages by analyzing recent historical experience. Many of the commercial loans being serviced have financial penalties for prepayment or early payoff before the stated maturity date. As a result, the Company has consistently experienced a low level of loan runoff. The estimated value of the servicing rights is impacted by changes in these assumptions. The Company applies the provisions of ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing The Company evaluates intangible assets on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances so indicate, for potential impairment. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decline in the level of serviced loans as well as other negative economic conditions. Prepaid Compensation Under Employment Agreements The Company entered into employment agreements with certain employees whereby sign-up sign-up Capital Markets Advisor Draws As part of the Company’s overall compensation program, the Company offers a new capital markets advisor a draw arrangement which generally lasts until such time as a capital markets advisor’s pipeline of business is sufficient to allow the capital markets advisor to earn sustainable commissions. This program is intended to provide the capital markets advisor with a minimal amount of cash flow to allow adequate time for the capital markets advisor to develop business relationships. Similar to traditional salaries, the capital markets advisor draws are paid irrespective of the actual fees generated by the capital markets advisor. At times these capital markets advisor draws represent the only form of compensation received by the capital markets advisor. It is not the Company’s policy to seek collection of unearned capital markets advisor draws under this arrangement. Capital markets advisors are also entitled to earn a commission on closed revenue transactions. Commissions are calculated as the commission that would have been earned by the broker under one of the Company’s commission programs, less any amount previously paid to the capital markets advisor in the form of a draw. As a result, the Company has concluded that capital markets advisor draws are economically equivalent to commissions paid and, accordingly, charges them to commissions as incurred. These amounts are included in cost of services on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Earnings Per Share The Company computes earnings per share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share Firm and Office Profit Participation Plans and Executive Bonus Plan The Company’s Firm and Office Profit Participation Plans and effective January 1, 2015, an Executive Bonus Plan (the “Plans”) provide for payments in cash and share-based awards if certain performance metrics are achieved during the year. The expense recorded for these Plans is estimated during the year based on actual results at each interim reporting date and an estimate of future results for the remainder of the year. The Plans allow for payments to be made in both cash and share-based awards, the composition of which is determined in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year. Cash and share-based awards issued under these Plans are subject to vesting conditions over the subsequent year, such that the total expense measured for these Plans is recorded over the period from the beginning of the performance year through the vesting date. Based on an accounting policy election and consistent with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation paid-in-capital Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company’s Office and Firm Profit Participation Plans allowed for payment to be made in both cash and share-based awards, and the composition of such payment was determined in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year. A portion of the cash and share-based awards issued under these Office and Firm Profit Participation Plans are subject to time-based vesting conditions over the subsequent twelve months of the grant date, such that the total expense measured for these Plans is recorded over the period from the beginning of the performance year through the vesting date, or 26 months. In addition, prior to January 1, 2015, awards made under the Executive Bonus Plans were historically settled as a cash payment made in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year, with the entire award recognized as expense in the performance year. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company amended the Plans, which will now provide for an overall increase in the allocation of share-based awards. The cash portion of the awards will not be subject to time-based vesting conditions and will be expensed during the performance year. The share-based portion of the awards is subject to a three-year time-based vesting schedule beginning on the first anniversary of the grant (which is made in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year). As a result, the total expense for the share-based portion of the awards is recorded over the period from the beginning of the performance year through the vesting date, or 50 months. Therefore, under the new design of the Plans, the expense recognized during the performance year will be less than the expense that would have been recognized in the performance year under the previous Plan design. The Company expects that difference will be recognized as an increase in expense over the subsequent three years, irrespective of the Company’s financial performance in the future periods. Stock Based Compensation ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation Income Taxes HFF, Inc. and Holliday GP are corporations, and the Operating Partnerships are limited partnerships. The Operating Partnerships are subject to state and local income taxes. Income and expenses of the Operating Partnerships are passed through and reported on the corporate income tax returns of HFF, Inc. and Holliday GP. Income taxes shown on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income reflect federal income taxes of the corporation and business and corporate income taxes in various jurisdictions including the UK Subsidiaries. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for tax losses and tax credit carryforwards, if any. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates will be recognized in income in the period of the tax rate change. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The recently enacted U.S. tax reform legislation commonly referred to as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminating certain deductions, imposing a mandatory one-time Cost of Services The Company considers personnel expenses directly attributable to providing services to its clients, such as salaries, commissions and transaction bonuses to capital markets advisors and analysts, and certain purchased services to be directly attributable to the generation of capital markets services revenue and has classified these expenses as cost of services in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Segment Reporting The Company operates in one reportable segment, the commercial real estate financial intermediary segment and offers debt placement, investment advisory, loan sales, loan servicing, equity placement and investment banking services through its 26 offices. The results of each office have been aggregated for segment reporting purposes as they have similar economic characteristics and provide similar services to a similar class of customer. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Treasury Stock The Company records common stock purchased for treasury at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on the first-in, first-out Recent Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued changes to the accounting for equity compensation. This update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update also permits an entity to make an election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures as they occur. This update was effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2017 and the Company made an election to change its accounting for forfeitures from the previously-required estimation method to recognizing forfeitures when they occur. The Company recognized $0.6 million as a reduction in retained earnings on January 1, 2017 as a result of eliminating the estimated forfeiture rate on unvested RSUs. In December 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-19 In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. This new guidance will require that a lessee recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with a lease term of more than twelve months, with the result being the recognition of a right of use asset and a lease liability. The new lease accounting requirements are effective for the Company’s 2019 fiscal year with a modified retrospective transition approach required, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company has completed its evaluation of the impact of adopting the revenue recognition standard and has concluded that the timing of revenue recognition for certain equity placement services will be accelerated. However, the adoption of this accounting guidance will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The Company also expects to include additional revenue recognition disclosures within the notes to the financial statements in accordance with the new requirements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total 2016-18 2016-18 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 2017-01 In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, 2017-04 May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, 2017-09

Stock Compensation

Stock Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Compensation	3. Stock Compensation ASC 718 requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and other forms of equity compensation based on estimated fair values. The Company estimates the grant-date fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For stock options, the Company uses the simplified method to determine the expected term of the option. Expected volatility used to value stock options is based on the Company’s historical volatility. The Company has not granted any stock options since 2010. The fair value of the restricted stock unit awards is calculated as the market value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date of grant. The Company’s awards are subject to graded or cliff vesting. Compensation expense is adjusted for forfeitures as they occur and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. A summary of the cost of the awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is provided below. Equity Incentive Plan Prior to the effective date of the initial public offering, the stockholder of HFF, Inc. and the Board of Directors adopted the HFF, Inc. 2006 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan authorized the grant of deferred stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock units, stock purchase rights and cash-based awards. Upon the effective date of the registration statement, grants were awarded under the 2006 Plan to certain employees and non-employee The stock compensation cost that has been charged against income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $17.4 million, $12.3 million and $8.6 million, respectively, which is recorded in “Personnel” expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. At December 31, 2017, there was approximately $32.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to share based awards. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following table presents the weighted average assumptions for stock options still outstanding as of December 31, 2017: Dividend yield 0.0 % Expected volatility 72.8 % Risk-free interest rate 2.2 % Expected life (in years) 6.0 The following table presents options outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and their related weighted average exercise price, weighted average remaining contractual term and intrinsic value: Options Weighted Weighted Aggregate Balance at December 31, 2014 51,586 $ 8.92 4.0 years $ 1,393 Granted — — — — Exercised (26,594 ) 8.61 2.5 years 875 Forfeited or expired — — — — Balance at December 31, 2015 24,992 $ 9.25 3.5 years $ 777 Granted — — — — Exercised (5,338 ) 17.41 0.2 years 159 Forfeited or expired — — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 19,654 $ 7.04 3.1 years $ 595 Granted — — — — Exercised — — — — Forfeited or expired — — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 19,654 $ 7.04 2.1 years $ 956 No options were granted, vested, forfeited or expired during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2017, no options were exercised. Future exercise of options will be settled through the re-issuance A summary of restricted stock units (“RSU”) activity and related information during the period was as follows: RSU’s with no RSU’s with graded Total Balance at January 1, 2015 143,187 900,318 1,043,505 Granted 9,108 461,597 470,705 Dividend on unissued RSU’s 6,748 42,635 49,383 Converted to common stock (2,793 ) (215,262 ) (218,055 ) Forfeited or expired — (49,689 ) (49,689 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 156,250 1,139,599 1,295,849 Granted 12,372 1,060,434 1,072,806 Dividend on unissued RSU’s 11,576 70,960 82,536 Converted to common stock (2,035 ) (341,519 ) (343,554 ) Forfeited or expired — (26,745 ) (26,745 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 178,163 1,902,729 2,080,892 Granted 14,598 818,282 832,880 Dividend on unissued RSU’s 9,046 86,602 95,648 Converted to common stock (2,927 ) (598,078 ) (601,005 ) Forfeited or expired — (18,867 ) (18,867 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 198,880 2,190,668 2,389,548 As of December 31, 2017, there were 2,389,548 RSU’s outstanding. The fair value of vested RSU’s was $10.2 million and $5.9 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The RSU exercises will be settled through either the issuance of new shares of Class A common stock or treasury shares. The weighted average remaining contractual term of the unvested restricted stock units is 2.0 years as of December 31, 2017. On February 27, 2018, the board of directors for the Company granted 339,723 restricted stock units with a fair value of $15.9 million. A portion of the grant will vest over a three-year period with one-third vesting on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant and the remainder will vest over a five-year period with 20% vesting increments starting on the first anniversary of the grant. Additionally, on February 27, 2018, the board of directors for the Company granted 393,761 restricted stock units with a fair value of $18.5 million in connection with the 2017 Office and Firm Profit Participation Plans and Executive Bonus Plan which vest over a three-year period with one-third

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	4. Property and Equipment Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): December 31 2017 2016 Furniture and equipment $ 8,192 $ 7,667 Computer equipment 2,139 2,145 Capitalized software costs 2,567 2,043 Leasehold improvements 19,536 15,813 Subtotal 32,434 27,668 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (14,537 ) (11,831 ) $ 17,897 $ 15,837 At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company has recorded capital leased office equipment within furniture and equipment of $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, including accumulated amortization of $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, which is included within depreciation and amortization expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. See Note 7 for discussion of the related capital lease obligations.

Business Combinations, Goodwill

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	5. Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets During the first quarter of 2017, the Company completed two acquisitions for approximately $6.2 million, net of cash received. The acquisitions of businesses in New York and the United Kingdom provide capital advisory and investment banking services to the commercial real estate market. The fair value of consideration transferred was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with the remaining unallocated amount recognized as goodwill. Goodwill, of which, approximately $1.8 million is deductible for tax purposes, represents the expected synergies and the Company’s ability to control the assembled workforces of the acquired businesses. The Company’s goodwill as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 3,712 Additions through acquisitions 4,716 Foreign currency translation 260 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 8,688 The Company performs goodwill impairment tests annually during the fourth quarter, and also performs interim goodwill impairment tests if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment The Company’s intangible assets are summarized as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Net Book Gross Accumulated Net Book Mortgage servicing rights $ 92,856 $ (34,373 ) $ 58,483 $ 64,648 $ (28,034 ) $ 36,614 Other 959 (605 ) 354 — — — Total intangible assets $ 93,815 $ (34,978 ) $ 58,837 $ 64,648 $ (28,034 ) $ 36,614 The Company’s intangible assets consist of mortgage servicing rights, non-competition non-competition one-year As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company serviced $69.8 billion, $58.0 billion and $48.7 billion, respectively, of commercial loans. The Company earned $29.1 million, $23.2 million and $20.0 million in servicing fees and interest on float and escrow balances for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These revenues are recorded as capital markets services revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The total commercial loan servicing portfolio includes loans for which there is no corresponding mortgage servicing right recorded on the balance sheet, as these servicing rights were assumed prior to January 1, 2007 and involved no initial consideration paid by the Company. The Company has recorded mortgage servicing rights of $58.5 million and $36.6 million on $68.8 billion and $56.5 billion, respectively, of the total loans serviced as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company stratifies its servicing portfolio based on the type of loan, including Freddie Mac, commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS), life company loans and limited-service life company loans. Changes in the carrying value of mortgage servicing rights for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): Category 12/31/16 Capitalized Amortized Sold / Transferred 12/31/17 Freddie Mac $ 16,234 $ 29,546 $ (5,312 ) $ — $ 40,468 CMBS 16,247 1,169 (3,902 ) — 13,514 Life company 3,567 2,791 (2,525 ) — 3,833 Life company — limited 566 465 (363 ) — 668 Total $ 36,614 $ 33,971 $ (12,102 ) $ — $ 58,483 Category 12/31/15 Capitalized Amortized Sold / Transferred 12/31/16 Freddie Mac $ 7,074 $ 14,480 $ (2,257 ) $ (3,063 ) $ 16,234 CMBS 16,768 1,059 (3,997 ) 2,417 16,247 Life company 2,729 2,849 (2,011 ) — 3,567 Life company — limited 351 515 (300 ) — 566 Total $ 26,922 $ 18,903 $ (8,565 ) $ (646 ) $ 36,614 Amounts capitalized represent mortgage servicing rights retained upon the sale of originated loans to Freddie Mac and mortgage servicing rights acquired without the exchange of initial consideration. The Company recorded mortgage servicing rights retained upon the sale of originated loans to Freddie Mac of $29.5 million and $14.5 million on $6.6 billion and $4.4 billion of loans, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recorded mortgage servicing rights acquired without the exchange of initial consideration on the CMBS and Life company tranches of $4.4 million and $4.4 million on $12.4 billion and $10.7 billion of loans, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. These amounts are recorded in interest and other income, net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. During each of 2017 and 2016, certain Freddie Mac loans were securitized and during 2016 the Company sold the cashiering portion of these Freddie Mac mortgage servicing rights. While the Company transferred the risks and rewards of ownership of the cashiering portion of the relevant mortgage servicing rights, the Company continues to perform limited servicing activities on these securitized loans. Therefore, the remaining servicing rights were transferred to the CMBS servicing tranche. The net result of these transactions was the Company recording a gain for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $2.0 million, within interest and other income, net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company also received securitization compensation in relation to securitization of certain Freddie Mac mortgage servicing rights in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $15.5 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The securitization compensation is recorded within interest and other income, net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $12.7 million, $8.6 million, and $6.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is reported in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 12,819 2019 10,384 2020 8,366 2021 7,129 2022 6,380 The weighted-average remaining life of the mortgage servicing rights intangible asset was 6.0 and 6.5 years at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	6. Fair Value Measurement ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contractual commitments to originate and sell multifamily mortgage loans at fixed prices with fixed expiration dates. The commitments become effective when the borrowers “lock-in” The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2017 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Recurring fair value measurements Mortgage notes receivable $ 450,821 $ — $ 450,821 — Total recurring fair value measurements $ 450,821 $ — $ 450,821 — December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Recurring fair value measurements Mortgage notes receivable $ 290,933 $ — $ 290,933 $ — Total recurring fair value measurements $ 290,933 $ — $ 290,933 $ — The valuation of mortgage notes receivable is calculated based on already locked in interest rates. These assets are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as all inputs are reasonable observable. In accordance with GAAP, from time to time, the Company measures mortgage servicing rights at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The mortgage serving rights are recorded at fair value upon initial recording and were not re-measured The following tables sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2017 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Nonrecurring fair value measurements Mortgage servicing rights $ 58,483 — — $ 75,899 Total nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 58,483 $ — — $ 75,899 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Nonrecurring fair value measurements Mortgage servicing rights $ 36,614 $ — $ — $ 49,970 Total nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 36,614 $ — $ — $ 49,970 Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active, open market with readily available observable prices. Since there is no ready market value for the mortgage servicing rights, such as quoted market prices or prices based on sales or purchases of similar assets, the Company determines the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights by estimating the present value of future cash flows associated with servicing the loans. Management makes certain assumptions and judgments in estimating the fair value of servicing rights. These assumptions include the benefits of servicing (contractual servicing fees and interest on escrow and float balances), the cost of servicing, prepayment rates (including risk of default), an inflation rate, the expected life of the cash flows and the discount rate. The significant assumptions utilized to value servicing rights as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 Expected life of cash flows 3 years to 10 years 3 years to 11 years Discount rate (1) 10% to 16% 10% to 16 Prepayment rate 0% to 8% 0% to 8% Inflation rate 2% 2% Cost of service per loan $1,920 to $4,780 $1,920 to $4,997 (1) Reflects the time value of money and the risk of future cash flows related to the possible cancellation of servicing contracts, transferability restrictions on certain servicing contracts, concentration in the life company portfolio and large loan risk. The above assumptions are subject to change based on management’s judgments and estimates of future changes in the risks related to future cash flows and interest rates. Changes in these factors would cause a corresponding increase or decrease in the prepayment rates and discount rates used in our valuation model. FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Warehouse line of credit

Capital Lease Obligations

Capital Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations	7. Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligations consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31 2017 2016 Capital lease obligations $ 405 $ 707 Less current maturities 269 448 $ 136 $ 259 Capital lease obligations consist primarily of office equipment leases that expire at various dates through October 2020. A summary of future minimum lease payments under capital leases at December 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 269 2019 92 2020 44 2021 — 2022 — $ 405

Warehouse Line of Credit

Warehouse Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Warehouse Line of Credit	8. Warehouse Line of Credit HFF LP maintains two uncommitted warehouse revolving lines of credit for the purpose of funding Freddie Mac mortgage loans that it originates under the Freddie Mac Program. The Company is a party to an uncommitted $600 million financing arrangement with PNC Bank, N.A. (“PNC”). The PNC arrangement was modified during the third quarter of 2017 to increase the uncommitted amount from $450 million to $600 million which can be increased to $800 million an unlimited number of times per year for a period of 30 calendar days. The maximum capacity was also increased to $1.5 billion. On October 2, 2017, HFF LP entered into an extended funding agreement with Freddie Mac whereby Freddie Mac can extend the required purchase date for each mortgage that has an Original Funding Date (as defined in the agreement) occurring within the fourth quarter of 2017, to February 15, 2018. In connection with the extended funding agreement with Freddie Mac, PNC agreed to increase its financing arrangement to $2.0 billion. The maximum capacity under the PNC arrangement will revert to $1.5 billion after the expiration of the extended funding agreement. The Company is also party to an uncommitted $150 million financing arrangement with The Huntington National Bank (“Huntington”). The Huntington arrangement was amended in July 2017 to increase the uncommitted amount from $125 million to $150 million, which can be increased to $175 million three times in a one-year Each funding is separately approved on a transaction-by-transaction 30-day

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease Commitments	9. Lease Commitments The Company leases various corporate offices (which leases sometime include parking spaces) and office equipment under noncancelable operating leases. These leases have initial terms of three to eleven years. Several of the leases have termination clauses whereby the term may be reduced by two to eight years upon prior notice and payment of a termination fee by the Company. Total rental expense charged to operations was $13.3 million, $11.7 million, and $10.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is recorded within occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Future minimum rental payments for the next five years under operating leases with noncancelable terms in excess of one year and without regard to early termination provisions are as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 11,159 2019 10,702 2020 10,117 2021 8,650 2022 6,537 Thereafter 12,547 $ 59,712 The Company subleases certain office space to subtenants, some of which may be canceled at any time. The rental income received from these subleases is included as a reduction of occupancy expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company also leases certain office equipment under capital leases that expire at various dates through 2020. See Note 4 and Note 7 for further description of the assets and related obligations recorded under these capital leases at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. HFF Holdings is not an obligor under, nor does it guarantee, any of the Company’s leases.

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Plan	10. Retirement Plan The Company maintains a retirement savings plan for all eligible employees, in which employees may make deferred salary contributions up to the maximum amount allowable by the IRS. After-tax after-tax

Servicing

Servicing	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Servicing	11. Servicing The Company services commercial real estate loans for investors. The servicing portfolio totaled $69.8 billion, $58.0 billion, and $48.7 billion at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In connection with its servicing activities, the Company holds funds in escrow for the benefit of mortgagors for hazard insurance, real estate taxes and other financing arrangements. At December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the funds held in escrow totaled $208.3 million, $182.3 million and $177.5 million, respectively. These funds, and the offsetting obligations, are not presented in the Company’s financial statements as they do not represent assets and liabilities of the Company. Pursuant to the requirements of the various investors for which the Company services loans, the Company maintains bank accounts, holding escrow funds, which have balances in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. The fees earned on these escrow funds are reported in capital markets services revenue in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	12. Legal Proceedings The Company is party to various litigation matters, in most cases involving ordinary course and routine claims incidental to its business. The Company cannot estimate with certainty its ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to any pending matters. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes Income tax expense includes current and deferred taxes as follows (in thousands): Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2017: Federal $38,321 $60,587 $98,908 State 6,764 2,126 8,890 Foreign — (1,030 ) (1,030 ) $45,085 $61,683 $106,768 Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2016: Federal $28,515 $15,772 $44,287 State 5,987 762 6,749 $34,502 $16,534 $51,036 Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2015: Federal $35,682 $13,131 $48,813 State 6,094 3,042 9,136 $41,776 $16,173 $57,949 The reconciliation between the income tax computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate on net income is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income before taxes $ 201,728 $ 128,231 $ 141,912 December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income Tax expense Rate Rate Rate Taxes computed at federal rate $ 70,639 35.0 % $ 44,881 35.0 % $ 49,669 35.0 % State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit 6,398 3.2 % 5,258 4.1 % 5,251 3.7 % Rate differential on non-US 954 0.5 % — — — — Effect of deferred tax rate change 41,834 20.7 % (1,188 ) (0.9 )% 2,621 1.8 % Change in income tax benefit / payable to stockholder (13,724 ) (6.8 )% 359 0.3 % (750 ) (0.5 )% Effect of windfalls related to equity compensation (1,139 ) (0.6 )% — — — — Return to provision adjustment (131 ) (0.1 )% 196 0.1 % (130 ) (0.1 )% Meals and entertainment 1,757 0.9 % 1,484 1.2 % 1,267 0.9 % Other 180 0.1 % 46 0.0 % 21 0.0 % $ 106,768 52.9 % $ 51,036 39.8 % $ 57,949 40.8 % Deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Section 754 election tax basis step-up $ 57,766 $ 117,749 Tenant improvements 2,678 3,571 Restricted stock units 6,830 8,564 Intangible asset 228 389 Net operating loss 1,070 — Other 779 932 Deferred income tax asset 69,351 131,205 Deferred income tax liabilities: Goodwill (669 ) (1,272 ) Servicing rights (15,150 ) (15,003 ) Deferred rent (1,428 ) (1,671 ) Compensation (851 ) (120 ) Investment in partnership (379 ) (582 ) Deferred income tax liability (18,477 ) (18,648 ) Net deferred income tax asset $ 50,874 $ 112,557 The 2017 Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminating certain deductions, imposing a mandatory one-time The Company’s primary deferred tax asset represents a tax basis step-up step-up step-up pre-tax To the extent that the Company does not have sufficient taxable income in a year to fully utilize this annual deduction, the unused benefit is recharacterized as a net operating loss and can then be carried forward indefinitely. The Company measured the deferred tax asset based on the estimated income tax effects of the increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by the Operating Partnerships utilizing the enacted tax rates at the date of the transaction. In accordance with ASC 740, the tax effects of transactions with shareholders that result in changes in the tax basis of a company’s assets and liabilities are recognized in equity. Changes in the measurement of the deferred tax assets or the valuation allowance due to changes in the enacted tax rates upon the finalization of the income tax returns for the year of the exchange transaction were recorded in equity. All subsequent changes in the measurement of the deferred tax assets due to changes in the enacted tax rates or changes in the valuation allowance are recorded as a component of income tax expense. In evaluating the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management makes estimates and judgments regarding the level and timing of future taxable income, including projecting future revenue growth and changes to the cost structure. In order to realize the anticipated 2017 pre-tax pre-tax The Company has analyzed the need for a reserve for unrecognized tax benefits under ASC 740-10 The Company will recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest and other income, net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. There were no interest or penalties recorded in the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. Tax Receivable Agreement In connection with the Reorganization Transactions, HFF LP and HFF Securities made an election under Section 754 for 2007 and maintained that election in effect for each taxable year in which an exchange of Operating Partnership partnership units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock occurred. The initial sale as a result of the offering and the subsequent exchanges of partnership units increased the tax basis of the assets owned by HFF LP and HFF Securities to their fair market value. This increase in tax basis allows the Company to reduce the amount of future tax payments to the extent that the Company has future taxable income. As a result of the increase in tax basis, the Company is entitled to future tax benefits of $57.8 million and has recorded this amount as a deferred tax asset on its consolidated balance sheet. The Company has updated its estimate of these future tax benefits based on the changes to the estimated annual effective tax rate for 2017 and 2016. The Company is obligated, however, pursuant to its Tax Receivable Agreement with HFF Holdings, to pay to HFF Holdings, 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the Company actually realizes as a result of these increases in tax basis and as a result of certain other tax benefits arising from the Company entering into the tax receivable agreement and making payments under that agreement. For purposes of the tax receivable agreement, actual cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the Company’s actual income tax liability to the amount of such taxes that it would have been required to pay had there been no increase to the tax basis of the assets of HFF LP and HFF Securities as a result of the initial sale and later exchanges and had the Company not entered into the tax receivable agreement. The Company accounts for the income tax effects and corresponding tax receivable agreement effects as a result of the initial purchase and the sale of units of the Operating Partnerships in connection with the Reorganization Transactions and exchanges of Operating Partnership units for the Company’s Class A shares by recognizing a deferred tax asset for the estimated income tax effects of the increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by the Operating Partnerships, based on enacted tax rates at the date of the transaction, less any tax valuation allowance the Company believes is required. In accordance with ASC 740, the tax effects of transactions with shareholders that result in changes in the tax basis of a company’s assets and liabilities will be recognized in equity. If transactions with shareholders result in the recognition of deferred tax assets from changes in the company’s tax basis of assets and liabilities, the valuation allowance initially required upon recognition of these deferred assets will be recorded in equity. Subsequent changes in enacted tax rates or any valuation allowance are recorded as a component of income tax expense. The Company believes it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, and, therefore, the Company recorded 85% of this estimated amount of the increase in deferred tax assets, as a liability to HFF Holdings under the tax receivable agreement and the remaining 15% of the increase in deferred tax assets directly in additional paid-in While the actual amount and timing of payments under the tax receivable agreement will depend upon a number of factors, including the amount and timing of taxable income generated in the future, changes in future tax rates, the value of individual assets, the portion of the Company’s payments under the tax receivable agreement constituting imputed interest and increases in the tax basis of the Company’s assets resulting in payments to HFF Holdings, the Company has estimated that the payments that will be made to HFF Holdings will be $60.9 million and has recorded this obligation to HFF Holdings as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the tax rates used to measure the deferred tax assets were updated to reflect the reduction in statutory rates inclusive of the 2017 Tax Act which resulted in a decrease of deferred tax assets of $41.8 million and a corresponding decrease in the payable under the tax receivable agreement of $39.2 million. The tax rates used to measure the deferred tax assets were also updated during the year ended December 31, 2016, which resulted in a decrease of deferred tax assets of $1.2 million which resulted in an increase in the payable under the tax receivable agreement of $1.0 million. To the extent the Company does not realize all of the tax benefits in future years, this liability to HFF Holdings may be reduced. In conjunction with filing of the Company’s 2016 federal and state tax returns, the benefit for 2016 relating to the Section 754 basis step-up step-up

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	14. Stockholders’ Equity The Company is authorized to issue 175,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Each share of Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. The Company had issued 38,742,698 and 38,463,448 shares of Class A common stock as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. On January 26, 2018, our board of directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.75 per share of Class A common stock to stockholders of record on February 9, 2018. The aggregate dividend payment was paid on February 21, 2018 and totaled approximately $67.5 million based on the number of shares of Class A common stock then outstanding. Additionally, 79,387 restricted stock units (dividend equivalent units) were granted for those unvested and vested but not issued restricted stock units as of the record date of February 9, 2018. These dividend equivalent units follow the same vesting terms as the underlying restricted stock units. On January 24, 2017, our board of directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.57 per share of Class A common stock to stockholders of record on February 9, 2017. The aggregate dividend payment was paid on February 21, 2017 and totaled approximately $60.0 million based on the number of shares of Class A common stock then outstanding. Additionally, 95,648 restricted stock units (dividend equivalent units) were granted for those unvested and vested but not issued restricted stock units as of the record date of February 9, 2017. These dividend equivalent units follow the same vesting terms as the underlying restricted stock units. On January 22, 2016, our board of directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.80 per share of Class A common stock to stockholders of record on February 8, 2016. The aggregate dividend payment was paid on February 19, 2016 and totaled approximately $68.4 million based on the number of shares of Class A common stock then outstanding. Additionally, 82,536 restricted stock units (dividend equivalent units) were granted for those unvested and vested but not issued restricted stock units as of the record date of February 8, 2016. These dividend equivalent units follow the same vesting terms as the underlying restricted stock units.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	15. Earnings Per Share The Company’s net income and weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, consists of the following (dollars in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income $ 94,960 $ 77,195 $ 83,963 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Basic 38,662,118 38,245,682 37,975,997 Diluted 39,673,152 38,843,156 38,449,212 The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share amounts for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are described and presented below. Basic Earnings per Share Numerator Denominator Diluted Earnings per Share Numerator Denominator Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Basic Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock Numerator: Net income $ 94,960 $ 77,195 $ 83,963 Denominator: Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding 38,662,118 38,245,682 37,975,997 Basic earnings per share of Class A common stock $ 2.46 $ 2.02 $ 2.21 Diluted Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock Numerator: Net income $ 94,960 $ 77,195 $ 83,963 Denominator: Basic weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding 38,662,118 38,245,682 37,975,997 Add — dilutive effect of: Unvested restricted stock units 995,402 586,121 453,312 Stock options 15,632 11,353 19,903 Weighted average Class A common shares outstanding — diluted 39,673,152 38,843,156 38,449,212 Diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock $ 2.39 $ 1.99 $ 2.18

Concentrations

Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentrations	16. Concentrations A significant portion of the Company’s capital markets services revenues is derived from transactions involving commercial real estate located in specific geographic areas. During 2017, approximately 17.8%, 13.9%, 6.1%, 5.7% and 4.4% of the Company’s capital markets services revenues were derived from transactions involving commercial real estate located in Texas, California, Florida, New York, and the region consisting of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, respectively. During 2016, approximately 19.0%, 13.8%, 8.5%, 6.0%, and 5.2% of the Company’s capital markets services revenues were derived from transactions involving commercial real estate located in Texas, California, Florida, Illinois and the region consisting of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, respectively. As a result, a significant portion of the Company’s business is dependent on the economic conditions in general and the markets for commercial real estate in these areas.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	17. Related Party Transactions As a result of the Company’s initial public offering, the Company entered into a tax receivable agreement with HFF Holdings that provides for the payment by the Company to HFF Holdings of 85% of the amount of the cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the Company actually realizes as a result of the increase in tax basis of the assets owned by HFF LP and HFF Securities and as a result of certain other tax benefits arising from entering into the tax receivable agreement and making payments under that agreement. As members of HFF Holdings, each of Mark Gibson, the Company’s chief executive officer, Jody Thornton, the Company’s president and member of the Company’s board of directors and a capital markets advisor of the Operating Partnerships, and John Fowler, a current director emeritus of the Company’s board of directors and a capital markets advisor of the Operating Partnerships, and Matthew D. Lawton, Gerard T. Sansosti and Manuel A. de Zarraga, and Michael J. Tepedino, each an Executive Managing Director and a capital markets advisor of the Operating Partnerships, is entitled to participate in such payments, in each case on a pro rata basis based upon such person’s ownership of interests in each series of tax receivable payments created by the initial public offering or subsequent exchange of Operating Partnership units. During the third quarter of 2017, Messrs. Gibson, Thornton, Fowler, Lawton, Sansosti, Tepedino, and de Zarraga received payments of $1.1 million, $1.1 million, $0.9 million, $0.3 million, $0.5 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million in connection with the Company’s payment of $11.2 million to HFF Holdings under the tax receivable agreement. During the third quarter of 2016, Messrs. Gibson, Thornton, Fowler, Lawton, Sansosti, de Zarraga and Tepedino received payments of $0.8 million, $0.8 million, $0.7 million, $0.2 million, $0.4 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in connection with the Company’s payment of $10.8 million to HFF Holdings under the tax receivable agreement. The Company will retain the remaining 15% of cash savings, if any, in income tax that it realizes. For purposes of the tax receivable agreement, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the Company’s actual income tax liability to the amount of such taxes that it would have been required to pay had there been no increase to the tax basis of the assets of HFF LP and HFF Securities allocable to the Company as a result of the initial sale and later exchanges and had the Company not entered into the tax receivable agreement. The term of the tax receivable agreement commenced upon consummation of the offering and will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or have expired. See Note 13 for further information regarding the tax receivable agreement and Note 18 for the amount recorded in relation to this agreement.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	18. Commitments and Contingencies Tax Receivable Agreement The Company is obligated, pursuant to its tax receivable agreement with HFF Holdings, to pay to HFF Holdings 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the Company actually realizes as a result of the increases in tax basis under Section 754 and as a result of certain other tax benefits arising from the Company entering into the tax receivable agreement and making payments under that agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company paid HFF Holdings $11.2 million, which represents 85% of the actual cash savings realized by the Company in 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company paid HFF Holdings $10.8 million, which represents 85% of the actual cash savings realized by the Company in 2015. The Company has recorded $60.9 million and $111.4 million for this obligation to HFF Holdings as a liability on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company anticipates making a payment to HFF Holdings of approximately $11.8 million in 2018. Employment Arrangements In recent years, the Company has entered into arrangements with newly-hired capital markets advisors whereby these capital markets advisors would be paid additional compensation if certain performance targets are met over a defined period. These payments will be made to the capital markets advisors only if they enter into an employment agreement at the end of the performance period. Payments under these arrangements, if earned, would be paid in fiscal years 2018 through 2020. Currently, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the amounts that would be payable under all of these arrangements. The Company begins to accrue for these payments when it is deemed probable that payments will be made; therefore, on a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the probability of each of the capital markets advisors achieving the performance targets and the probability of each of the capital markets advisors signing an employment agreement. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, have been accrued for these arrangements within the consolidated balance sheet. Subsidiary Collateralization HFF, Inc. has collateralized HFF LP in the amount of $0.1 million in conformity with mortgage lending minimum net worth requirements.

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	19. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited, in thousands except for per share data) Quarter Ended 2017 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Net revenue $ 138,806 $ 137,364 $ 148,022 $ 185,286 Operating income 20,764 19,397 24,646 40,521 Interest and other income, net 10,794 13,042 12,209 21,164 Decrease in payable under the tax receivable agreement — — 479 38,733 Net income 19,656 19,462 21,603 34,239 Per share data (1) Basic earnings per share $ 0. 51 $ 0. 50 $ 0. 56 $ 0.88 Diluted earnings per share $ 0. 50 $ 0. 49 $ 0. 54 $ 0.85 Quarter Ended 2016 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Net revenue $ 117,530 $ 117,665 $ 126,535 $ 155,696 Operating income 16,741 17,585 24,261 37,186 Interest and other income, net 6,317 8,739 9,053 9,416 Increase in payable under the tax receivable agreement — — (1,025 ) — Net income 13,876 15,846 20,020 27,453 Per share data (1) Basic earnings per share $ 0.36 $ 0.41 $ 0.52 $ 0.72 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.36 $ 0.41 $ 0.51 $ 0.70 (1) Earnings per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore, the sum of the earnings per share amounts for the quarters may not equal the total for the year.

Organization and Basis of Pre26

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of HFF LP, HFF Securities, HFF Real Estate Limited and HFF Securities Limited, as well as the Company’s additional wholly-owned subsidiaries, Holliday GP and Partnership Holdings. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Consolidation	Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of HFF, Inc. have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for financial information and applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange act of 1934, as amended. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash. The Company places its cash with financial institutions in amounts which at times exceed the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any credit risk on cash other than as identified herein.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in bank accounts and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. At December 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents were invested or held in a mix of money market funds and bank demand deposit accounts at two financial institutions.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents good faith deposits from borrowers that are held between the time we enter into a rate-lock commitment with the borrower and Freddie Mac’s purchase of the loan. The Company records a corresponding liability for such good faith deposits from borrowers within other current liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Capital markets services revenues consist of origination fees, investment advisory fees, loan sales fees, placement fees and servicing fees. Origination fees are earned for the placement of debt, equity or structured financing for real estate transactions. Investment advisory and loan sales fees are earned for brokering sales of real estate and/or loans. Placement fees are earned by HFF Securities for discretionary and nondiscretionary equity capital raises and other investment banking services. These fees are negotiated between the Company and its clients, generally on a case-by-case Certain of the Company’s fee agreements provide for reimbursement of transaction-related costs which the Company recognizes as revenue. Reimbursements received from clients for out-of-pocket out-of-pocket
Mortgage Notes Receivable	Mortgage Notes Receivable The Company is qualified with the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) as a Freddie Mac Multifamily Approved Seller/Servicer for Conventional and Senior Housing Loan provider (“Freddie Mac Program”). Under the Freddie Mac Program, the Company originates mortgages based on commitments from Freddie Mac, and then sells the loans to Freddie Mac approximately one month following the loan origination. The Company recognizes interest income on the accrual basis during this holding period based on the contract interest rate in the loan that will be purchased by Freddie Mac (see Note 8). The Company records mortgage loans held for sale at period end at fair value. The fair value of the mortgage notes receivable is considered a Level 2 asset in the fair value hierarchy as it is based on prices observable in the market for similar loans. Freddie Mac requires HFF LP to meet minimum net worth and liquid assets requirements and to comply with certain other standards. As of December 31, 2017, HFF LP met Freddie Mac’s minimum net worth and liquid assets requirements.
Advertising	Advertising Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts are included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company depreciates furniture, office equipment and computer equipment on the straight-line method over three to seven years. Software costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over three years, while capital leases and leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or useful life of the asset. Depreciation expense was $4.3 million, $3.3 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments which substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized.
Leases	Leases The Company leases all of its facilities under operating lease agreements. These lease agreements typically contain tenant improvement allowances. The Company records tenant improvement allowances as a leasehold improvement asset, included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheet, and a related deferred rent liability and amortizes them on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease or useful life of the asset as additional depreciation expense and a reduction to rent expense, respectively. Lease agreements sometimes contain rent escalation clauses or rent holidays, which are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease in accordance with ASC 840, Leases
Computer Software Costs	Computer Software Costs Certain costs related to the development or purchases of internal-use
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The Company accounts for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective estimated fair values. The cost to acquire a business is allocated to the underlying net assets of the acquired business based on estimates of their respective fair values. The purchase price allocation process requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions with respect to intangible assets. Acquired intangible assets are amortized over the expected life of the asset. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of October 1st or more frequently when indicators of impairment are present. The goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company uses a combination of a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) and a market approach to determine the current fair values of the reporting units. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market share, sales volume and pricing, costs of services, working capital changes and discount rates.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets include mortgage servicing rights under agreements with third-party lenders, non-competition Servicing rights are capitalized for servicing assumed on loans originated and sold to Freddie Mac with servicing retained based on an allocation of the carrying amount of the loan and the servicing right in proportion to the relative fair values at the date of sale. Servicing rights are recorded at the lower of cost or market. Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active, open market and therefore, do not have readily available observable prices. Since there is no ready market value for the mortgage servicing rights, such as quoted market prices or prices based on sales or purchases of similar assets, the Company determines the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights by estimating the net present value of future cash flows associated with the servicing of the loans. Management makes certain assumptions and judgments in estimating the fair value of servicing rights. The estimate is based on a number of assumptions, including the benefits of servicing (contractual servicing fees and interest on escrow and float balances), the cost of servicing, prepayment rates (including risk of default), an inflation rate, the expected life of the cash flows and the discount rate. The cost of servicing, prepayment rates and discount rates are the most sensitive factors affecting the estimated fair value of the servicing rights. Management estimates a market participant’s cost of servicing by analyzing the limited market activity and considering the Company’s own internal servicing costs. Management estimates the discount rate by considering the various risks involved in the future cash flows of the underlying loans which include the cancellation of servicing contracts and the incremental risk related to large loans. Management estimates the prepayment levels of the underlying mortgages by analyzing recent historical experience. Many of the commercial loans being serviced have financial penalties for prepayment or early payoff before the stated maturity date. As a result, the Company has consistently experienced a low level of loan runoff. The estimated value of the servicing rights is impacted by changes in these assumptions.
Transfers and Servicing	The Company applies the provisions of ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing The Company evaluates intangible assets on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances so indicate, for potential impairment. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decline in the level of serviced loans as well as other negative economic conditions.
Prepaid Compensation Under Employment Agreements	Prepaid Compensation Under Employment Agreements The Company entered into employment agreements with certain employees whereby sign-up sign-up
Capital Markets Advisor Draws	Capital Markets Advisor Draws As part of the Company’s overall compensation program, the Company offers a new capital markets advisor a draw arrangement which generally lasts until such time as a capital markets advisor’s pipeline of business is sufficient to allow the capital markets advisor to earn sustainable commissions. This program is intended to provide the capital markets advisor with a minimal amount of cash flow to allow adequate time for the capital markets advisor to develop business relationships. Similar to traditional salaries, the capital markets advisor draws are paid irrespective of the actual fees generated by the capital markets advisor. At times these capital markets advisor draws represent the only form of compensation received by the capital markets advisor. It is not the Company’s policy to seek collection of unearned capital markets advisor draws under this arrangement. Capital markets advisors are also entitled to earn a commission on closed revenue transactions. Commissions are calculated as the commission that would have been earned by the broker under one of the Company’s commission programs, less any amount previously paid to the capital markets advisor in the form of a draw. As a result, the Company has concluded that capital markets advisor draws are economically equivalent to commissions paid and, accordingly, charges them to commissions as incurred. These amounts are included in cost of services on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The Company computes earnings per share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share
Firm and Office Profit Participation Plans and Executive Bonus Plan	Firm and Office Profit Participation Plans and Executive Bonus Plan The Company’s Firm and Office Profit Participation Plans and effective January 1, 2015, an Executive Bonus Plan (the “Plans”) provide for payments in cash and share-based awards if certain performance metrics are achieved during the year. The expense recorded for these Plans is estimated during the year based on actual results at each interim reporting date and an estimate of future results for the remainder of the year. The Plans allow for payments to be made in both cash and share-based awards, the composition of which is determined in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year. Cash and share-based awards issued under these Plans are subject to vesting conditions over the subsequent year, such that the total expense measured for these Plans is recorded over the period from the beginning of the performance year through the vesting date. Based on an accounting policy election and consistent with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation paid-in-capital Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company’s Office and Firm Profit Participation Plans allowed for payment to be made in both cash and share-based awards, and the composition of such payment was determined in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year. A portion of the cash and share-based awards issued under these Office and Firm Profit Participation Plans are subject to time-based vesting conditions over the subsequent twelve months of the grant date, such that the total expense measured for these Plans is recorded over the period from the beginning of the performance year through the vesting date, or 26 months. In addition, prior to January 1, 2015, awards made under the Executive Bonus Plans were historically settled as a cash payment made in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year, with the entire award recognized as expense in the performance year. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company amended the Plans, which will now provide for an overall increase in the allocation of share-based awards. The cash portion of the awards will not be subject to time-based vesting conditions and will be expensed during the performance year. The share-based portion of the awards is subject to a three-year time-based vesting schedule beginning on the first anniversary of the grant (which is made in the first calendar quarter of the subsequent year). As a result, the total expense for the share-based portion of the awards is recorded over the period from the beginning of the performance year through the vesting date, or 50 months. Therefore, under the new design of the Plans, the expense recognized during the performance year will be less than the expense that would have been recognized in the performance year under the previous Plan design. The Company expects that difference will be recognized as an increase in expense over the subsequent three years, irrespective of the Company’s financial performance in the future periods.
Stock Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation
Income Taxes	Income Taxes HFF, Inc. and Holliday GP are corporations, and the Operating Partnerships are limited partnerships. The Operating Partnerships are subject to state and local income taxes. Income and expenses of the Operating Partnerships are passed through and reported on the corporate income tax returns of HFF, Inc. and Holliday GP. Income taxes shown on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income reflect federal income taxes of the corporation and business and corporate income taxes in various jurisdictions including the UK Subsidiaries. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for tax losses and tax credit carryforwards, if any. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates will be recognized in income in the period of the tax rate change. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The recently enacted U.S. tax reform legislation commonly referred to as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminating certain deductions, imposing a mandatory one-time
Cost of Services	Cost of Services The Company considers personnel expenses directly attributable to providing services to its clients, such as salaries, commissions and transaction bonuses to capital markets advisors and analysts, and certain purchased services to be directly attributable to the generation of capital markets services revenue and has classified these expenses as cost of services in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company operates in one reportable segment, the commercial real estate financial intermediary segment and offers debt placement, investment advisory, loan sales, loan servicing, equity placement and investment banking services through its 26 offices. The results of each office have been aggregated for segment reporting purposes as they have similar economic characteristics and provide similar services to a similar class of customer.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock The Company records common stock purchased for treasury at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on the first-in, first-out
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued changes to the accounting for equity compensation. This update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update also permits an entity to make an election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures as they occur. This update was effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2017 and the Company made an election to change its accounting for forfeitures from the previously-required estimation method to recognizing forfeitures when they occur. The Company recognized $0.6 million as a reduction in retained earnings on January 1, 2017 as a result of eliminating the estimated forfeiture rate on unvested RSUs. In December 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-19 In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. This new guidance will require that a lessee recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with a lease term of more than twelve months, with the result being the recognition of a right of use asset and a lease liability. The new lease accounting requirements are effective for the Company’s 2019 fiscal year with a modified retrospective transition approach required, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company has completed its evaluation of the impact of adopting the revenue recognition standard and has concluded that the timing of revenue recognition for certain equity placement services will be accelerated. However, the adoption of this accounting guidance will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The Company also expects to include additional revenue recognition disclosures within the notes to the financial statements in accordance with the new requirements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total 2016-18 2016-18 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 2017-01 In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, 2017-04 May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, 2017-09
Fair Value Measurement	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement
Financial Instruments	FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Warehouse line of credit
Contingencies	The Company is party to various litigation matters, in most cases involving ordinary course and routine claims incidental to its business. The Company cannot estimate with certainty its ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to any pending matters. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies

Stock Compensation (Tables)

Stock Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted Average Fair Value of Outstanding Stock Options	The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following table presents the weighted average assumptions for stock options still outstanding as of December 31, 2017: Dividend yield 0.0 % Expected volatility 72.8 % Risk-free interest rate 2.2 % Expected life (in years) 6.0
Nonvested Share Activity	The following table presents options outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and their related weighted average exercise price, weighted average remaining contractual term and intrinsic value: Options Weighted Weighted Aggregate Balance at December 31, 2014 51,586 $ 8.92 4.0 years $ 1,393 Granted — — — — Exercised (26,594 ) 8.61 2.5 years 875 Forfeited or expired — — — — Balance at December 31, 2015 24,992 $ 9.25 3.5 years $ 777 Granted — — — — Exercised (5,338 ) 17.41 0.2 years 159 Forfeited or expired — — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 19,654 $ 7.04 3.1 years $ 595 Granted — — — — Exercised — — — — Forfeited or expired — — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 19,654 $ 7.04 2.1 years $ 956
Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	A summary of restricted stock units (“RSU”) activity and related information during the period was as follows: RSU’s with no RSU’s with graded Total Balance at January 1, 2015 143,187 900,318 1,043,505 Granted 9,108 461,597 470,705 Dividend on unissued RSU’s 6,748 42,635 49,383 Converted to common stock (2,793 ) (215,262 ) (218,055 ) Forfeited or expired — (49,689 ) (49,689 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 156,250 1,139,599 1,295,849 Granted 12,372 1,060,434 1,072,806 Dividend on unissued RSU’s 11,576 70,960 82,536 Converted to common stock (2,035 ) (341,519 ) (343,554 ) Forfeited or expired — (26,745 ) (26,745 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 178,163 1,902,729 2,080,892 Granted 14,598 818,282 832,880 Dividend on unissued RSU’s 9,046 86,602 95,648 Converted to common stock (2,927 ) (598,078 ) (601,005 ) Forfeited or expired — (18,867 ) (18,867 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 198,880 2,190,668 2,389,548

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): December 31 2017 2016 Furniture and equipment $ 8,192 $ 7,667 Computer equipment 2,139 2,145 Capitalized software costs 2,567 2,043 Leasehold improvements 19,536 15,813 Subtotal 32,434 27,668 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (14,537 ) (11,831 ) $ 17,897 $ 15,837

Business Combinations, Goodwi29

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Goodwill	The Company’s goodwill as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 3,712 Additions through acquisitions 4,716 Foreign currency translation 260 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 8,688
Summary of Intangible Assets	The Company’s intangible assets are summarized as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Net Book Gross Accumulated Net Book Mortgage servicing rights $ 92,856 $ (34,373 ) $ 58,483 $ 64,648 $ (28,034 ) $ 36,614 Other 959 (605 ) 354 — — — Total intangible assets $ 93,815 $ (34,978 ) $ 58,837 $ 64,648 $ (28,034 ) $ 36,614
Summary of Carrying and Fair Value of Mortgage Servicing Rights	Changes in the carrying value of mortgage servicing rights for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): Category 12/31/16 Capitalized Amortized Sold / Transferred 12/31/17 Freddie Mac $ 16,234 $ 29,546 $ (5,312 ) $ — $ 40,468 CMBS 16,247 1,169 (3,902 ) — 13,514 Life company 3,567 2,791 (2,525 ) — 3,833 Life company — limited 566 465 (363 ) — 668 Total $ 36,614 $ 33,971 $ (12,102 ) $ — $ 58,483 Category 12/31/15 Capitalized Amortized Sold / Transferred 12/31/16 Freddie Mac $ 7,074 $ 14,480 $ (2,257 ) $ (3,063 ) $ 16,234 CMBS 16,768 1,059 (3,997 ) 2,417 16,247 Life company 2,729 2,849 (2,011 ) — 3,567 Life company — limited 351 515 (300 ) — 566 Total $ 26,922 $ 18,903 $ (8,565 ) $ (646 ) $ 36,614
Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense	Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 12,819 2019 10,384 2020 8,366 2021 7,129 2022 6,380

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets Accounted at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2017 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Recurring fair value measurements Mortgage notes receivable $ 450,821 $ — $ 450,821 — Total recurring fair value measurements $ 450,821 $ — $ 450,821 — December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Recurring fair value measurements Mortgage notes receivable $ 290,933 $ — $ 290,933 $ — Total recurring fair value measurements $ 290,933 $ — $ 290,933 $ —
Financial Assets Accounted at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis	The following tables sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2017 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Nonrecurring fair value measurements Mortgage servicing rights $ 58,483 — — $ 75,899 Total nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 58,483 $ — — $ 75,899 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using: Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Nonrecurring fair value measurements Mortgage servicing rights $ 36,614 $ — $ — $ 49,970 Total nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 36,614 $ — $ — $ 49,970
Significant Assumptions Utilized to Value Servicing Rights	The significant assumptions utilized to value servicing rights as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 Expected life of cash flows 3 years to 10 years 3 years to 11 years Discount rate (1) 10% to 16% 10% to 16 Prepayment rate 0% to 8% 0% to 8% Inflation rate 2% 2% Cost of service per loan $1,920 to $4,780 $1,920 to $4,997

Capital Lease Obligations (Tabl

Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Capital Lease Obligations	Capital lease obligations consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31 2017 2016 Capital lease obligations $ 405 $ 707 Less current maturities 269 448 $ 136 $ 259
Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Leases	Capital lease obligations consist primarily of office equipment leases that expire at various dates through October 2020. A summary of future minimum lease payments under capital leases at December 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 269 2019 92 2020 44 2021 — 2022 — $ 405

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Future Minimum Rental Payments	Future minimum rental payments for the next five years under operating leases with noncancelable terms in excess of one year and without regard to early termination provisions are as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 11,159 2019 10,702 2020 10,117 2021 8,650 2022 6,537 Thereafter 12,547 $ 59,712

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Income Tax Expense Includes Current and Deferred Taxes	Income tax expense includes current and deferred taxes as follows (in thousands): Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2017: Federal $38,321 $60,587 $98,908 State 6,764 2,126 8,890 Foreign — (1,030 ) (1,030 ) $45,085 $61,683 $106,768 Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2016: Federal $28,515 $15,772 $44,287 State 5,987 762 6,749 $34,502 $16,534 $51,036 Current Deferred Total Year Ended December 31, 2015: Federal $35,682 $13,131 $48,813 State 6,094 3,042 9,136 $41,776 $16,173 $57,949
Summary of Income Tax Expense Allocation	The reconciliation between the income tax computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate on net income is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income before taxes $ 201,728 $ 128,231 $ 141,912 December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income Tax expense Rate Rate Rate Taxes computed at federal rate $ 70,639 35.0 % $ 44,881 35.0 % $ 49,669 35.0 % State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit 6,398 3.2 % 5,258 4.1 % 5,251 3.7 % Rate differential on non-US 954 0.5 % — — — — Effect of deferred tax rate change 41,834 20.7 % (1,188 ) (0.9 )% 2,621 1.8 % Change in income tax benefit / payable to stockholder (13,724 ) (6.8 )% 359 0.3 % (750 ) (0.5 )% Effect of windfalls related to equity compensation (1,139 ) (0.6 )% — — — — Return to provision adjustment (131 ) (0.1 )% 196 0.1 % (130 ) (0.1 )% Meals and entertainment 1,757 0.9 % 1,484 1.2 % 1,267 0.9 % Other 180 0.1 % 46 0.0 % 21 0.0 % $ 106,768 52.9 % $ 51,036 39.8 % $ 57,949 40.8 %
Summary of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Section 754 election tax basis step-up $ 57,766 $ 117,749 Tenant improvements 2,678 3,571 Restricted stock units 6,830 8,564 Intangible asset 228 389 Net operating loss 1,070 — Other 779 932 Deferred income tax asset 69,351 131,205 Deferred income tax liabilities: Goodwill (669 ) (1,272 ) Servicing rights (15,150 ) (15,003 ) Deferred rent (1,428 ) (1,671 ) Compensation (851 ) (120 ) Investment in partnership (379 ) (582 ) Deferred income tax liability (18,477 ) (18,648 ) Net deferred income tax asset $ 50,874 $ 112,557

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Net Income and Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	The Company’s net income and weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, consists of the following (dollars in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income $ 94,960 $ 77,195 $ 83,963 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Basic 38,662,118 38,245,682 37,975,997 Diluted 39,673,152 38,843,156 38,449,212
Summary of Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share	Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Basic Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock Numerator: Net income $ 94,960 $ 77,195 $ 83,963 Denominator: Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding 38,662,118 38,245,682 37,975,997 Basic earnings per share of Class A common stock $ 2.46 $ 2.02 $ 2.21 Diluted Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock Numerator: Net income $ 94,960 $ 77,195 $ 83,963 Denominator: Basic weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding 38,662,118 38,245,682 37,975,997 Add — dilutive effect of: Unvested restricted stock units 995,402 586,121 453,312 Stock options 15,632 11,353 19,903 Weighted average Class A common shares outstanding — diluted 39,673,152 38,843,156 38,449,212 Diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock $ 2.39 $ 1.99 $ 2.18

Selected Quarterly Financial 35

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	Quarter Ended 2017 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Net revenue $ 138,806 $ 137,364 $ 148,022 $ 185,286 Operating income 20,764 19,397 24,646 40,521 Interest and other income, net 10,794 13,042 12,209 21,164 Decrease in payable under the tax receivable agreement — — 479 38,733 Net income 19,656 19,462 21,603 34,239 Per share data (1) Basic earnings per share $ 0. 51 $ 0. 50 $ 0. 56 $ 0.88 Diluted earnings per share $ 0. 50 $ 0. 49 $ 0. 54 $ 0.85 Quarter Ended 2016 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Net revenue $ 117,530 $ 117,665 $ 126,535 $ 155,696 Operating income 16,741 17,585 24,261 37,186 Interest and other income, net 6,317 8,739 9,053 9,416 Increase in payable under the tax receivable agreement — — (1,025 ) — Net income 13,876 15,846 20,020 27,453 Per share data (1) Basic earnings per share $ 0.36 $ 0.41 $ 0.52 $ 0.72 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.36 $ 0.41 $ 0.51 $ 0.70 (1) Earnings per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore, the sum of the earnings per share amounts for the quarters may not equal the total for the year.

Organization and Basis of Pre36

Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Officeshares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of offices	26
UNITED STATES
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of offices	25
London, United Kingdom [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of offices	1
IPO [Member] | HFF Holdings [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of shares purchase from Partners	45.00%
Sale of common stock, shares | shares	1

Summary of Significant Accoun37

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)InstitutionSegmentOffice	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents invested into institution | Institution		2
Advertising expenses		$ 0.9	$ 1	$ 0.9
Depreciation expense		$ 4.3	3.3	$ 2.5
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Unamortized costs of agreements		$ 12.8	$ 6.8
Statutory corporate tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Number of reportable segment | Segment		1
Number of offices | Office		26
Unvested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Reduction in retained earnings					$ 0.6
Office and Firm Profit Participation Plans [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period		50 months
Prior to January 1, 2015 [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period		26 months
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Statutory corporate tax rate	21.00%
Capitalized Software Costs [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation on Property and equipment		3 years
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation on Property and equipment		3 years
Range of office lease terms		5 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation on Property and equipment		7 years
Range of office lease terms		10 years

Stock Compensation - Additional

Stock Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 27, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation cost		$ 17,385	$ 12,310	$ 8,579
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share based awards		$ 32,600
Options, Vested		0	0	0
Options, Granted		0	0	0
Options, Forfeited		0	0	0
Options, Expired		0	0	0
Restricted stock units outstanding		2,389,548
Restricted stock units vested period		2 years
Restricted stock units, Granted		832,880	1,072,806	470,705
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of restricted stock units		$ 10,200	$ 5,900
Office and Profit Participation Plans [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Plan vesting period		3 years
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock available under term plan		3,500,000
Shares previous not issued		109,524
2016 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock available under term plan		3,859,524
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of restricted stock units	$ 15,900
Restricted stock units vested period	5 years
Restricted stock units, Granted	339,723
Restricted stock units vested percentage	20.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Prior to January 1, 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vested percentage	33.33%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Second Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vested percentage	33.33%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Third Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vested percentage	33.33%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Office and Profit Participation Plans [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of restricted stock units	$ 18,500
Restricted stock units, Granted	393,761

Stock Compensation - Weighted A

Stock Compensation - Weighted Average Fair Value of Outstanding Stock Options (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.00%
Expected volatility	72.80%
Risk-free interest rate	2.20%
Expected life (in years)	6 years

Stock Compensation - Schedule o

Stock Compensation - Schedule of Options Outstanding and Related Weighted Average Exercise Price, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term and Intrinsic Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Arrangements with Employees and Nonemployees [Abstract]
Options, Beginning balance	19,654	24,992		51,586
Options, Granted	0	0	0
Options, Exercised		(5,338)	(26,594)
Options, Forfeitures or expired	0	0	0
Options, Ending balance	19,654	19,654	24,992
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised		17.41	8.61
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired	0	0	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.04	$ 7.04	$ 9.25	$ 8.92
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercised		7 days	2 years 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning balance	2 years 4 days	3 years 4 days	3 years 18 days	4 years
Average Intrinsic Value, Granted	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Average Intrinsic Value, Exercised		159	875
Average Intrinsic Value, Forfeited or expired	0	0	0
Average Intrinsic Value	$ 956	$ 595	$ 777	$ 1,393

Stock Compensation - Restricted

Stock Compensation - Restricted Stock Units Award Activity (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Summary Of Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Restricted stock units outstanding, Beginning	2,080,892	1,295,849	1,043,505
Restricted stock units, Granted	832,880	1,072,806	470,705
Dividend on issued RSU's			49,383
Dividend on unissued RSU's	95,648	82,536
Restricted stock units outstanding, Converted to common stock	601,005	(343,554)	218,055
Restricted Stock units, Forfeited or expired	(18,867)	(26,745)	(49,689)
Restricted stock units outstanding, Ending	2,389,548	2,080,892	1,295,849
RSU's with No Vesting Period [Member]
Schedule Of Summary Of Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Restricted stock units outstanding, Beginning	178,163	156,250	143,187
Restricted stock units, Granted	14,598	12,372	9,108
Dividend on issued RSU's			6,748
Dividend on unissued RSU's	9,046	11,576
Restricted stock units outstanding, Converted to common stock	2,927	(2,035)	2,793
Restricted stock units outstanding, Ending	198,880	178,163	156,250
RSU's with Graded or Cliff Vesting Period [Member]
Schedule Of Summary Of Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Restricted stock units outstanding, Beginning	1,902,729	1,139,599	900,318
Restricted stock units, Granted	818,282	1,060,434	461,597
Dividend on issued RSU's			42,635
Dividend on unissued RSU's	86,602	70,960
Restricted stock units outstanding, Converted to common stock	598,078	(341,519)	215,262
Restricted Stock units, Forfeited or expired	(18,867)	(26,745)	(49,689)
Restricted stock units outstanding, Ending	2,190,668	1,902,729	1,139,599

Property and Equipment - Summar

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 32,434	$ 27,668
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(14,537)	(11,831)
Property, plant and equipment, net	17,897	15,837
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	8,192	7,667
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	2,139	2,145
Capitalized Software Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	2,567	2,043
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 19,536	$ 15,813

Property and Equipment - Additi

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital leased office equipment recorded in furniture and equipment	$ 32,434	$ 27,668
Accumulated depreciation and amortization of capital leased office equipment included in consolidated statements	14,537	11,831
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital leased office equipment recorded in furniture and equipment	1,700	1,900
Accumulated depreciation and amortization of capital leased office equipment included in consolidated statements	$ 1,300	$ 1,200

Business Combinations, Goodwi44

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)Business	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business acquisition consideration		$ 6,198
Commercial loans serviced by the Company		69,800,000	$ 58,000,000	$ 48,700,000
Servicing fees and interest earned		29,100	23,200	20,000
Loan served for mortgage servicing rights		68,800,000	56,500,000
Gain on sale of cashiering portion			2,000
Amortization expenses		$ 12,694	$ 8,565	$ 6,678
Weighted-average life of mortgage servicing rights		6 years	6 years 6 months
Hentschel & Company LLC and Lotenno Limited [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | Business	2
Business acquisition consideration	$ 6,200
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$ 1,800
Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mortgage servicing rights		$ 58,483	$ 36,614
Freddie Mac [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mortgage servicing rights retained upon sale		29,500	14,500
Originated loans, net		6,600,000	4,400,000
Freddie Mac [Member] | Interest and Other Income, Net [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Securitization compensation received		15,500	5,500
CMBS [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mortgage servicing rights acquired without exchange of initial consideration		4,400	4,400
Life Company Tranches [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mortgage servicing rights acquired without exchange of initial consideration		$ 12,400,000	$ 10,700,000

Business Combinations, Goodwi45

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,712
Additions through acquisitions	4,716
Foreign currency translation	260
Ending Balance	$ 8,688

Business Combinations, Goodwi46

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets Gross Carrying Amount	$ 93,815	$ 64,648
Accumulated Amortization	(34,978)	(28,034)
Total intangible assets Net Book Value	58,837	36,614
Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	92,856	64,648
Accumulated Amortization	(34,373)	(28,034)
Total intangible assets Net Book Value	58,483	$ 36,614
Other [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	959
Accumulated Amortization	(605)
Total intangible assets Net Book Value	$ 354

Business Combinations, Goodwi47

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Carrying and Fair Value of Mortgage Servicing Rights (Detail) - Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Opening Balance	$ 36,614	$ 26,922
Capitalized	33,971	18,903
Amortized	(12,102)	(8,565)
Sold/Transferred		(646)
Closing Balance	58,483	36,614
Freddie Mac [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Opening Balance	16,234	7,074
Capitalized	29,546	14,480
Amortized	(5,312)	(2,257)
Sold/Transferred		(3,063)
Closing Balance	40,468	16,234
CMBS [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Opening Balance	16,247	16,768
Capitalized	1,169	1,059
Amortized	(3,902)	(3,997)
Sold/Transferred		2,417
Closing Balance	13,514	16,247
Life Company [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Opening Balance	3,567	2,729
Capitalized	2,791	2,849
Amortized	(2,525)	(2,011)
Closing Balance	3,833	3,567
Life Company - Limited [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Opening Balance	566	351
Capitalized	465	515
Amortized	(363)	(300)
Closing Balance	$ 668	$ 566

Business Combinations, Goodwi48

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2,018	$ 12,819
2,019	10,384
2,020	8,366
2,021	7,129
2,022	$ 6,380

Fair Value Measurement - Financ

Fair Value Measurement - Financial Assets Accounted at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage notes receivable	$ 450,821	$ 290,933
Total recurring fair value measurements	450,821	290,933
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage notes receivable	450,821	290,933
Total recurring fair value measurements	$ 450,821	$ 290,933

Fair Value Measurement - Fina50

Fair Value Measurement - Financial Assets Accounted at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage servicing rights	$ 58,483	$ 36,614
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements	58,483	36,614
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage servicing rights	75,899	49,970
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements	$ 75,899	$ 49,970

Fair Value Measurement - Signif

Fair Value Measurement - Significant Assumptions Utilized to Value Servicing Rights (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inflation rate	2.00%	2.00%
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Expected life of cash flows	3 years	3 years
Discount rate	10.00%	10.00%
Prepayment rate	0.00%	0.00%
Cost of service per loan	$ 1,920	$ 1,920
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Expected life of cash flows	10 years	11 years
Discount rate	16.00%	16.00%
Prepayment rate	8.00%	8.00%
Cost of service per loan	$ 4,780	$ 4,997

Capital Lease Obligations - Sum

Capital Lease Obligations - Summary of Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations	$ 405	$ 707
Less current maturities	269	448
Capital lease obligations, non current maturities	$ 136	$ 259

Capital Lease Obligation - Addi

Capital Lease Obligation - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Expiration Date	Oct. 31, 2020

Capital Lease Obligation - Summ

Capital Lease Obligation - Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018	$ 269
2,019	92
2,020	44
2,021	0
2,022	0
Total	$ 405

Warehouse Line of Credit - Addi

Warehouse Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail)	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 15, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Warehouse_Line_of_Credit	Oct. 02, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of warehouse line of credit facilities | Warehouse_Line_of_Credit		2
Warehouse line of credit outstanding amount		$ 450,300,000				$ 291,000,000
Line of credit interest rate at the end of the period		1.37%				0.62%
LIBOR rate duration period		30 days
Line of credit interest rate description		Interest on the warehouse lines of credit is at the 30-day LIBOR rate (1.37% and 0.62% at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively) plus a spread. HFF LP is also paid interest on the mortgage note receivable secured by a multifamily loan at the rate in the Freddie Mac note.
PNC Bank, N.A. [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Uncommitted financing arrangement		$ 600,000,000			$ 450,000,000
Maximum capacity		1,500,000,000	$ 2,000,000,000
PNC Bank, N.A. [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
PNC Bank, N.A. [Member] | Temporary Increase To Line Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum uncommitted financing arrangement		$ 800,000,000
Maximum uncommitted financing arrangement expiration period		30 days
Huntington Bank [Member] | Temporary Increase To Line Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Uncommitted financing arrangement		$ 150,000,000		$ 125,000,000
Maximum uncommitted financing arrangement		$ 175,000,000
Maximum uncommitted financing arrangement expiration period		45 days
Frequency of temporary increases | Warehouse_Line_of_Credit		3
Huntington Bank [Member] | Temporary Increase To Line Of Credit [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum uncommitted financing arrangement	$ 175,000,000

Lease Commitments - Additional

Lease Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total rental expense	$ 13.3	$ 11.7	$ 10.1
Lease expiration year	2,020
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease terms	11 years
Reduced operating lease terms	8 years
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease terms	3 years
Reduced operating lease terms	2 years

Lease Commitments - Summary of

Lease Commitments - Summary of Future Minimum Rental Payments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018	$ 11,159
2,019	10,702
2,020	10,117
2,021	8,650
2,022	6,537
Thereafter	12,547
Total rental payment due, net	$ 59,712

Retirement Plan - Additional In

Retirement Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Compensation after tax contribution	50.00%
Employer matching contributions percentage	50.00%
Percentage of deferred and salary contribution	6.00%
Maximum contribution of salary after tax	$ 5,000
Expense for plan	$ 3,000,000	$ 2,700,000	$ 2,400,000

Servicing - Additional Informat

Servicing - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Unpaid principal balance of servicing portfolio of commercial real estate loan	$ 69,800	$ 58,000	$ 48,700
Funds held in escrow	$ 208.3	$ 182.3	$ 177.5

Income Taxes - Summary of Incom

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Expense Includes Current and Deferred Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax	$ 38,321	$ 28,515	$ 35,682
State Current Tax	6,764	5,987	6,094
Foreign Current Tax	0
Federal and State Current Total	45,085	34,502	41,776
Federal Deferred Tax	60,587	15,772	13,131
State Deferred Tax	2,126	762	3,042
Foreign Deferred Tax	(1,030)
Federal and State Deferred Total	61,683	16,534	16,173
Federal Current and Deferred Total	98,908	44,287	48,813
State Current and Deferred Total	8,890	6,749	9,136
Foreign Current and Deferred Total	(1,030)
Income tax expense	$ 106,768	$ 51,036	$ 57,949

Income Taxes - Summary of Recon

Income Taxes - Summary of Reconciliation Between Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Income before taxes	$ 201,728	$ 128,231	$ 141,912

Income Taxes - Summary of Inc62

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Expense Allocation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes computed at federal rate	$ 70,639	$ 44,881	$ 49,669
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	6,398	5,258	5,251
Rate differential on non-US income	954
Effect of deferred tax rate change	41,834	(1,188)	2,621
Change in income tax benefit / payable to stockholder	(13,724)	359	(750)
Effect of windfalls related to equity compensation	(1,139)
Return to provision adjustment	(131)	196	(130)
Meals and entertainment	1,757	1,484	1,267
Other	180	46	21
Income tax expense	$ 106,768	$ 51,036	$ 57,949
Taxes computed at federal rate, Percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit, Percentage	3.20%	4.10%	3.70%
Rate differential on non-US income, Percentage	0.50%
Effect of deferred tax rate change, Percentage	20.70%	(0.90%)	1.80%
Change in income tax benefit / payable to stockholder, Percentage	(6.80%)	0.30%	(0.50%)
Effect of windfalls related to equity compensation, Percentage	(0.60%)
Return to provision adjustment, Percentage	(0.10%)	0.10%	(0.10%)
Meals and entertainment, Percentage	0.90%	1.20%	0.90%
Other, Percentage	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%
Income tax expense, Total Percentage	52.90%	39.80%	40.80%

Income Taxes - Summary of Defer

Income Taxes - Summary of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Section 754 election tax basis step-up	$ 57,766	$ 117,749
Tenant improvements	2,678	3,571
Restricted stock units	6,830	8,564
Intangible asset	228	389
Net operating loss	1,070
Other	779	932
Deferred income tax asset	69,351	131,205
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Goodwill	(669)	(1,272)
Servicing rights	(15,150)	(15,003)
Deferred rent	(1,428)	(1,671)
Compensation	(851)	(120)
Investment in partnership	(379)	(582)
Deferred income tax liability	(18,477)	(18,648)
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 50,874	$ 112,557

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory corporate tax rate							35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Provisional tax expense related to effects of 2017 Tax Act							$ 41,400,000
Deferred annual pre-tax benefit		$ 36,400,000					36,400,000
Assumed revenue generated in each year							369,000,000
Deferred anticipated pre-tax benefit		38,400,000					38,400,000
Interest or penalties							0	$ 0
Future tax benefits		57,800,000					$ 57,800,000
Increase in deferred tax assets, percentage							85.00%
Increase in deferred tax assets additional paid-in capital in stockholders equity , percentage							15.00%
Company estimated payments made to HFF Holdings		60,900,000					$ 60,900,000
Increase (Decrease) in deferred tax assets							(41,800,000)	(1,200,000)
Increase (decrease) in payable under tax receivable agreement		(38,733,000)	$ (479,000)		$ 1,025,000		39,212,000	(1,025,000)	$ 2,143,000
Tax benefit relating to the Section 754 basis step-up							(106,768,000)	(51,036,000)	(57,949,000)
Payments under the tax receivable agreement							$ 11,241,000	$ 10,824,000	10,822,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory corporate tax rate						21.00%
HFF Holdings [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Amount of cash savings to HFF holdings							85.00%	85.00%
Increase (decrease) in payable under tax receivable agreement							$ (39,200,000)	$ 1,000,000
Tax benefit relating to the Section 754 basis step-up								$ 13,200,000	$ 12,700,000
Payments under the tax receivable agreement	$ 10,800,000	11,200,000		$ 10,800,000			11,200,000
Term of tax receivable agreement in aggregate amount paid		85,500,000					85,500,000
Anticipated amount to be paid under tax receivable agreement to HFF Holdings 2017		11,800,000					11,800,000
Federal [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry forwards		$ 0					$ 0
Amount of cash savings to HFF holdings							85.00%
State and Local Income Tax [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Amount of cash savings to HFF holdings							85.00%

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Feb. 21, 2018

Feb. 09, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

Feb. 21, 2017

Feb. 09, 2017

Jan. 24, 2017

Feb. 19, 2016

Feb. 08, 2016

Jan. 22, 2016

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Aggregate dividend paid

$ 60,017

$ 68,362

$ 67,821

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Common stock, shares authorized

175,000,000

175,000,000

Common stock, par value

$ 0.01

$ 0.01

Voting rights per common stock

1

Common stock, shares issued

38,742,698

38,463,448

Class A Common Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Restricted stock granted for unvested and vested but not issued

95,648

82,536

Class A Common Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Restricted stock granted for unvested and vested but not issued

79,387

Class A Common Stock [Member] | HFF Holdings [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Common stock, shares issued

38,742,698

38,463,448

Special cash dividend

$ 1.57

$ 1.80

Dividends payable, date of record

Feb. 9, 2017

Feb. 8, 2016

Dividends payable, declaration date

Jan. 24, 2017

Jan. 22, 2016

Dividends payable, payment date

Feb. 21, 2017

Feb. 19, 2016

Aggregate dividend paid

$ 60,000

$ 68,400

Class A Common Stock [Member] | HFF Holdings [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Special cash dividend

$ 1.75

Dividends payable, date of record

Feb. 9, 2018

Dividends payable, declaration date

Jan. 26, 2018

Dividends payable, payment date

Feb. 21, 2018

Aggregate dividend paid

$ 67,500

Earnings Per Share - Summary of

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Net Income and Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34,239	$ 21,603	$ 19,462	$ 19,656	$ 27,453	$ 20,020	$ 15,846	$ 13,876	$ 94,960	$ 77,195	$ 83,963
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic									38,662,118	38,245,682	37,975,997
Diluted									39,673,152	38,843,156	38,449,212

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock units and stock options included in weighted average shares	210,707	193,946	165,534
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock units and stock options included in weighted average shares	0	0	0

Earnings Per Share - Summary 68

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended													12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Net income	$ 34,239		$ 21,603	$ 19,462	$ 19,656	$ 27,453		$ 20,020		$ 15,846		$ 13,876		$ 94,960	$ 77,195	$ 83,963
Denominator:
Basic weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding														38,662,118	38,245,682	37,975,997
Basic earnings per share of Class A common stock	$ 0.88	[1]				$ 0.72	[1]	$ 0.52	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 2.46	$ 2.02	$ 2.21
Add - dilutive effect of:
Weighted average Class A common shares outstanding - diluted														39,673,152	38,843,156	38,449,212
Diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock	$ 0.85	[1]				$ 0.70	[1]	$ 0.51	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 2.39	$ 1.99	$ 2.18
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Add - dilutive effect of:
Stock options														210,707	193,946	165,534
Basic Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Net income														$ 94,960	$ 77,195	$ 83,963
Denominator:
Basic weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding														38,662,118	38,245,682	37,975,997
Basic earnings per share of Class A common stock														$ 2.46	$ 2.02	$ 2.21
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Net income														$ 94,960	$ 77,195	$ 83,963
Denominator:
Basic weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding														38,662,118	38,245,682	37,975,997
Add - dilutive effect of:
Weighted average Class A common shares outstanding - diluted														39,673,152	38,843,156	38,449,212
Diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock														$ 2.39	$ 1.99	$ 2.18
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Add - dilutive effect of:
Stock options														995,402	586,121	453,312
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Class A Common Stock [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Add - dilutive effect of:
Stock options														15,632	11,353	19,903
[1]	Earnings per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore, the sum of the earnings per share amounts for the quarters may not equal the total for the year.

Earnings Per Share - Summary 69

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Stock units and stock options included in weighted average shares	210,707	193,946	165,534
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities	0	0	0

Concentrations - Additional Inf

Concentrations - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
TEXAS
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items]
Capital Market Service Revenue	17.80%	19.00%
CALIFORNIA
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items]
Capital Market Service Revenue	13.90%	13.80%
FLORIDA
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items]
Capital Market Service Revenue	6.10%	8.50%
NEW YORK
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items]
Capital Market Service Revenue	5.70%	6.00%
Other Region [Member]
Principal Transaction Revenue [Line Items]
Capital Market Service Revenue	4.40%	5.20%

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement				$ 11,241	$ 10,824	$ 10,822
Percentage of retained cash savings in income tax		15.00%		15.00%
HFF Holdings [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of tax receivable agreement				85.00%
Payments under the tax receivable agreement	$ 10,800	$ 11,200	$ 10,800	$ 11,200
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement		1,100	800
Gibson [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement		1,100	800
Thornton [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement		900	700
Fowler [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement		300	200
Lawton [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement		500	400
Sansosti [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement		200	200
Tepedino and de Zarraga [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments under the tax receivable agreement		$ 300	$ 200

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Payment to HFF holding	$ 11,200	$ 10,800
Actual cash savings realized by company		85.00%	85.00%
Liability to HFF Holdings	18,477	$ 18,648
Anticipated payment to HFF holding	11,800
Accrued additional compensation to newly hired capital markets advisors	$ 600	$ 100
HFF Holdings [Member]
Summary Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Amount of cash savings to HFF holdings	85.00%	85.00%
Liability to HFF Holdings	$ 60,900	$ 111,400
HFF LP [Member]
Summary Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Collateralized amount in conformity with mortgage lending minimum net worth requirements	$ 100
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Payments under compensation arrangement, Period	2,018
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Payments under compensation arrangement, Period	2,020
Federal [Member]
Summary Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Amount of cash savings to HFF holdings	85.00%
State and Local Income Tax [Member]
Summary Of Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Amount of cash savings to HFF holdings	85.00%

Selected Quarterly Financial 73

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended													12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 185,286		$ 148,022	$ 137,364	$ 138,806	$ 155,696		$ 126,535		$ 117,665		$ 117,530		$ 609,478	$ 517,426	$ 501,990
Operating income	40,521		24,646	19,397	20,764	37,186		24,261		17,585		16,741		105,328	95,773	107,773
Interest and other income, net	21,164		12,209	13,042	10,794	9,416		9,053		8,739		6,317		57,209	33,525	32,043
(Increase) decrease in payable under the tax receivable agreement	38,733		479					(1,025)						(39,212)	1,025	(2,143)
Net income	$ 34,239		$ 21,603	$ 19,462	$ 19,656	$ 27,453		$ 20,020		$ 15,846		$ 13,876		$ 94,960	$ 77,195	$ 83,963
Per share data
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.88	[1]				$ 0.72	[1]	$ 0.52	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 2.46	$ 2.02	$ 2.21
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.85	[1]				$ 0.70	[1]	$ 0.51	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 2.39	$ 1.99	$ 2.18
[1]	Earnings per share were computed independently for each of the periods presented; therefore, the sum of the earnings per share amounts for the quarters may not equal the total for the year.