| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 21, 2020 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 21, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36461 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FIRST FOUNDATION INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-8639702 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 18101 Von Karman Avenue |
| Entity Address, Adress Line Two | Suite 700 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Irvine |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92612 |
| City Area Code | 949 |
| Local Phone Number | 202-4160 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | FFWM |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001413837 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
