Segment information - Reportable Segments Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenue	$ 44,207,000	[1]	$ 41,880,000	[1]
Operating Segments | Real Estate Franchise Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenue	40,740,000	[1]	39,099,000	[1]
Operating Segments | Brokerages
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenue	$ 3,467,000	[1]	$ 2,781,000	[1]

[1] Transactions between the Real Estate Franchise Services and the Brokerages reportable segments are eliminated in consolidation. Revenues for the Real Estate Franchise Services reportable segment include intercompany amounts paid from the Company’s brokerage services business of $432,000 and $422,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Such amounts are eliminated in the Brokerages reportable segment