Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 65,174	$ 98,294
Cash and securities segregated for regulatory and other purposes	19,117	36,323
Deposits with clearing organizations	32,185	23,679
Receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations	351,317	364,873
Receivable from customers, net of allowance for credit losses of $2,436 ($2,423 in 2013)	951,015	868,869
Income tax receivable, net	13,240	6,562
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	250,000	184,825
Securities owned, including amounts pledged of $664,654 ($586,625 in 2013), at fair value	944,471	856,088
Notes receivable, net	37,816	40,751
Office facilities, net accumulated depreciation of $100,510 ($97,118 in 2013)	31,262	32,939
Intangible assets	31,700	31,700
Goodwill	137,889	137,889
Loans held for sale	15,806	75,989
Mortgage servicing rights	29,115	28,879
Other assets	134,851	165,060
Total assets	3,044,958	2,952,720
Liabilities
Drafts payable	32,913	48,198
Bank call loans	147,200	118,200
Payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations	255,432	223,315
Payable to customers	684,884	626,564
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	816,606	757,491
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	126,092	76,314
Accrued compensation	122,210	180,119
Accounts payable and other liabilities	165,619	192,552
Senior secured notes	150,000	195,000
Deferred tax liabilities, net	14,395	7,096
Total liabilities	2,515,351	2,424,849
Contingencies
Share capital
Common stock	62,157	60,198
Contributed capital	42,749	42,407
Retained earnings	416,890	418,204
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,961	1,709
Total Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. stockholders’ equity	523,757	522,518
Non-controlling interest	5,850	5,353
Total stockholders’ equity	529,607	527,871
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,044,958	2,952,720
Class A Stock [Member]
Share capital
Common stock	62,024	60,065
Class B Stock [Member]
Share capital
Common stock	$ 133	$ 133