Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 77,942	$ 98,294
Cash and securities segregated for regulatory and other purposes	19,106	36,323
Deposits with clearing organizations	31,611	23,679
Receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations	380,943	364,873
Receivable from customers, net of allowance for credit losses of $2,451 ($2,423 in 2013)	883,133	868,869
Income tax receivable, net	7,801	6,562
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	250,000	184,825
Securities owned, including amounts pledged of $498,928 ($586,625 in 2013), at fair value	806,772	856,088
Notes receivable, net	37,673	40,751
Office facilities, net accumulated depreciation of $102,246 ($97,118 in 2013)	30,518	32,939
Intangible assets	31,700	31,700
Goodwill	137,889	137,889
Loans held for sale	20,095	75,989
Mortgage servicing rights	29,496	28,879
Other assets	131,064	165,060
Total assets	2,875,743	2,952,720
Liabilities
Drafts payable	24,316	48,198
Bank call loans	135,500	118,200
Payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations	204,950	223,315
Payable to customers	689,363	626,564
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	688,310	757,491
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	128,262	76,314
Accrued compensation	138,782	180,119
Accounts payable and other liabilities	170,175	192,552
Senior secured notes	150,000	195,000
Deferred tax liabilities, net	13,519	7,096
Total liabilities	2,343,177	2,424,849
Contingencies
Share capital
Common stock	62,397	60,198
Contributed capital	43,950	42,407
Retained earnings	419,861	418,204
Accumulated other comprehensive income	353	1,709
Total Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. stockholders’ equity	526,561	522,518
Non-controlling interest	6,005	5,353
Total stockholders’ equity	532,566	527,871
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,875,743	2,952,720
Class A Stock [Member]
Share capital
Common stock	62,264	60,065
Class B Stock [Member]
Share capital
Common stock	$ 133	$ 133