Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income for the period	$ 4,625		$ 5,508		$ 6,792	$ 12,467
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation adjustment	(1,608)		656		(1,356)	1,156
Comprehensive income for the period	3,017	[1]	6,164	[1]	5,436	13,623
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax	155		271		652	719
Comprehensive income attributable to Oppenheimer Holdings Inc.	$ 2,862		$ 5,893		$ 4,784	$ 12,904

[1] Other comprehensive income is attributable to Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. No other comprehensive income is attributable to non-controlling interests.