Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss) for the period	$ 645		$ (1,253)		$ 6,766	$ 2,167
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation adjustment	1,317		339		750	252
Comprehensive income (loss) for the period	1,962	[1]	(914)	[1]	7,516	2,419
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	350		301		752	497
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Oppenheimer Holdings Inc.	$ 1,612		$ (1,215)		$ 6,764	$ 1,922

[1] Other comprehensive loss is attributable to Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. No other comprehensive loss is attributable to noncontrolling interests.