Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss) for the period	$ (777)		$ 4,625		$ 5,989	$ 6,792
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation adjustment	(916)		(1,608)		(166)	(1,356)
Comprehensive income (loss) for the period	(1,693)	[1]	3,017	[1]	5,823	5,436
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	131		155		883	652
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Oppenheimer Holdings Inc.	$ (1,824)		$ 2,862		$ 4,940	$ 4,784

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