Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income for the year		$ 2,898	$ 9,561	$ 26,153
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation adjustment	[1]	17	(2,627)	1,502
Comprehensive income for the year		2,915	6,934	27,655
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		936	735	1,092
Total comprehensive income		$ 1,979	$ 6,199	$ 26,563

[1] Total other comprehensive income (loss) is attributable to Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. No other comprehensive income (loss) is attributable to noncontrolling interests.