Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 491	$ 2,898	$ 9,561
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation adjustment	[1]	220	17	(2,627)
Comprehensive income		711	2,915	6,934
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		1,652	936	735
Total comprehensive income (loss)		$ (941)	$ 1,979	$ 6,199

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