Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 7,864	$ (646)	$ 1,803	$ 2,156
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation adjustment	[1]	(251)	681	1,953	900
Comprehensive income		7,613	35	3,756	3,056
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax		75	66	180	1,527
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Oppenheimer Holdings Inc.		$ 7,538	$ (31)	$ 3,576	$ 1,529

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