Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 70,329	$ 52,854
Cash and securities segregated for regulatory and other purposes	30,086	29,922
Deposits with clearing organizations	35,816	23,228
Receivable from brokers and clearing organizations	288,113	302,844
Receivable from customers, net of allowance for credit losses of $2,548 ($2,716 in 2010)	837,822	924,817
Income taxes receivable	6,743	7,114
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	847,688	347,070
Securities owned, including amounts pledged of $653,651 ($102,501 in 2010), at fair value	924,541	367,019
Notes receivable, net	54,044	59,786
Office facilities, net	16,976	22,875
Intangible assets, net	35,589	40,979
Goodwill	137,889	137,889
Other	241,803	198,665
Total assets	3,527,439	2,515,062
Liabilities
Drafts payable	51,848	61,055
Bank call loans	27,500	147,000
Payable to brokers and clearing organizations	335,610	372,697
Payable to customers	479,896	406,916
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1,508,493	390,456
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	69,415	160,052
Accrued compensation	144,283	175,938
Accounts payable and other liabilities	184,669	153,016
Senior secured note	195,000	0
Senior secured credit note	0	22,503
Subordinated note	0	100,000
Deferred income taxes, net	10,302	11,047
Excess of fair value of acquired assets over cost	7,020	7,020
Total liabilities	3,014,036	2,007,700
Share capital
Common stock	62,726	51,901
Contributed capital	36,832	47,808
Retained earnings	408,720	404,414
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(208)	207
Total Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. stockholders' equity	508,070	504,330
Non-controlling interest	5,333	3,032
Total equity	513,403	507,362
Total Liabilities and Equity	3,527,439	2,515,062
Class A non-voting common stock
Share capital
Common stock	62,593	51,768
Class B voting common stock
Share capital
Common stock	$ 133	$ 133