Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 86,810	$ 70,329
Cash and securities segregated for regulatory and other purposes	32,369	30,086
Deposits with clearing organizations	56,137	35,816
Receivable from brokers and clearing organizations	341,230	288,113
Receivable from customers, net of allowance for credit losses of $2,726 ($2,548 in 2011)	872,020	837,822
Income taxes receivable	2,727	6,743
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	489	847,688
Securities owned, including amounts pledged of $650,677 ($653,651 in 2011), at fair value	946,424	924,541
Notes receivable, net	53,586	54,044
Office facilities, net	25,319	16,976
Intangible assets, net	32,377	35,589
Goodwill	137,889	137,889
Other	162,093	241,803
Total assets	2,749,470	3,527,439
Liabilities
Drafts payable	41,192	51,848
Bank call loans	92,600	27,500
Payable to brokers and clearing organizations	374,068	335,610
Payable to customers	543,793	479,896
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	647,793	1,508,493
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	90,408	69,415
Accrued compensation	93,088	144,283
Accounts payable and other liabilities	153,705	184,669
Senior secured note	195,000	195,000
Deferred income taxes, net	3,636	10,302
Excess of fair value of acquired assets over cost	7,020	7,020
Total liabilities	2,242,303	3,014,036
Share capital
Common stock	61,399	62,726
Contributed capital	37,667	36,832
Retained earnings	402,568	408,720
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(574)	(208)
Total Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. stockholders' equity	501,060	508,070
Non-controlling interest	6,107	5,333
Total equity	507,167	513,403
Total Liabilities and Equity	2,749,470	3,527,439
Class A non-voting common stock
Share capital
Common stock	61,266	62,593
Class B voting common stock
Share capital
Common stock	$ 133	$ 133