UNITHOLDERS' CAPITAL - Summary of Net Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Weighted average Oaktree Operating Group units outstanding (in thousands):
Total weighted average units outstanding	150,814	150,441
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss):
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss)	$ 327,586	$ 158,845
Net income (loss) attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC:
Expenses incurred by Non-Operating Group	(210)	(178)
Income tax expense of Intermediate Holding Companies	(7,793)	(5,169)
Net income attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC	57,566	18,608
OCGH non-controlling interest [Member]
Weighted average Oaktree Operating Group units outstanding (in thousands):
Total weighted average units outstanding	120,628	127,753
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss):
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss)	262,017	134,890
Class A [Member]
Weighted average Oaktree Operating Group units outstanding (in thousands):
Total weighted average units outstanding	30,186	22,688
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss):
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss)	$ 65,569	$ 23,955