UNITHOLDERS' CAPITAL - Changes in Company Ownership Interest (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC	$ 57,566	$ 18,608
Equity reallocation between controlling and non-controlling interests	(887)	(2,472)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and transfers to non-controlling interest	$ 56,679	$ 16,136

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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