UNITHOLDERS' CAPITAL - Summary of Net Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Weighted average Oaktree Operating Group units outstanding (in thousands):
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	38,239		30,181		33,845		27,494
Net income	$ 1,089,231		$ 2,214,302		$ 4,517,609		$ 5,316,195
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss):
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(129,408)	[1]	(119,235)	[1]	(617,191)	[1]	(379,356)	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC:
Income taxes	(726)	[2]	(5,801)	[2]	(18,874)	[2]	(27,493)	[2]
Net income attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC	42,948		25,212		157,091		68,539
OCGH non-controlling interest [Member]
Weighted average Oaktree Operating Group units outstanding (in thousands):
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	112,791		120,283		117,103		123,070
Net income	(129,408)		(119,235)		(617,191)		(379,356)
Class A Units [Member]
Weighted average Oaktree Operating Group units outstanding (in thousands):
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	38,239		30,181		33,845		27,494
Net income	(43,875)		(29,920)		(172,631)		(84,444)
Oaktree Operating Group [Member]
Weighted average Oaktree Operating Group units outstanding (in thousands):
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	151,030		150,464		150,948		150,564
Net income	(173,283)		(149,155)		(789,822)		(463,800)
Oaktree Capital Group, LLC [Member]
Oaktree Operating Group net income (loss):
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	43,875		29,920		172,631		84,444
Net income (loss) attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC:
Non-Operating Group other income	0		0		0		6,260
Expenses incurred by Non-Operating Group	(271)		(115)		(947)		(393)
Income taxes	(656)		(4,593)		(14,593)		(21,772)
Net income attributable to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC	$ 42,948		$ 25,212		$ 157,091		$ 68,539

[1] Because adjusted net income is calculated at the Operating Group level, this adjustment adds back the effect of items applicable to OCG, its Intermediate Holding Companies or the OCGH non-controlling interest.

[2] Because adjusted net income is a pre-tax measure, this adjustment eliminates the effect of income tax expense.