NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KKR & CO. L.P. PER COMMON UNIT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR & Co. L.P.
Basic	$ 193,439	$ 190,436
Diluted	$ 193,439	$ 190,436
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR & Co. L.P. Per Common Unit
Basic (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.75	$ 0.83
Diluted (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.69	$ 0.80
Total Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding
Basic (in units)	257,044,184	229,099,335
Diluted (in units)	282,042,521	237,832,106