Equity-Based Compensation - Reconciliation of Equity-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	$ 43,501	$ 142,114	$ 88,787	$ 290,980
Apollo Operating Group Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	15,004	116,171	30,008	232,342
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	27,776	25,213	56,505	57,375
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	462	431	1,757	826
Restricted Depositary Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	259	299	517	437
Non-Controlling Interests in Apollo Operating Group [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of non controlling interest
Equity-based compensation	9,915	76,560	20,573	153,239
Less ARI Restricted Stock Awards, ARI RSUs and AMTG RSUs	(454)	(478)	(1,410)	(827)
Capital Increase Related to Equity-Based Compensation	9,461	76,082	19,163	152,412
Non-Controlling Interests in Apollo Operating Group [Member] | Apollo Operating Group Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of non controlling interest	62.00%	65.50%	62.00%	65.50%
Equity-based compensation	9,461	76,082	19,163	152,412
Non-Controlling Interests in Apollo Operating Group [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of non controlling interest
Equity-based compensation
Non-Controlling Interests in Apollo Operating Group [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of non controlling interest	62.00%	65.50%	62.00%
Equity-based compensation	291	282	1,089	541
Non-Controlling Interests in Apollo Operating Group [Member] | Restricted Depositary Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of non controlling interest	62.00%	65.50%	62.00%
Equity-based compensation	163	196	321	286
Apollo Global Management, LLC [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	33,586	65,554	68,214	137,741
Less ARI Restricted Stock Awards, ARI RSUs and AMTG RSUs	181	(252)	(156)	(436)
Capital Increase Related to Equity-Based Compensation	33,767	65,302	68,058	137,305
Apollo Global Management, LLC [Member] | Apollo Operating Group Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	5,543	40,089	10,845	79,930
Apollo Global Management, LLC [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	27,776	25,213	56,505	57,375
Apollo Global Management, LLC [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	171	149	668	285
Apollo Global Management, LLC [Member] | Restricted Depositary Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	$ 96	$ 103	$ 196	$ 151