Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities - Partnership's Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	$ 8,264.8	$ 7,496.2
Non-Carlyle interests in Consolidated Funds [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	7,963.9	7,290.6
Non Carlyle interests majority owned Subsidiaries [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	228.1	159.4
Noncontrolling interest in AlpInvest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	28.9	40.2
Non-controlling interest in carried interest and cash held for carried interest distributions [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	$ 43.9	$ 6.0