Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Total
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
AXA and its subsidiaries ownership interest in holding company (in hundredths)	1.40%	1.40%
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		100.00%
General partnership information [Abstract]
Threshold amount for including institutions in private clients (less than $25 million)	$ 25	$ 25
General Partnership number of general partnership units owned in Holding Company (in units)	100,000	100,000
General partnership interest in Company	1.00%	1.00%
AXA and its subsidiaries economic interest in Company (in hundredths)		62.70%
AXA and its Subsidiaries [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		62.10%
AB Holding [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		36.50%
Unaffiliated Holders [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		1.40%