Changes in Capital (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Capital

Changes in capital during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 were as follows: 

	Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders			Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities			Total Capital
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	4,030,444		$	24,473		$	4,054,917
Comprehensive income:
Net income	168,926			(6,902		)	162,024
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized (losses) on investments	(6		)	—			(6		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,174			51			5,225
Changes in employee benefit related items	(433		)	—			(433		)
Comprehensive income	173,661			(6,851		)	166,810
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(153,433		)	—			(153,433		)
Compensation-related transactions	(37,353		)	—			(37,353		)
Capital contributions from affiliates	6,348			—			6,348
Other	(1		)	—			(1		)
Balance as of March 31, 2016	$	4,019,666		$	17,622		$	4,037,288

Changes in capital during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:

	Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders			Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities			Total Capital
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	4,085,465		$	30,396		$	4,115,861
Comprehensive income:
Net income	141,469			1,275			142,744
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains on investments	308			—			308
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(12,208		)	(67		)	(12,275		)
Changes in employee benefit related items	175			—			175
Comprehensive income	129,744			1,208			130,952
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(173,075		)	—			(173,075		)
Compensation-related transactions	(9,642		)	—			(9,642		)
Capital contributions from affiliates	6,354			—			6,354
Other	(11		)	203			192
Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	4,038,835		$	31,807		$	4,070,642