Changes in Capital (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Capital

Changes in capital during the nine-month period ended September 30, 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	$	3,992,748		$	24,473	$	4,017,221
Comprehensive income:
Net income	448,820			5,689		454,509
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized (losses) on investments	(2		)	—		(2		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	522			23		545
Changes in employee benefit related items	238			—		238
Comprehensive income	449,578			5,712		455,290
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(400,441		)			(400,441		)
Compensation-related transactions	(119,877		)	—		(119,877		)
Capital contributions from affiliates	439			—		439
Other	1,741			364		2,105
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$	3,924,188		$	30,549	$	3,954,737

Changes in capital during the nine-month period ended September 30, 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	$	4,054,444		$	30,396		$	4,084,840
Comprehensive income:
Net income	420,533			4,879			425,412
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized (losses) on investments	(922		)	—			(922		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,283		)	(97		)	(13,380		)
Changes in employee benefit related items	639			—			639
Comprehensive income	406,967			4,782			411,749
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(461,956		)	—			(461,956		)
Compensation-related transactions	(78,489		)	—			(78,489		)
Capital contributions from affiliates	214			—			214
Other	1,298			(10,159		)	(8,861		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	3,922,478		$	25,019		$	3,947,497