Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables from AB mutual funds recorded in consolidated statements of financial condition	$ 165,100	$ 160,700
Other investments	396,570	591,646
General Partners Contribution to long-term incentive compensation plan	1,200	1,600	$ 2,300
Net receivable balance	12,000	12,100
AXA and its subsidiaries [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales of company-sponsored mutual funds	800,000	1,100,000	$ 1,100,000
AllianceBernstein Venture Fund I, L.P. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 32,700	$ 23,900
Ownership percentage	10.00%
Capital Accumulation Plan [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Awards granted	0