Changes in Capital (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Capital

Changes in capital during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 were as follows: 

	Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders			Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities			Total Capital
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	4,061,740		$	1,564		$	4,063,304
Comprehensive income:
Net income	184,196			54			184,250
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains on investments	—			—			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments	9,904			17			9,921
Changes in employee benefit related items	170			—			170
Comprehensive income	194,270			71			194,341
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(247,773		)	—			(247,773		)
Compensation-related transactions	14,334			—			14,334
Capital contributions to affiliates	(1,677		)	—			(1,677		)
Distributions to non-controlling interests of our consolidated venture capital fund	—			(5		)	(5		)
Impact of adoption of revenue recognition standard ASC 606	34,951			—			34,951
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	4,055,845		$	1,630		$	4,057,475

Changes in capital during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:

	Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders			Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities			Total Capital
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	4,032,017		$	36,172		$	4,068,189
Comprehensive income:
Net income	139,937			1,632			141,569
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized (losses) on investments	(18		)	—			(18		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,791			76			8,867
Changes in employee benefit related items	189			—			189
Comprehensive income	148,899			1,708			150,607
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(198,040		)	—			(198,040		)
Compensation-related transactions	(18,673		)	—			(18,673		)
Capital contributions to affiliates	(81		)	—			(81		)
Distributions to non-controlling interests of our consolidated venture capital fund	—			(3,137		)	(3,137		)
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	3,964,122		$	34,743		$	3,998,865