Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 638,681		$ 650,191
Cash and securities segregated, at fair value (cost $1,279,779 and $1,109,785)	1,279,855		1,109,891
Receivables, net:
Brokers and dealers	291,276		299,314
Brokerage clients	782,697		747,049
Fees	265,248		343,473
Investments:
Deferred compensation-related	176,370		298,705
Other	618,924		457,850
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	273,104		300,442
Goodwill	2,954,668		2,939,170
Intangible assets, net	189,661		205,862
Deferred sales commissions, net	59,999	[1]	76,156	[1]
Other assets	175,455		151,284
Total assets	7,705,938		7,579,387
Payables:
Brokers and dealers	279,655		221,370
Securities sold not yet purchased	39,307		50,539
Brokerage clients	1,895,972		1,750,737
AllianceBernstein mutual funds	122,151		77,179
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	368,049		422,860
Accrued compensation and benefits	534,344		338,560
Debt	444,903		224,991
Total liabilities	3,684,381		3,086,236
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)
Capital:
General Partner	42,552		48,964
Limited partners: 277,847,588 and 278,115,232 units issued and outstanding	4,298,908		4,902,854
Capital contributions receivable from General Partner	(12,135)		(15,973)
Holding Units held for deferred compensation plans	(323,382)		(535,410)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(38,413)		(31,801)
Partners' capital attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	3,967,530		4,368,634
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	54,027		124,517
Total capital	4,021,557		4,493,151
Total liabilities and capital	$ 7,705,938		$ 7,579,387

[1] Excludes amounts related to fully amortized deferred sales commissions