Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 610,568	$ 638,681
Cash and securities segregated, at fair value (cost: $948,234 and $1,279,779)	948,307	1,279,855
Receivables, net:
Brokers and dealers	242,224	291,276
Brokerage clients	925,615	782,697
Fees	245,645	265,248
Investments:
Deferred compensation-related	151,757	176,370
Other	574,816	618,924
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	210,080	273,104
Goodwill	2,954,327	2,954,327
Intangible assets, net	174,202	190,000
Deferred sales commissions, net	95,593	59,999
Other assets	183,022	177,908
Total assets	7,316,156	7,708,389
Payables:
Brokers and dealers	264,984	279,655
Securities sold not yet purchased	25,371	39,307
Brokerage clients	1,617,260	1,895,972
AllianceBernstein mutual funds	110,633	122,151
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	490,913	362,570
Accrued compensation and benefits	615,030	534,344
Debt	241,337	444,903
Total liabilities	3,365,528	3,678,902
Commitments and contingencies ( See Note 9)
Capital:
General Partner	41,767	42,632
Limited partners: 277,609,101 and 277,847,588 units issued and outstanding	4,220,063	4,306,760
Capital contributions receivable from General Partner	(10,175)	(12,135)
Holding Units held for deferred compensation plans	(314,373)	(323,382)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(32,840)	(38,413)
Partners' capital attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	3,904,442	3,975,462
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	46,186	54,025
Total capital	3,950,628	4,029,487
Total liabilities and capital	$ 7,316,156	$ 7,708,389