Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 559,470	$ 627,182
Cash and securities segregated, at fair value (cost: $1,071,483 and $1,551,177)	1,071,598	1,551,326
Receivables, net:
Brokers and dealers	508,417	408,037
Brokerage clients	879,889	942,034
Fees	274,791	265,685
Investments:
Long-term incentive compensation-related	109,506	122,977
Other	634,692	609,357
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	188,586	196,125
Goodwill	2,954,327	2,954,327
Intangible assets, net	163,599	169,208
Deferred sales commissions, net	79,901	95,430
Other assets	185,976	173,362
Total assets	7,610,752	8,115,050
Payables:
Brokers and dealers	317,111	220,736
Securities sold not yet purchased	69,433	63,838
Brokerage clients	1,873,027	2,563,061
AllianceBernstein mutual funds	93,221	156,679
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	549,828	499,076
Accrued compensation and benefits	396,841	485,229
Debt	382,640	323,163
Total liabilities	3,682,101	4,311,782
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)
Capital:
General Partner	41,415	41,213
Limited partners: 277,993,129 and 277,600,901 units issued and outstanding	4,185,258	4,165,461
Capital contributions receivable from General Partner	(7,817)	(8,441)
Holding Units held for long-term incentive compensation plans	(273,925)	(389,941)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(58,307)	(48,526)
Partners' capital attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	3,886,624	3,759,766
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	42,027	43,502
Total capital	3,928,651	3,803,268
Total liabilities and capital	$ 7,610,752	$ 8,115,050