Changes in Capital (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Changes in Capital [Abstract]

Changes in Capital

Changes in capital as of March 31, 2013 consisted of:

	Partners' Capital Attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders			Non- Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities			Total Capital
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	3,759,766		$	43,502			$	3,803,268
Comprehensive income:
Net income		114,516			(1,485	)			113,031
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains on investments		359			—				359
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(10,330	)		10				(10,320	)
Changes in employee benefit related items		190			—				190
Comprehensive income		104,735			(1,475	)			103,260
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders		(106,182	)		—				(106,182	)
Capital contributions (distributions)		750			—				750
Purchases of AllianceBernstein Units		(7	)		—				(7	)
Compensation-related transactions		127,562			—				127,562
Balance as of March 31, 2013	$	3,886,624		$	42,027			$	3,928,651

Changes in capital as of March 31, 2012 consisted of:

	Partners' Capital Attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders			Non- Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities			Total Capital
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	3,975,462		$	54,025			$	4,029,487
Comprehensive income:
Net income		87,278			7,264				94,542
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains on investments		269			—				269
Foreign currency translation adjustment		1,823			52				1,875
Changes in employee benefit related items		(82	)		—				(82	)
Comprehensive income		89,288			7,316				96,604
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders		(47,490	)		—				(47,490	)
Capital contributions (distributions)		889			(849	)			40
Purchases of AllianceBernstein Units		(221	)		—				(221	)
Compensation-related transactions		69,562			—				69,562
Balance as of March 31, 2012	$	4,087,490		$	60,492			$	4,147,982