Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 127,090	$ 72,909	$ 240,121	$ 167,451
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(8,357)	(3,886)	(18,677)	(2,011)
Income tax (expense)	0	796	0	796
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(8,357)	(3,090)	(18,677)	(1,215)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments:
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during period	(439)	65	303	770
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	6	18	6	18
Change in unrealized gains on investments	(445)	47	297	752
Income tax (expense)	62	(26)	(321)	(462)
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	(383)	21	(24)	290
Changes in employee benefit related items:
Amortization of transition asset	(11)	(36)	(47)	(72)
Amortization of prior service cost	27	27	54	54
Recognized actuarial loss	295	227	590	154
Changes in employee benefit related items	311	218	597	136
Income tax (expense)	(3)	(3)	(99)	(3)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax	308	215	498	133
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(8,432)	(2,854)	(18,203)	(792)
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income in consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests	6,268	(1,389)	4,793	5,927
Comprehensive income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	$ 112,390	$ 71,444	$ 217,125	$ 160,732