Business Description, Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
AXA and its subsidiaries ownership interest in holding company (in hundredths)	1.50%
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)	100.00%
General partnership information [Abstract]
General Partnership number of general partnership units owned in Holding Company (in units)	100,000
General partnership interest in Company (in hundredths)	1.00%
AXA and its subsidiaries economic interest in Company (in hundredths)	63.60%
Threshold amount for including institutions in private clients	$ 25
AXA And Its Subsidiaries [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)	63.10%
Holding [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)	35.50%
Unaffiliated Holders [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)	1.40%