Changes in Capital (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 4,069,726
Beginning balance	4,027,486
Beginning balance	42,240
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	118,538	113,031
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on investments	289	359
Changes in employee benefit related items	(833)	190
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(178,994)	(106,182)
Purchase of AllianceBernstein Units	(3,700)	(19,600)
Ending balance	3,980,159
Ending balance	44,094
Ending balance	4,024,253
Partners Capital Attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders [Member]
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,027,486	3,759,766
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	116,725	114,516
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on investments	289	359
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,108	(10,330)
Changes in employee benefit related items	(833)	190
Comprehensive income	118,289	104,735
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(178,994)	(106,182)
Capital contributions from affiliates	6,209	750
Purchase of AllianceBernstein Units	(229)	(7)
Compensation-related transactions	7,398	127,562
Ending balance	3,980,159	3,886,624
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities [Member]
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	42,240	43,502
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	1,813	(1,485)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on investments	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	41	10
Changes in employee benefit related items	0	0
Comprehensive income	1,854	(1,475)
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	0	0
Capital contributions from affiliates	0	0
Purchase of AllianceBernstein Units	0	0
Compensation-related transactions	0	0
Ending balance	44,094	42,027
Total Capital [Member]
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,069,726	3,803,268
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	118,538	113,031
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on investments	289	359
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,149	(10,320)
Changes in employee benefit related items	(833)	190
Comprehensive income	120,143	103,260
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(178,994)	(106,182)
Capital contributions from affiliates	6,209	750
Purchase of AllianceBernstein Units	(229)	(7)
Compensation-related transactions	7,398	127,562
Ending balance	$ 4,024,253	$ 3,928,651