Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 118,538	$ 113,031
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,149	(10,320)
Income tax expense	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	2,149	(10,320)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Unrealized gains arising during period	428	742
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) included in net income	(4)	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	432	742
Income tax (expense)	(143)	(383)
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	289	359
Changes in employee benefit related items:
Amortization of transition asset	0	(36)
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,299)	27
Recognized actuarial gain (loss)	486	295
Changes in employee benefit related items	(813)	286
Income tax (expense)	(20)	(96)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax	(833)	190
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,605	(9,771)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) in consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests	1,854	(1,475)
Comprehensive income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	$ 118,289	$ 104,735