Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Equity in net income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 48,988	$ 49,876	$ 155,013	$ 139,714
Income taxes	6,301	5,742	18,517	16,567
Net income	$ 42,687	$ 44,134	$ 136,496	$ 123,147
Net income per unit:
Basic (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.43	$ 0.45	$ 1.36	$ 1.28
Diluted (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.43	$ 0.45	$ 1.36	$ 1.27