Business Description and Organization - Limited Partnership Interests in AB Holdings (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Ownership structure of AB Holding
Limited partners or members ownership interest in Company (percent)	100.00%
AXA And its subsidiaries [Member]
Ownership structure of AB Holding
Limited partners or members ownership interest in Company (percent)	63.20%
AB Holding [Member]
Ownership structure of AB Holding
Limited partners or members ownership interest in Company (percent)	35.60%
Unaffiliated holders [Member]
Ownership structure of AB Holding
Limited partners or members ownership interest in Company (percent)	1.20%