Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Equity in net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	$ 34,074	$ 18,914	$ 127,877	$ 112,049
Income taxes	7,071	6,699	21,682	20,816
Net income	$ 27,003	$ 12,215	$ 106,195	$ 91,233
Net income per unit:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.12	$ 1.02	$ 0.90
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.12	$ 1.02	$ 0.90