Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (199,463)	$ 42,925	$ (93,268)	$ 134,158	$ 167,189
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in net (loss) income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	193,458	(50,168)	65,581	(162,217)	(192,513)
Cash distributions received from AllianceBernstein			178,757	182,410	160,114
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in due from AllianceBernstein			(4,202)	(1,277)	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets			(1,072)	10	1,387
(Decrease) in payable to AllianceBernstein			0	(1,484)	(3,341)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities			(100)	(241)	237
Net cash provided by operating activities			145,696	151,359	133,073
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investments in AllianceBernstein with proceeds from exercises of compensatory options to buy Holding Units			(1,478)	(8,287)	0
Net cash used in investing activities			(1,478)	(8,287)	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash distributions to unitholders			(145,696)	(151,359)	(133,073)
Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units			1,478	8,287	0
Net cash used in financing activities			(144,218)	(143,072)	(133,073)
Change in cash and cash equivalents			0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the year	0	0	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the year	0	0	0	0	0
Cash paid:
Income taxes			28,854	28,305	24,749
Non-cash investing activities:
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(2,549)	(3,912)	16,479
Issuance of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plan awards			$ 0	$ 78,545	$ 272,167