Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Equity in net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	$ 27,803	$ 42,745	$ 60,510	$ 93,803
Income taxes	6,464	7,233	12,472	14,611
Net income	$ 21,339	$ 35,512	$ 48,038	$ 79,192
Net income per unit:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.34	$ 0.47	$ 0.76
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.34	$ 0.47	$ 0.76