Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 24,896	$ 106,195
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	(43,915)	(127,877)
Cash distributions received from AllianceBernstein	77,829	145,102
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in other assets	1,072	(129)
Increase in payable to AllianceBernstein	1,854	992
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	343	(197)
Net cash provided by operating activities	62,079	124,086
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investments in AllianceBernstein from cash distributions paid to AllianceBernstein consolidated rabbi trust	(6,071)	(3,371)
Investments in AllianceBernstein with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units	0	(1,476)
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,071)	(4,847)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash distributions to unitholders	(56,008)	(120,715)
Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units	0	1,476
Net cash used in financing activities	(56,008)	(119,239)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period	$ 0	$ 0