Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Equity in net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	$ 41,371	$ 42,997
Income taxes	5,212	4,766
Net income	$ 36,159	$ 38,231
Net income per unit:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.38
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.38