Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Equity in net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	$ 48,467	$ 45,440	$ 89,838	$ 88,437
Income taxes	5,613	5,164	10,825	9,930
Net income	$ 42,854	$ 40,276	$ 79,013	$ 78,507
Net income per unit:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.40	$ 0.82	$ 0.78
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.40	$ 0.82	$ 0.78