Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Statements of Income (unaudited) [Abstract]
Equity in net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders	$ 49,876	$ 34,504	$ 139,714	$ 122,941
Income taxes	5,742	4,981	16,567	14,911
Net income	$ 44,134	$ 29,523	$ 123,147	$ 108,030
Net income per unit:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.32	$ 1.28	$ 1.10
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.32	$ 1.27	$ 1.10