Alliancebernstein 10-Q 30 Jul 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - Jun. 30, 2015 - shares	Total
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
Entity Central Index Key	1,109,448
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	272,972,925
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 645,357	$ 555,503
Cash and securities, at fair value (cost: $467,414 and $476,275)	467,456	476,277
Receivables, net:
Brokers and dealers	413,325	378,467
Brokerage clients	1,376,955	1,243,667
Fees	270,389	292,901
Investments:
Long-term incentive compensation-related	81,386	98,779
Other	630,239	664,696
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	157,869	160,956
Goodwill	3,044,807	3,044,807
Intangible assets, net	158,853	171,407
Deferred sales commissions, net	119,653	118,290
Other assets	232,308	172,703
Total assets	7,598,597	7,378,453
Payables:
Brokers and dealers	279,349	302,484
Securities sold not yet purchased	22,549	88,902
Brokerage clients	1,659,063	1,501,227
AB mutual funds	103,945	141,132
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	445,590	432,355
Accrued compensation and benefits	522,598	291,000
Debt	454,642	488,988
Total liabilities	$ 3,487,736	$ 3,246,088
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)
Redeemable non-controlling interest	$ 16,504	$ 16,504
Capital:
General Partner	41,094	41,381
Limited partners: 272,972,925 and 273,040,452 units issued and outstanding	4,148,114	4,176,637
Receivables from affiliates	(15,659)	(16,359)
AB Holding Units held for long-term incentive compensation plans	(32,257)	(36,351)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(85,652)	(79,843)
Partners’ capital attributable to AB Unitholders	4,055,640	4,085,465
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	38,717	30,396
Total capital	4,094,357	4,115,861
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and capital	$ 7,598,597	$ 7,378,453

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and securities segregated, at cost	$ 467,414	$ 476,275
Partners' capital:
Limited partners, units issued	272,972,925	273,040,452
Limited partners, units outstanding	272,972,925	273,040,452

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Investment advisory and services fees	$ 515,924	$ 492,348	$ 1,009,912	$ 947,232
Bernstein research services	121,910	118,973	247,956	241,982
Distribution revenues	111,850	110,342	221,034	216,528
Dividend and interest income	5,667	4,678	10,761	8,779
Investment gains (losses)	11,993	828	15,881	1,387
Other revenues	26,023	27,093	51,013	53,773
Total revenues	793,367	754,262	1,556,557	1,469,681
Less: Interest expense	630	614	1,249	1,415
Net revenues	792,737	753,648	1,555,308	1,468,266
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	337,640	327,472	663,967	634,505
Promotion and servicing:
Distribution-related payments	102,578	101,968	202,964	200,610
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	12,713	9,326	25,112	18,283
Other	59,182	58,936	114,719	112,581
General and administrative:
General and administrative	108,092	105,913	215,425	213,400
Real estate (credits) charges	(80)	(505)	(463)	1,437
Contingent payment arrangements	442	320	885	641
Interest on borrowings	736	768	1,590	1,549
Amortization of intangible assets	6,512	6,010	12,973	11,917
Total expenses	627,815	610,208	1,237,172	1,194,923
Operating income	164,922	143,440	318,136	273,343
Income taxes	9,153	7,008	19,623	18,373
Net income	155,769	136,432	298,513	254,970
Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests	6,675	(3)	7,950	1,810
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 149,094	$ 136,435	$ 290,563	$ 253,160
Net income per AB Unit:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.50	$ 1.05	$ 0.93
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.50	$ 1.05	$ 0.93

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 155,769	$ 136,432	$ 298,513	$ 254,970
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before reclassification and tax:	7,598	3,950	(4,677)	6,099
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income upon liquidation	1,542	0	1,542	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	6,056	3,950	(6,219)	6,099
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	6,056	3,950	(6,219)	6,099
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments:
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during period	(530)	414	(341)	842
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income	0	1	0	(3)
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(530)	413	(341)	845
Income tax benefit (expense)	161	(143)	280	(286)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of tax	(369)	270	(61)	559
Changes in employee benefit related items:
Amortization of prior service cost	0	(1,300)	0	(2,599)
Recognized actuarial gain	238	488	475	974
Changes in employee benefit related items	238	(812)	475	(1,625)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3)	10	(65)	(10)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax	(235)	802	(410)	1,635
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,922	3,418	(5,870)	5,023
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) in consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests	6,683	(12)	7,891	1,842
Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 155,008	$ 139,862	$ 284,752	$ 258,151

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 298,513	$ 254,970
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	25,112	18,283
Non-cash long-term incentive compensation expense	9,682	12,693
Depreciation and other amortization	28,391	32,120
Unrealized (gains) on investments	(4,826)	(8,680)
Other, net	(8,486)	(272)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in segregated cash and securities	8,821	390,557
(Increase) in receivables	(87,105)	(106,941)
Decrease in investments	56,117	6,385
(Increase) in deferred sales commissions	(26,475)	(44,998)
(Increase) in other assets	(60,687)	(37,318)
(Decrease) in payables	(18,922)	(330,720)
(Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(14,931)	(19,745)
Increase in accrued compensation and benefits	230,865	172,008
Net cash provided by operating activities	436,069	338,342
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of investments	(88)	(190)
Proceeds from sales of investments	0	42
Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements	(11,730)	(14,202)
Proceeds from sales of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements	33	245
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired	0	(60,610)
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,785)	(74,715)
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Repayment) issuance of commercial paper, net	(84,907)	55,795
Proceeds from bank loans	50,000	0
Increase (decrease) in overdrafts payable	28,901	(10,349)
Distributions to General Partner and Unitholders	(313,597)	(298,022)
Contributions from (to) non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	430	(11,375)
Capital contributions from General Partner	657	844
Capital contributions from (to) AB Holding	136	(855)
Payments of contingent payment arrangements	(404)	(196)
Additional investments by AB Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units	8,979	12,026
Purchases of AB Holding Units to fund long-term incentive compensation plan awards, net	(19,709)	(3,548)
Purchases of AB Units	(726)	(1,020)
Other	(14)	(13)
Net cash used in financing activities	(330,254)	(256,713)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4,176)	4,988
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	89,854	11,902
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period	555,503	509,891
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period	645,357	521,793
Non-cash investing activities:
Fair value of assets acquired	0	87,821
Fair value of liabilities assumed	0	1,342
Fair value of redeemable non-controlling interest recorded	0	16,504
Non-cash financing activities:
Payables recorded under contingent payment arrangements	$ 0	$ 9,365

Business Description Organizati

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation	Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation Business Description We provide research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Our principal services include: • Institutional Services – servicing our institutional clients, including private and public pension plans, foundations and endowments, insurance companies, central banks and governments worldwide, and affiliates such as AXA and its subsidiaries, by means of separately-managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, collective investment trusts, mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment vehicles. • Retail Services – servicing our retail clients, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AB or an affiliated company, sub-advisory relationships with mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately-managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries worldwide and other investment vehicles. • Private Wealth Management Services – servicing our private clients, including high-net-worth individuals and families, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities (including most institutions for which we manage accounts with less than $25 million in assets), by means of separately-managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds and other investment vehicles. • Bernstein Research Services – servicing institutional investors, such as pension fund, hedge fund and mutual fund managers, seeking high-quality fundamental research, quantitative services and brokerage-related services in equities and listed options. We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing, transfer agency services and administrative services to the mutual funds we sponsor. Our high-quality, in-depth research is the foundation of our business. Our research disciplines include economic, fundamental equity, fixed income and quantitative research. In addition, we have experts focused on multi-asset strategies, wealth management and alternative investments. We provide a broad range of investment services with expertise in: • Actively managed equity strategies, with global and regional portfolios across capitalization ranges and investment strategies, including value, growth and core equities; • Actively managed traditional and unconstrained fixed income strategies, including taxable and tax-exempt strategies; • Passive management, including index and enhanced index strategies; • Alternative investments, including hedge funds, fund of funds and private equity ( e.g. , direct real estate investing); and • Multi-asset solutions and services, including dynamic asset allocation, customized target-date funds and target-risk funds. Our services span various investment disciplines, including market capitalization ( e.g. , large-, mid- and small-cap equities), term ( e.g. , long-, intermediate- and short-duration debt securities), and geographic location ( e.g. , U.S., international, global, emerging markets, regional and local), in major markets around the world. Organization As of June 30, 2015 , AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies, through certain of its subsidiaries (“AXA and its subsidiaries”), owned approximately 1.4% of the issued and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding Units”). As of June 30, 2015 , the ownership structure of AB, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, was as follows: AXA and its subsidiaries 62.1 % AB Holding 36.5 Unaffiliated holders 1.4 100.0 % AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding”) and AB. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units in AB Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AB. Including both the general partnership and limited partnership interests in AB Holding and AB, AXA and its subsidiaries had an approximate 62.7% economic interest in AB as of June 30, 2015 . Basis of Presentation The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the interim results, have been made. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the interim reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The condensed consolidated financial statements include AB and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated. Reclassification The 2014 amounts for Institutional and Private Wealth Management finders’ fees previously presented as other promotion and servicing now are presented as distribution-related payments in the condensed consolidated statements of income to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period . The amendment is effective prospectively or retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis . The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) . Under the new guidance, investments measured at net asset value (“NAV”), as a practical expedient for fair value, are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. Removing investments measured using the practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy is intended to eliminate the diversity in practice that currently exists with respect to the categorization of these investments. The only criterion for categorizing investments in the fair value hierarchy will be the observability of the inputs. The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Long-term Incentive Compensatio

Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans	Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans We maintain several unfunded, non-qualified long-term incentive compensation plans, under which we grant annual awards to employees, generally in the fourth quarter. Awards granted in December 2014 and 2013 allowed participants to allocate their awards between restricted AB Holding Units and deferred cash. Participants (except certain members of senior management) generally could allocate up to 50% of their awards to deferred cash, not to exceed a total of $250,000 per award. Each of our employees based outside of the United States (other than expatriates) who received a 2014 or 2013 award of $100,000 or less could have allocated up to 100% of his or her award to deferred cash. For awards granted in 2014 and 2013, participants allocated their awards prior to the date on which the Compensation Committee granted awards, December 12, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For these awards, the number of AB Holding Units awarded was based on the closing price of an AB Holding Unit on those days. For awards granted in 2014 and 2013: • We engaged in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units, or purchased newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, that were awarded to participants and held them in a consolidated rabbi trust. • Quarterly distributions on vested and unvested AB Holding Units are paid currently to participants, regardless of whether or not a long-term deferral election has been made. • Interest on deferred cash is accrued monthly based on our monthly weighted average cost of funds. We recognize compensation expense related to equity compensation grants in the financial statements using the fair value method. Fair value of restricted AB Holding Unit awards is the closing price of an AB Holding Unit on the grant date; fair value of options is determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Under the fair value method, compensatory expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized over the required service period. For year-end long-term incentive compensation awards, employees who resign or are terminated without cause may retain their awards, subject to compliance with certain agreements and restrictive covenants set forth in the applicable award agreement, including restrictions on competition and employee and client solicitation, and a claw-back for failing to follow existing risk management policies. Because there is no service requirement, we fully expense these awards on grant date. Most equity replacement, sign-on or similar deferred compensation awards included in separate employment agreements or arrangements include a required service period. Regardless of whether or not the award agreement includes employee service requirements, AB Holding Units typically are distributed to employees ratably over four years , unless the employee has made a long-term deferral election. Grants of restricted AB Holding Units and options to buy AB Holding Units typically are awarded during the second quarter to members of the Board of Directors of the General Partner who are not employed by our company or by any of our affiliates (“Eligible Directors”). Restricted AB Holding Units are distributed on the third anniversary of the grant date and the options become exercisable ratably over three years . These restricted AB Holding Units and options are not forfeitable (except if the Eligible Director is terminated for “Cause”, as that term is defined in the applicable award agreement). Because there is no service requirement, we fully expense these awards on grant date. We fund our restricted AB Holding Unit awards either by purchasing AB Holding Units on the open market or purchasing newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, all of which then are held in a consolidated rabbi trust until they are distributed to employees or retired. In accordance with the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AB (“AB Partnership Agreement”), when AB purchases newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, AB Holding is required to use the proceeds it receives from AB to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units, thus increasing its percentage ownership interest in AB. AB Holding Units held in the consolidated rabbi trust are corporate assets in the name of the trust and are available to the general creditors of AB. During the second quarter and first six months of 2015, we purchased 0.1 million and 0.8 million AB Holding Units for $4.3 million and $21.3 million , respectively (on a trade date basis). These amounts reflect open-market purchases of 0.1 million and 0.7 million AB Holding Units for $4.0 million and $19.0 million , respectively, with the remainder relating to purchases of AB Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards. During the second quarter and the first six months of 2014, we purchased approximately 15,000 and 0.2 million AB Holding Units for $0.4 million and $4.1 million , respectively (on a trade date basis). These amounts reflect purchases of AB Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards. Each quarter, we implement plans to repurchase AB Holding Units pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). A Rule 10b5-1 plan allows a company to repurchase its shares at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or because it possesses material non-public information. Each broker we select has the authority under the terms and limitations specified in the plan to repurchase AB Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms of the plan. Repurchases are subject to regulations promulgated by the SEC as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. The plan adopted during the second quarter of 2015 expired at the close of business on July 29, 2015. We may adopt additional Rule 10b5-1 plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes. During the first six months of 2015 and 2014 , we granted to employees and Eligible Directors 0.3 million and 0.4 million restricted AB Holding Unit awards, respectively. We used AB Holding Units repurchased during the period and newly-issued AB Holding Units to fund restricted AB Holding Unit awards. During the first six months of 2015 and 2014 , AB Holding issued 0.5 million and 0.7 million AB Holding Units upon exercise of options to buy AB Holding Units, respectively. AB Holding used the proceeds of $9.0 million and $12.0 million received from employees as payment in cash for the exercise price, respectively, to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units.

Cash Distributions

Cash Distributions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Cash Distributions	Cash Distributions AB is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Partnership Agreement, to its Unitholders and to the General Partner. Available Cash Flow can be summarized as the cash flow received by AB from operations minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AB for use in its business, or plus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be released from previously retained cash flow. Typically, Available Cash Flow has been the adjusted diluted net income per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. In future periods, management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will be based on adjusted diluted net income per unit, unless management determines that one or more non-GAAP adjustments that are made for adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. On July 30, 2015 , the General Partner declared a distribution of $0.54 per AB Unit, representing a distribution of Available Cash Flow for the three months ended June 30, 2015 . The General Partner, as a result of its 1% general partnership interest, is entitled to receive 1% of each distribution. The distribution is payable on August 27, 2015 to holders of record on August 10, 2015 .

Real Estate Charges

Real Estate Charges	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Real Estate Charges	Real Estate Charges During 2010, we performed a comprehensive review of our real estate requirements in New York in connection with our workforce reductions, which commenced in 2008. As a result, during 2010 we decided to sub-lease over 380,000 square feet in New York (all of this space has been sublet) and consolidate our New York-based employees into two office locations from three . During the third quarter of 2012, in an effort to further reduce our global real estate footprint, we completed a comprehensive review of our worldwide office locations and began implementing a global space consolidation plan. As a result, our intention is to sub-lease approximately 510,000 square feet of office space (in excess of 90% of this space has been sublet), more than 70% of which is New York office space (in addition to the 380,000 square foot space reduction in 2010), with the remainder consisting of office space in England, Australia and various U.S. locations. During the first six months of 2015 , we recorded pre-tax real estate credits of $0.5 million , resulting from a change in estimates related to previously recorded real estate charges. The activity in the liability account relating to our 2010 and 2012 office space consolidation initiatives for the following periods is as follows: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 148,429 $ 199,527 Expense (credit) incurred (65 ) (4,755 ) Deferred rent — — Payments made (24,435 ) (50,893 ) Interest accretion 2,167 4,550 Balance as of end of period $ 126,096 $ 148,429

Net Income per Unit

Net Income per Unit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
Net Income per Unit	Net Income per Unit Basic net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each period. Diluted net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the total of the diluted weighted average number of units outstanding for each period. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Net income attributable to AB Unitholders $ 149,094 $ 136,435 $ 290,563 $ 253,160 Weighted average units outstanding – basic 272,858 268,782 272,844 268,621 Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units 1,253 1,169 1,184 1,127 Weighted average units outstanding – diluted 274,111 269,951 274,028 269,748 Basic net income per AB Unit $ 0.54 $ 0.50 $ 1.05 $ 0.93 Diluted net income per AB Unit $ 0.54 $ 0.50 $ 1.05 $ 0.93 For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , we excluded 2,383,589 options from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , we excluded 2,806,033 options from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Cash and Securities Segregated

Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]
Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements	Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , $0.4 billion of U.S. Treasury Bills were segregated in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of brokerage customers of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (one of our subsidiaries, “SCB LLC”) under Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act. AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (one of our subsidiaries, “AllianceBernstein Investments”), the distributor of company-sponsored U.S. mutual funds, maintains several special bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , $37.4 million and $61.3 million , respectively, of cash was segregated in these bank accounts.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Investments consist of: June 30, December 31, (in thousands) Available-for-sale (primarily seed capital) $ 5,825 $ 6,172 Trading: Long-term incentive compensation-related 61,564 74,095 U.S. Treasury Bills 29,000 28,982 Seed capital 416,248 400,746 Equities 57,355 79,720 Exchange-traded options 7,935 22,290 Investments in limited partnership hedge funds: Long-term incentive compensation-related 19,822 24,684 Seed capital 24,412 33,951 Consolidated private equity fund (10% seed capital) 27,745 32,604 Private equity (seed capital) 48,412 48,734 Other 13,307 11,497 Total investments $ 711,625 $ 763,475 Total investments related to long-term incentive compensation obligations of $81.4 million and $98.8 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, consist of company-sponsored mutual funds and hedge funds. For long-term incentive compensation awards granted before 2009, we typically made investments in our services that were notionally elected by plan participants and maintained them (and continue to maintain them) in a consolidated rabbi trust or separate custodial account. The rabbi trust and custodial account enable us to hold such investments separate from our other assets for the purpose of settling our obligations to participants. The investments held in the rabbi trust and custodial account remain available to the general creditors of AB. The underlying investments of the hedge funds in which we invest include long and short positions in equity securities, fixed income securities (including various agency and non-agency asset-based securities), currencies, commodities and derivatives (including various swaps and forward contracts). These investments are valued at quoted market prices or, where quoted market prices are not available, are fair valued based on the pricing policies and procedures of the underlying funds. U.S. Treasury Bills are held by SCB LLC in its investment account, the majority of which are pledged as collateral with clearing organizations. These clearing organizations have the ability by contract or custom to sell or re-pledge this collateral. We allocate seed capital to our investment teams to help enable them to develop new products and services for our clients. The seed capital trading investments are equity and fixed income products, primarily in the form of separately-managed account portfolios, U.S. mutual funds, Luxembourg funds, Japanese investment trust management funds or Delaware business trusts. We also may allocate seed capital to investments in private equity funds, such as our consolidated venture capital fund, which holds technology, media, telecommunications, healthcare and clean-tech investments, and a third-party venture capital fund that invests in communications, consumer, digital media, healthcare and information technology markets. Trading securities also include long positions in corporate equities, an exchange-traded fund and long exchange-traded options traded through our options desk. The portion of trading gains (losses) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 related to trading securities held as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Net (losses) gains recognized during the period $ (1,432 ) $ 10,957 $ 5,352 $ 25,769 Less: net gains recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period 506 3,462 6,553 7,866 Unrealized (losses) gains recognized during the period on trading securities held $ (1,938 ) $ 7,495 $ (1,201 ) $ 17,903

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments We enter into various futures, forwards and swaps to economically hedge certain seed capital investments. Also, we have currency forwards that economically hedge certain cash accounts and exchange-traded futures to economically hedge a foreign investment. In addition, our options desk trades long and short exchange-traded equity options. We do not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging . The notional value and fair value as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for derivative instruments (excluding our options desk trading activities discussed below ) not designated as hedging instruments were as follows: Fair Value Notional Value Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (in thousands) June 30, 2015: Exchange-traded futures $ 147,181 $ 2,347 $ 168 Currency forwards 256,119 4,145 3,750 Interest rate swaps 76,058 4,579 5,146 Credit default swaps 27,244 1,451 357 Option swaps 64 54 7 Total return swaps 103,916 1,993 1,187 Total derivatives $ 610,582 $ 14,569 $ 10,615 December 31, 2014: Exchange-traded futures $ 149,863 $ 571 $ 2,438 Currency forwards 149,282 1,782 333 Interest rate swaps 50,591 1,507 2,679 Credit default swaps 32,745 1,432 110 Option swaps 11 107 88 Total return swaps 125,913 1,388 3,744 Total derivatives $ 508,405 $ 6,787 $ 9,392 As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the derivative assets and liabilities are included in both receivables and payables to brokers and dealers on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The gains and losses for derivative instruments (excluding our options desk trading activities) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Exchange-traded futures $ 1,428 $ (3,898 ) $ (3,559 ) $ (4,396 ) Currency forwards (1,294 ) (1,346 ) 2,158 (3,012 ) Interest rate swaps 415 (1,134 ) (330 ) (1,927 ) Credit default swaps (158 ) (374 ) (215 ) (379 ) Options swaps (4 ) (107 ) (21 ) (142 ) Total return swaps 2,086 (7,086 ) (1,615 ) (9,610 ) Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments $ 2,473 $ (13,945 ) $ (3,582 ) $ (19,466 ) We may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. We minimize our counterparty exposure through a credit review and approval process. In addition, we executed various collateral arrangements with counterparties to the over-the-counter derivative transactions that require both pledging and accepting collateral in the form of cash. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we held $1.8 million and $1.0 million , respectively, of cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. This obligation to return cash is reported in payables to brokers and dealers in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Although notional amount is the most commonly used measure of volume in the derivative market, it is not used as a measure of credit risk. Generally, the current credit exposure of our derivative contracts is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivative contracts at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements and any collateral received. A derivative with positive value (a derivative asset) indicates existence of credit risk because the counterparty would owe us if the contract were closed. Alternatively, a derivative contract with negative value (a derivative liability) indicates we would owe money to the counterparty if the contract were closed. Generally, if there is more than one derivative transaction with a single counterparty, a master netting arrangement exists with respect to derivative transactions with that counterparty to provide for aggregate net settlement. Certain of our standardized contracts for over-the-counter derivative transactions (“ISDA Master Agreements”) contain credit risk related contingent provisions related to each counterparty’s credit rating. In some ISDA Master Agreements, if the counterparty’s credit rating, or in some agreements, our assets under management (“AUM”), falls below a specified threshold, either a default or a termination event permitting the counterparty to terminate the ISDA Master Agreement would be triggered. In all agreements that provide for collateralization, various levels of collateralization of net liability positions are applicable, depending on the credit rating of the counterparty. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we delivered $6.4 million and $13.2 million , respectively, of cash collateral into brokerage accounts. We report this cash collateral in cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we held $7.9 million and $22.3 million , respectively, of long exchange-traded equity options, which are classified as trading investments and included in other investments on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. In addition, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we held $1.9 million and $7.1 million , respectively, of short exchange-traded equity options, which are included in securities sold not yet purchased on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Our options desk provides our clients with equity derivative strategies and execution for exchange-traded options on single stocks, exchange-traded funds and indices. While predominately agency-based, the options desk may commit capital to facilitate a client’s transaction. Our options desk hedges the risks associated with this activity by taking offsetting positions in equities. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , we recognized $7.6 million and $40.4 million , respectively, of losses on equity options activity. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we recognized $29.6 million and $90.4 million , respectively, of losses on equity options activity. These losses are recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Offsetting Assets and Liabiliti

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Offsetting [Abstract]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities Offsetting of assets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount (in thousands) June 30, 2015: Securities borrowed $ 92,500 $ — $ 92,500 $ — $ (92,500 ) $ — Derivatives $ 14,569 $ — $ 14,569 $ — $ (1,828 ) $ 12,741 Long exchange-traded options $ 7,935 $ — $ 7,935 $ — $ — $ 7,935 December 31, 2014: Securities borrowed $ 158,147 $ — $ 158,147 $ — $ (158,147 ) $ — Derivatives $ 6,787 $ — $ 6,787 $ — $ (990 ) $ 5,797 Long exchange-traded options $ 22,290 $ — $ 22,290 $ — $ — $ 22,290 Offsetting of liabilities as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount (in thousands) June 30, 2015: Securities loaned $ 6,900 $ — $ 6,900 $ — $ (6,900 ) $ — Derivatives $ 10,615 $ — $ 10,615 $ — $ (6,353 ) $ 4,262 Short exchange-traded options $ 1,907 $ — $ 1,907 $ — $ — $ 1,907 December 31, 2014: Securities loaned $ 33,645 $ — $ 33,645 $ — $ (33,645 ) $ — Derivatives $ 9,392 $ — $ 9,392 $ — $ (9,392 ) $ — Short exchange-traded options $ 7,118 $ — $ 7,118 $ — $ — $ 7,118 Cash collateral pledged and received on derivative instruments are not considered material and are not disclosed by counterparty.

Fair Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability ( i.e. , the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three broad levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets are available for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date. • Level 2 – Quoted prices in markets that are not active or other pricing inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. • Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable as of the reported date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total June 30, 2015: Money markets $ 254,133 $ — $ — $ 254,133 U.S. Treasury Bills — 459,007 — 459,007 Available-for-sale Equity securities 5,527 — — 5,527 Fixed income securities 298 — — 298 Trading Equity securities 331,417 22,703 124 354,244 Fixed income securities 178,203 2,721 — 180,924 Long exchange-traded options 7,935 — — 7,935 Derivatives 2,347 12,222 — 14,569 Private equity 15,177 — 50,730 65,907 Total assets measured at fair value $ 795,037 $ 496,653 $ 50,854 $ 1,342,544 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 20,642 $ — $ — $ 20,642 Short exchange-traded options 1,907 — — 1,907 Derivatives 168 10,447 — 10,615 Contingent payment arrangements — — 42,032 42,032 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 22,717 $ 10,447 $ 42,032 $ 75,196 December 31, 2014: Money markets $ 89,566 $ — $ — $ 89,566 U.S. Treasury Bills — 444,152 — 444,152 Available-for-sale Equity securities 5,951 — — 5,951 Fixed income securities 221 — — 221 Trading Equity securities 387,495 7 — 387,502 Fixed income securities 164,317 2,742 — 167,059 Long exchange-traded options 22,290 — — 22,290 Derivatives 571 6,216 — 6,787 Private equity 12,162 — 58,926 71,088 Total assets measured at fair value $ 682,573 $ 453,117 $ 58,926 $ 1,194,616 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 81,784 $ — $ — $ 81,784 Short exchange-traded options 7,118 — — 7,118 Derivatives 2,438 6,954 — 9,392 Contingent payment arrangements — — 42,436 42,436 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 91,340 $ 6,954 $ 42,436 $ 140,730 We provide below a description of the fair value methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy: • Money markets : We invest excess cash in various money market funds that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets; these are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. • Treasury Bills : We hold U.S. Treasury Bills, which are primarily segregated in a special reserve bank custody account as required by Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act. These securities are valued based on quoted yields in secondary markets and are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. • Equity and fixed income securities : Our equity and fixed income securities consist principally of company-sponsored mutual funds with net asset values and various separately-managed portfolios consisting primarily of equity and fixed income securities with quoted prices in active markets, which are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. In addition, some securities are valued based on observable inputs from recognized pricing vendors, which are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. • Derivatives : We hold exchange-traded futures with counterparties that are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. In addition, we also hold currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, option swaps and total return swaps with counterparties that are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. • Options : We hold long exchange-traded options that are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. • Private equity : Generally, the valuation of private equity investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund or by us directly (regarding an investment in a private equity fund focused exclusively on the energy sector) requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such investments. Private equity investments are valued initially at cost. The carrying values of private equity investments are adjusted either up or down from cost to reflect expected exit values as evidenced by financing and sale transactions with third parties, or when determination of a valuation adjustment is confirmed through ongoing review in accordance with our valuation policies and procedures. A variety of factors are reviewed and monitored to assess positive and negative changes in valuation, including current operating performance and future expectations of investee companies, industry valuations of comparable public companies, changes in market outlooks, and the third party financing environment over time. In determining valuation adjustments resulting from the investment review process, particular emphasis is placed on current company performance and market conditions. For these reasons, which make the fair value of private equity investments unobservable, equity investments are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. We also invest in a third-party venture capital fund in which fair value is based on our capital account balance provided by the partnership and is included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. If private equity investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund become publicly traded, they are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Also, if they contain trading restrictions, publicly-traded equity investments are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy until the trading restrictions expire. During the first quarter of 2015 , $26,000 was transferred from a Level 3 classification to a Level 1 classification. • Securities sold not yet purchased : Securities sold not yet purchased, primarily reflecting short positions in equities and exchange-traded options, are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. • Contingent payment arrangements : Contingent payment arrangements relate to contingent payment liabilities associated with acquisitions in 2010, 2013 and 2014. At each reporting date, we estimate the fair values of the contingent consideration expected to be paid based upon probability-weighted AUM and revenue projections, using unobservable market data inputs, which are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The change in carrying value associated with private equity and trading equity securities Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 58,841 $ 50,744 $ 58,926 $ 52,081 Transfer out — — (26 ) — Purchases 76 2,320 198 2,821 Sales (18,042 ) — (18,042 ) (1,121 ) Realized gains (losses), net 10,114 (400 ) 4,920 721 Unrealized (losses) gains, net (135 ) 342 4,878 (1,496 ) Balance as of end of period $ 50,854 $ 53,006 $ 50,854 $ 53,006 Transfers into and out of all levels of the fair value hierarchy are reflected at end-of-period fair values. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 financial instruments are recorded in investment gains and losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Approximately one-third of the Level 3 investments are private equity investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund, of which we own 10% and non-controlling interests own 90% . Quantitative information about private equity Level 3 fair value measurements as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows: Fair value as of June 30, 2015 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (in thousands) Private Equity: Technology, Media and Telecommunications $ 12,447 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple 1.8 - 2.7 Pending acquisition Marketability discount 30 % Also, we have an investment in a private equity fund focused exclusively on the energy sector (fair value of $7.5 million ) that is classified as Level 3. This investment’s valuation is based on a market approach, considering recent transactions of the fund and the industry. Fair value as of December 31, 2014 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (in thousands) Private Equity: Technology, Media and Telecommunications $ 20,112 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple 2.0 - 3.5 Discount rate 18 % Discount years 2.0 years In addition, as of December 31, 2014 , there are two investments (with a combined fair value of $0.2 million ) in the Healthcare and Clean-tech category that are classified as Level 3. The first investment is valued based on liquidation value and the second investment is a warrant valued using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Also, we have an investment in a private equity fund focused exclusively on the energy sector (fair value of $7.5 million ) that is classified as Level 3. This investment’s valuation is based on a market approach, considering recent transactions of the fund and the industry. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entities’ venture capital securities in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications areas are enterprise value to revenue multiples and a discount to account for liquidity and various risk factors. Significant increases (decreases) in the enterprise value to revenue multiple inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. One of our private equity investments is a venture capital fund (fair value of $30.6 million and unfunded commitment of $2.9 million as of June 30, 2015 ) that invests in communications, consumer, digital media, healthcare and information technology markets . In addition, one of the investments included in our consolidated private equity fund (fair value of $0.1 million and no unfunded commitment as of June 30, 2015 ) is a venture capital fund investing in clean energy, resource and energy efficiency and other sustainable industries . The fair value of each of these investments has been estimated using the capital account balances provided by the partnerships. The interests in these partnerships cannot be redeemed. The change in carrying value associated with contingent payment arrangements Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 42,223 $ 37,688 $ 42,436 $ 38,205 Addition — 8,915 — 8,915 Accretion 442 321 885 642 Payments (633 ) — (1,289 ) (838 ) Balance as of end of period $ 42,032 $ 46,924 $ 42,032 $ 46,924 Quantitative information about contingent payment arrangements Level 3 fair value measurements as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows: Our three acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities (with a combined fair value of $42.0 million as of June 30, 2015 and $42.4 million as of December 31, 2014 ) currently are valued using projected AUM growth rates with a weighted average of 46% , revenue growth rates with a weighted average of 71% , and discount rates ranging between 3% (when using a cost of debt assumption) and 18% (when using a cost of capital assumption). Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis We did not have any material assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis during the six months ended June 30, 2015 or during the year ended December 31, 2014 .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings With respect to all significant litigation matters, we consider the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to determine an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts already accrued, if any, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is often difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages. Such is also the case when the litigation is in its early stages or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope. In these cases, we disclose that we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss. During the first quarter of 2012, we received a legal letter of claim (“Letter of Claim”) sent on behalf of Philips Pension Trustees Limited and Philips Electronics U.K. Limited (“Philips”), a former pension fund client, alleging that AllianceBernstein Limited (one of our subsidiaries organized in the U.K.) was negligent and failed to meet certain applicable standards of care with respect to the initial investment in, and management of, a £500 million portfolio of U.S. mortgage-backed securities. Philips has alleged damages ranging between $177 million and $234 million , plus compound interest on an alleged $125 million of realized losses in the portfolio. On January 2, 2014, Philips filed a claim form (“Claim”) in the High Court of Justice in London, England, which formally commenced litigation with respect to the allegations in the Letter of Claim. We believe that any losses to Philips resulted from adverse developments in the U.S. housing and mortgage market that precipitated the financial crisis in 2008 and not from any negligence or other failure or malfeasance on our part. We believe that we have strong defenses to these claims, which are set forth in our October 12, 2012 response to the Letter of Claim and our June 27, 2014 Statement of Defence in response to the Claim, and intend to defend this matter vigorously. Currently, we are unable to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss because the matter remains in its early stages. In addition to the Claim discussed immediately above , we are involved in various other matters, including regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation, some of which allege significant damages. In management’s opinion, an adequate accrual has been made as of June 30, 2015 to provide for any probable losses regarding any litigation matters for which we can reasonably estimate an amount of loss. It is reasonably possible that we could incur additional losses pertaining to these matters, but currently we cannot estimate any such additional losses. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently believes that the outcome of any individual matter that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. However, any inquiry, proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty; management cannot determine whether further developments relating to any individual matter that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, financial condition or liquidity in any future reporting period.

Units Outstanding

Units Outstanding	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Abstract]
Units Outstanding	Units Outstanding Changes in limited partnership units outstanding during the six -month period ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 273,040,452 Options exercised 526,201 Units issued 207,945 Units retired (801,673 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 272,972,925 During the first six months of 2015, we purchased 23,100 AB Units in private transactions and retired them.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , AB had $404.6 million and $489.0 million , respectively, in commercial paper outstanding with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.3% for both periods. The commercial paper is short term in nature, and as such, recorded value is estimated to approximate fair value (and considered a Level 2 security in the fair value hierarchy). Average daily borrowings of commercial paper during the first six months of 2015 and the full year 2014 were $417.1 million and $335.0 million , respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.3% and 0.2% , respectively. As of June 30, 2015, SCB LLC had $50.0 million in loans outstanding at an average interest rate of 1.4% . As of December 31, 2014, SCB LLC had no bank loans outstanding. Average daily borrowings of bank loans during the first six months of 2015 and full year 2014 were $4.2 million and $5.5 million , respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 1.2% and 1.1% , respectively.

Changes in Capital

Changes in Capital	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Partners' Capital Notes [Abstract]
Changes in Capital	Changes in Capital Changes in capital during the six -month period ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 4,085,465 $ 30,396 $ 4,115,861 Comprehensive income: Net income 290,563 7,950 298,513 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized (losses) on investments (61 ) — (61 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (6,160 ) (59 ) (6,219 ) Changes in employee benefit related items 410 — 410 Comprehensive income 284,752 7,891 292,643 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (313,597 ) — (313,597 ) Distributions from non-controlling interests — 430 430 Compensation-related transactions (1,047 ) — (1,047 ) Other 67 — 67 Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 4,055,640 $ 38,717 $ 4,094,357 Changes in capital during the six -month period ended June 30, 2014 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ 4,027,486 $ 42,240 $ 4,069,726 Comprehensive income: Net income 253,160 1,810 254,970 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized gains on investments 559 — 559 Foreign currency translation adjustments 6,067 32 6,099 Changes in employee benefit related items (1,635 ) — (1,635 ) Comprehensive income 258,151 1,842 259,993 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (298,022 ) — (298,022 ) Distributions to non-controlling interests — (11,375 ) (11,375 ) Purchases of AB Units (1,020 ) — (1,020 ) Compensation-related transactions 21,160 — 21,160 Balance as of June 30, 2014 $ 4,007,755 $ 32,707 $ 4,040,462 Deferred taxes are not recognized on foreign currency translation adjustments for foreign subsidiaries, which have earnings that are considered permanently invested outside the United States.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Acquisitions are accounted for under ASC 805, Business Combinations. On June 20, 2014, we acquired an approximate 82% ownership interest in CPH Capital Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S (“CPH”), a Danish asset management firm that managed approximately $3 billion in global core equity assets for institutional investors, for a cash payment of $64.4 million and a contingent consideration payable of $9.4 million . The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired resulted in the recognition of $58.1 million of goodwill. We recorded $24.1 million of definite-lived intangible assets relating to separately-managed account relationships and $3.5 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets relating to an acquired fund’s investment contract. We also recorded redeemable non-controlling interest of $16.5 million relating to the fair value of the portion of CPH we do not own.

Business Description Organiza23

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the interim results, have been made. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the interim reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The condensed consolidated financial statements include AB and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Reclassification	The 2014 amounts for Institutional and Private Wealth Management finders’ fees previously presented as other promotion and servicing now are presented as distribution-related payments in the condensed consolidated statements of income to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period . The amendment is effective prospectively or retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis . The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) . Under the new guidance, investments measured at net asset value (“NAV”), as a practical expedient for fair value, are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. Removing investments measured using the practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy is intended to eliminate the diversity in practice that currently exists with respect to the categorization of these investments. The only criterion for categorizing investments in the fair value hierarchy will be the observability of the inputs. The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Business Description Organiza24

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Ownership interest by limited partners	As of June 30, 2015 , the ownership structure of AB, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, was as follows: AXA and its subsidiaries 62.1 % AB Holding 36.5 Unaffiliated holders 1.4 100.0 %

Real Estate Charges (Tables)

Real Estate Charges (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Real estate liability account activity related to office space consolidation initiatives	The activity in the liability account relating to our 2010 and 2012 office space consolidation initiatives for the following periods is as follows: Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 148,429 $ 199,527 Expense (credit) incurred (65 ) (4,755 ) Deferred rent — — Payments made (24,435 ) (50,893 ) Interest accretion 2,167 4,550 Balance as of end of period $ 126,096 $ 148,429

Net Income per Unit (Tables)

Net Income per Unit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
Earnings per unit, basic and diluted	Basic net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each period. Diluted net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the total of the diluted weighted average number of units outstanding for each period. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Net income attributable to AB Unitholders $ 149,094 $ 136,435 $ 290,563 $ 253,160 Weighted average units outstanding – basic 272,858 268,782 272,844 268,621 Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units 1,253 1,169 1,184 1,127 Weighted average units outstanding – diluted 274,111 269,951 274,028 269,748 Basic net income per AB Unit $ 0.54 $ 0.50 $ 1.05 $ 0.93 Diluted net income per AB Unit $ 0.54 $ 0.50 $ 1.05 $ 0.93

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments consist of: June 30, December 31, (in thousands) Available-for-sale (primarily seed capital) $ 5,825 $ 6,172 Trading: Long-term incentive compensation-related 61,564 74,095 U.S. Treasury Bills 29,000 28,982 Seed capital 416,248 400,746 Equities 57,355 79,720 Exchange-traded options 7,935 22,290 Investments in limited partnership hedge funds: Long-term incentive compensation-related 19,822 24,684 Seed capital 24,412 33,951 Consolidated private equity fund (10% seed capital) 27,745 32,604 Private equity (seed capital) 48,412 48,734 Other 13,307 11,497 Total investments $ 711,625 $ 763,475
Portion of trading gains (losses) related to trading securities	The portion of trading gains (losses) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 related to trading securities held as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Net (losses) gains recognized during the period $ (1,432 ) $ 10,957 $ 5,352 $ 25,769 Less: net gains recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period 506 3,462 6,553 7,866 Unrealized (losses) gains recognized during the period on trading securities held $ (1,938 ) $ 7,495 $ (1,201 ) $ 17,903

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional amount and fair value for derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	The notional value and fair value as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for derivative instruments (excluding our options desk trading activities discussed below ) not designated as hedging instruments were as follows: Fair Value Notional Value Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (in thousands) June 30, 2015: Exchange-traded futures $ 147,181 $ 2,347 $ 168 Currency forwards 256,119 4,145 3,750 Interest rate swaps 76,058 4,579 5,146 Credit default swaps 27,244 1,451 357 Option swaps 64 54 7 Total return swaps 103,916 1,993 1,187 Total derivatives $ 610,582 $ 14,569 $ 10,615 December 31, 2014: Exchange-traded futures $ 149,863 $ 571 $ 2,438 Currency forwards 149,282 1,782 333 Interest rate swaps 50,591 1,507 2,679 Credit default swaps 32,745 1,432 110 Option swaps 11 107 88 Total return swaps 125,913 1,388 3,744 Total derivatives $ 508,405 $ 6,787 $ 9,392
Gains and losses recognized in investment gains (losses) in condensed consolidated statement of income	The gains and losses for derivative instruments (excluding our options desk trading activities) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Exchange-traded futures $ 1,428 $ (3,898 ) $ (3,559 ) $ (4,396 ) Currency forwards (1,294 ) (1,346 ) 2,158 (3,012 ) Interest rate swaps 415 (1,134 ) (330 ) (1,927 ) Credit default swaps (158 ) (374 ) (215 ) (379 ) Options swaps (4 ) (107 ) (21 ) (142 ) Total return swaps 2,086 (7,086 ) (1,615 ) (9,610 ) Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments $ 2,473 $ (13,945 ) $ (3,582 ) $ (19,466 )

Offsetting Assets and Liabili29

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Offsetting [Abstract]
Offsetting of financial assets	Offsetting of assets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount (in thousands) June 30, 2015: Securities borrowed $ 92,500 $ — $ 92,500 $ — $ (92,500 ) $ — Derivatives $ 14,569 $ — $ 14,569 $ — $ (1,828 ) $ 12,741 Long exchange-traded options $ 7,935 $ — $ 7,935 $ — $ — $ 7,935 December 31, 2014: Securities borrowed $ 158,147 $ — $ 158,147 $ — $ (158,147 ) $ — Derivatives $ 6,787 $ — $ 6,787 $ — $ (990 ) $ 5,797 Long exchange-traded options $ 22,290 $ — $ 22,290 $ — $ — $ 22,290
Offsetting of financial liabilities	Offsetting of liabilities as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount (in thousands) June 30, 2015: Securities loaned $ 6,900 $ — $ 6,900 $ — $ (6,900 ) $ — Derivatives $ 10,615 $ — $ 10,615 $ — $ (6,353 ) $ 4,262 Short exchange-traded options $ 1,907 $ — $ 1,907 $ — $ — $ 1,907 December 31, 2014: Securities loaned $ 33,645 $ — $ 33,645 $ — $ (33,645 ) $ — Derivatives $ 9,392 $ — $ 9,392 $ — $ (9,392 ) $ — Short exchange-traded options $ 7,118 $ — $ 7,118 $ — $ — $ 7,118

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis	Valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total June 30, 2015: Money markets $ 254,133 $ — $ — $ 254,133 U.S. Treasury Bills — 459,007 — 459,007 Available-for-sale Equity securities 5,527 — — 5,527 Fixed income securities 298 — — 298 Trading Equity securities 331,417 22,703 124 354,244 Fixed income securities 178,203 2,721 — 180,924 Long exchange-traded options 7,935 — — 7,935 Derivatives 2,347 12,222 — 14,569 Private equity 15,177 — 50,730 65,907 Total assets measured at fair value $ 795,037 $ 496,653 $ 50,854 $ 1,342,544 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 20,642 $ — $ — $ 20,642 Short exchange-traded options 1,907 — — 1,907 Derivatives 168 10,447 — 10,615 Contingent payment arrangements — — 42,032 42,032 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 22,717 $ 10,447 $ 42,032 $ 75,196 December 31, 2014: Money markets $ 89,566 $ — $ — $ 89,566 U.S. Treasury Bills — 444,152 — 444,152 Available-for-sale Equity securities 5,951 — — 5,951 Fixed income securities 221 — — 221 Trading Equity securities 387,495 7 — 387,502 Fixed income securities 164,317 2,742 — 167,059 Long exchange-traded options 22,290 — — 22,290 Derivatives 571 6,216 — 6,787 Private equity 12,162 — 58,926 71,088 Total assets measured at fair value $ 682,573 $ 453,117 $ 58,926 $ 1,194,616 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 81,784 $ — $ — $ 81,784 Short exchange-traded options 7,118 — — 7,118 Derivatives 2,438 6,954 — 9,392 Contingent payment arrangements — — 42,436 42,436 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 91,340 $ 6,954 $ 42,436 $ 140,730
Fair value measurement Level 3 reconciliation	The change in carrying value associated with private equity and trading equity securities Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 58,841 $ 50,744 $ 58,926 $ 52,081 Transfer out — — (26 ) — Purchases 76 2,320 198 2,821 Sales (18,042 ) — (18,042 ) (1,121 ) Realized gains (losses), net 10,114 (400 ) 4,920 721 Unrealized (losses) gains, net (135 ) 342 4,878 (1,496 ) Balance as of end of period $ 50,854 $ 53,006 $ 50,854 $ 53,006
Information about Level 3 fair value measurements	Quantitative information about private equity Level 3 fair value measurements as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows: Fair value as of June 30, 2015 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (in thousands) Private Equity: Technology, Media and Telecommunications $ 12,447 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple 1.8 - 2.7 Pending acquisition Marketability discount 30 % Also, we have an investment in a private equity fund focused exclusively on the energy sector (fair value of $7.5 million ) that is classified as Level 3. This investment’s valuation is based on a market approach, considering recent transactions of the fund and the industry. Fair value as of December 31, 2014 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (in thousands) Private Equity: Technology, Media and Telecommunications $ 20,112 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple 2.0 - 3.5 Discount rate 18 % Discount years 2.0 years
Change in carrying value associated with contingent payment arrangements Level 3 financial instruments	The change in carrying value associated with contingent payment arrangements Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 42,223 $ 37,688 $ 42,436 $ 38,205 Addition — 8,915 — 8,915 Accretion 442 321 885 642 Payments (633 ) — (1,289 ) (838 ) Balance as of end of period $ 42,032 $ 46,924 $ 42,032 $ 46,924

Units Outstanding (Tables)

Units Outstanding (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Abstract]
Changes in units outstanding	Changes in limited partnership units outstanding during the six -month period ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 273,040,452 Options exercised 526,201 Units issued 207,945 Units retired (801,673 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 272,972,925

Changes in Capital (Tables)

Changes in Capital (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Partners' Capital Notes [Abstract]
Changes in Capital	Changes in capital during the six -month period ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 4,085,465 $ 30,396 $ 4,115,861 Comprehensive income: Net income 290,563 7,950 298,513 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized (losses) on investments (61 ) — (61 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (6,160 ) (59 ) (6,219 ) Changes in employee benefit related items 410 — 410 Comprehensive income 284,752 7,891 292,643 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (313,597 ) — (313,597 ) Distributions from non-controlling interests — 430 430 Compensation-related transactions (1,047 ) — (1,047 ) Other 67 — 67 Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 4,055,640 $ 38,717 $ 4,094,357 Changes in capital during the six -month period ended June 30, 2014 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ 4,027,486 $ 42,240 $ 4,069,726 Comprehensive income: Net income 253,160 1,810 254,970 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized gains on investments 559 — 559 Foreign currency translation adjustments 6,067 32 6,099 Changes in employee benefit related items (1,635 ) — (1,635 ) Comprehensive income 258,151 1,842 259,993 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (298,022 ) — (298,022 ) Distributions to non-controlling interests — (11,375 ) (11,375 ) Purchases of AB Units (1,020 ) — (1,020 ) Compensation-related transactions 21,160 — 21,160 Balance as of June 30, 2014 $ 4,007,755 $ 32,707 $ 4,040,462

Business Description Organiza33

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Total
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
AXA and its subsidiaries ownership interest in holding company (in hundredths)	1.40%	1.40%
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		100.00%
General partnership information [Abstract]
Threshold amount for including institutions in private clients (less than $25 million)	$ 25	$ 25
General Partnership number of general partnership units owned in Holding Company (in units)	100,000	100,000
General partnership interest in Company	1.00%	1.00%
AXA and its subsidiaries economic interest in Company (in hundredths)		62.70%
AXA and its Subsidiaries [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		62.10%
AB Holding [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		36.50%
Unaffiliated Holders [Member]
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (in hundredths)		1.40%

Long-term Incentive Compensat34

Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Employee allocation percentage maximum					50.00%	50.00%
Long-term incentive cash maximum per employee					$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Long-term incentive awards vesting period			4 years
Period over which holding units are typically distributed to directors			3 years
AB Holding Units purchased in periods	100,000	15,000	800,000	200,000
Dollar amount paid for AB Holding Units acquired	$ 4,300,000	$ 400,000	$ 21,300,000	$ 4,100,000
Open-market purchases of AB Holding Units (in units)	100,000		700,000
Dollar amount paid for open-market purchases of AB Holding Units	$ 4,000,000		$ 19,000,000
Restricted AB Holding Units awarded to employees			300,000	400,000
Units issued upon exercise of options			526,201	700,000
Proceeds from stock options exercised			$ 8,979,000	$ 12,026,000
Employees Based Outside of the United States [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Employee allocation percentage maximum					100.00%	100.00%
Long-term incentive cash maximum per employee					$ 100,000	$ 100,000

Cash Distributions (Details)

Cash Distributions (Details) - $ / shares	Jul. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash Distribution [Line Items]
General Partner partnership interest		1.00%	1.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Cash Distribution [Line Items]
Distribution declared (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.54
Cash Distribution [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Cash Distribution [Line Items]
Declaration date	Jul. 30, 2015
General Partner partnership interest	1.00%
Distribution date	Aug. 27, 2015
Date of record	Aug. 10, 2015

Real Estate Charges (Details)

Real Estate Charges (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012ft²	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010ft²office_location
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Area of office space to be sub-leased (in square feet) | ft²			510				380
Consolidated number of office locations in New York | office_location							2
Number of office locations | office_location							3
Portion of office space subleased (in excess of 90%)			90.00%
Portion of office space to be subleased in New York (more than 70%)			70.00%
Pre-Tax real estate credits	$ 80	$ 505		$ 463	$ (1,437)
Real estate liability restructuring reserve [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning of period				148,429	$ 199,527	$ 199,527
Expense (credit) incurred				(65)		(4,755)
Deferred rent				0		0
Payments made				(24,435)		(50,893)
Interest accretion				2,167		4,550
Balance as of end of period	$ 126,096			$ 126,096		$ 148,429

Net Income per Unit (Details)

Net Income per Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
General Partner partnership interest	1.00%		1.00%
Limited Partners interest in Company			99.00%
Net income per unit, basic and diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 149,094	$ 136,435	$ 290,563	$ 253,160
Weighted average units outstanding – basic	272,858,000	268,782,000	272,844,000	268,621,000
Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units	1,253,000	1,169,000	1,184,000	1,127,000
Weighted average units outstanding – diluted	274,111,000	269,951,000	274,028,000	269,748,000
Basic net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.54	$ 0.50	$ 1.05	$ 0.93
Diluted net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.54	$ 0.50	$ 1.05	$ 0.93
Options excluded from diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect (in units)	2,383,589	2,806,033	2,383,589	2,806,033

Cash and Securities Segregate38

Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]
United States Treasury Bills in special reserve bank custody account for exclusive benefit of brokerage customers of SCB LLC	$ 400	$ 400
Restricted funds held for benefit of customers by AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.	$ 37.4	$ 61.3

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	$ 711,625	$ 763,475
Long-term incentive compensation obligations	81,386	98,779
Consolidated Private Equity Fund [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	27,745	32,604
Private Equity [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	48,412	48,734
Available-for-Sale Investments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	5,825	6,172
Trading Investments [Member] | Long-term Incentive Compensation-Related [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	61,564	74,095
Trading Investments [Member] | U.S Treasury Bills [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	29,000	28,982
Trading Investments [Member] | Seed Capital [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	416,248	400,746
Trading Investments [Member] | Equities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	57,355	79,720
Trading Investments [Member] | Exchange Traded Options [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	7,935	22,290
Investments in Limited Partnership Hedge Funds [Member] | Long-term Incentive Compensation-Related [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	19,822	24,684
Investments in Limited Partnership Hedge Funds [Member] | Seed Capital [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	24,412	33,951
Other Investment [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	$ 13,307	$ 11,497

Investments (Gains (Losses) Rel

Investments (Gains (Losses) Related to Trading Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net (losses) gains recognized during the period	$ (1,432)	$ 10,957	$ 5,352	$ 25,769
Less: net gains recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period	506	3,462	6,553	7,866
Unrealized (losses) gains recognized during the period on trading securities held	$ (1,938)	$ 7,495	$ (1,201)	$ 17,903

Derivative Instruments (Notiona

Derivative Instruments (Notional Value and Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	$ 610,582	$ 508,405
Asset Derivatives	14,569	6,787
Liability Derivatives	10,615	9,392
Exchange-Traded Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	147,181	149,863
Asset Derivatives	2,347	571
Liability Derivatives	168	2,438
Currency Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	256,119	149,282
Asset Derivatives	4,145	1,782
Liability Derivatives	3,750	333
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	76,058	50,591
Asset Derivatives	4,579	1,507
Liability Derivatives	5,146	2,679
Credit Default Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	27,244	32,745
Asset Derivatives	1,451	1,432
Liability Derivatives	357	110
Option Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	64	11
Asset Derivatives	54	107
Liability Derivatives	7	88
Total Return Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	103,916	125,913
Asset Derivatives	1,993	1,388
Liability Derivatives	$ 1,187	$ 3,744

Derivative Instruments (Gains a

Derivative Instruments (Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Recognized in Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments	$ 2,473	$ (13,945)	$ (3,582)	$ (19,466)
Exchange-Traded Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments	1,428	(3,898)	(3,559)	(4,396)
Currency Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments	(1,294)	(1,346)	2,158	(3,012)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments	415	(1,134)	(330)	(1,927)
Credit Default Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments	(158)	(374)	(215)	(379)
Option Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments	(4)	(107)	(21)	(142)
Total Return Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on derivative instruments	$ 2,086	$ (7,086)	$ (1,615)	$ (9,610)

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral payable to trade counterparties	$ 1.8		$ 1.8		$ 1
Cash collateral in brokerage accounts	6.4		6.4		13.2
Losses on equity options activity	7.6	$ 29.6	40.4	$ 90.4
Exchange Traded Options [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Long exchange-traded equity options, classified as trading investments	7.9		7.9		22.3
Exchange Traded Options [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Short exchange-traded equity options, included in securities sold not yet purchased	$ 1.9		$ 1.9		$ 7.1

Offsetting Assets and Liabili44

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Offsetting Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Cash Collateral Received	$ (1,800)	$ (1,000)
Securities Borrowed [Member]
Securities Borrowed [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	92,500	158,147
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	92,500	158,147
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	(92,500)	(158,147)
Net Amount	0	0
Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	14,569	6,787
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	14,569	6,787
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	(1,828)	(990)
Net Amount	12,741	5,797
Exchange Traded Options [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	7,935	22,290
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	7,935	22,290
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	$ 7,935	$ 22,290

Offsetting Assets and Liabili45

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Offsetting Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Cash Collateral Pledged	$ (6,400)	$ (13,200)
Securities Loaned [Member]
Securities Loaned [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	6,900	33,645
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	6,900	33,645
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	(6,900)	(33,645)
Net Amount	0	0
Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	10,615	9,392
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	10,615	9,392
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	(6,353)	(9,392)
Net Amount	4,262	0
Exchange Traded Options [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	1,907	7,118
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	1,907	7,118
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Amount	$ 1,907	$ 7,118

Fair Value (Valuation of Financ

Fair Value (Valuation of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Securities sold not yet purchased [Abstract]
Contingent payment arrangements	$ 0		$ 9,365
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money markets	254,133	$ 89,566
U.S. Treasury bills	459,007	444,152
Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Equity securities	5,527	5,951
Fixed income securities	298	221
Trading [Abstract]
Equity securities	354,244	387,502
Fixed income securities	180,924	167,059
Long exchange-traded options	7,935	22,290
Derivatives	14,569	6,787
Private equity	65,907	71,088
Total assets measured at fair value	1,342,544	1,194,616
Securities sold not yet purchased [Abstract]
Short equities - corporate	20,642	81,784
Short exchange-traded options	1,907	7,118
Derivatives	10,615	9,392
Contingent payment arrangements	42,032	42,436
Total liabilities measured at fair value	75,196	140,730
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money markets	254,133	89,566
U.S. Treasury bills	0	0
Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Equity securities	5,527	5,951
Fixed income securities	298	221
Trading [Abstract]
Equity securities	331,417	387,495
Fixed income securities	178,203	164,317
Long exchange-traded options	7,935	22,290
Derivatives	2,347	571
Private equity	15,177	12,162
Total assets measured at fair value	795,037	682,573
Securities sold not yet purchased [Abstract]
Short equities - corporate	20,642	81,784
Short exchange-traded options	1,907	7,118
Derivatives	168	2,438
Contingent payment arrangements	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	22,717	91,340
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money markets	0	0
U.S. Treasury bills	459,007	444,152
Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Equity securities	0	0
Fixed income securities	0	0
Trading [Abstract]
Equity securities	22,703	7
Fixed income securities	2,721	2,742
Long exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	12,222	6,216
Private equity	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	496,653	453,117
Securities sold not yet purchased [Abstract]
Short equities - corporate	0	0
Short exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	10,447	6,954
Contingent payment arrangements	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	10,447	6,954
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money markets	0	0
U.S. Treasury bills	0	0
Available-for-sale [Abstract]
Equity securities	0	0
Fixed income securities	0	0
Trading [Abstract]
Equity securities	124	0
Fixed income securities	0	0
Long exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Private equity	50,730	58,926
Total assets measured at fair value	50,854	58,926
Securities sold not yet purchased [Abstract]
Short equities - corporate	0	0
Short exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Contingent payment arrangements	42,032	42,436
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ 42,032	$ 42,436

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)acquisition	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)investment
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1	$ 0	$ (26,000)	$ 0	$ 26,000	$ 0
Percentage of consolidated venture capital fund non-controlling interests owned (in hundredths)	90.00%			90.00%
Contingent payment arrangements	$ 0		$ 9,365,000	$ 0	$ 9,365,000
Private Equity Healthcare and Cleantech [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments						$ 200,000
Number of investment | investment						2
Private Equity Investment Venture Capital Fund [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	7,500,000			7,500,000		$ 7,500,000
Private Equity Technology Media and Telecommunications [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Private equity investment at fair value	30,600,000			30,600,000
Unfunded commitments to investments	2,900,000			2,900,000
Consolidated Private Equity Investment Venture Capital Fund [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Private equity investment at fair value	100,000			100,000
Unfunded commitments to investments	0			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangements	$ 42,032,000			$ 42,032,000		$ 42,436,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Private Equity Technology Media and Telecommunications [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Discount rate						18.00%
Consolidated Private Equity Fund [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated venture capital fund the Company owned (in hundredths)	10.00%			10.00%
Contingent Payment Arrangements [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Number of acquisition | acquisition				3
Contingent Payment Arrangements [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangements	$ 42,032,000			$ 42,032,000		$ 42,436,000
Contingent Payment Arrangements [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
AUM growth rate				46.00%
Revenue growth rate				71.00%
Contingent Payment Arrangements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Discount rate				3.00%
Contingent Payment Arrangements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Discount rate				18.00%

Fair Value (Change in Carrying

Fair Value (Change in Carrying Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair value measurement Level 3 reconciliation [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 58,841	$ 58,926	$ 50,744	$ 58,926	$ 52,081
Transfers out	0	26	0	(26)	0
Purchases	76		2,320	198	2,821
Sales	(18,042)		0	(18,042)	(1,121)
Realized (losses) gains, net	10,114		(400)	4,920	721
Unrealized gains (losses), net	(135)		342	4,878	(1,496)
Balance as of end of period	$ 50,854	$ 58,841	$ 53,006	$ 50,854	$ 53,006

Fair Value Fair Value (Private

Fair Value Fair Value (Private Equity Level 3 Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - Private Equity Technology Media and Telecommunications [Member] - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements [Abstract]
Fair value	$ 12,447	$ 20,112
Marketability discount	30.00%
Discount rate		18.00%
Discount years		2 years
Minimum [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements [Abstract]
Revenue multiple	1.8	2
Maximum [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements [Abstract]
Revenue multiple	2.7	3.5

Fair Value (Change in Carryin50

Fair Value (Change in Carrying Value Associated with Contingent Payment Arrangements Level 3 Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Liabilities Measurement Level 3 reconciliation
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 42,223	$ 37,688	$ 42,436	$ 38,205
Addition	0	8,915	0	8,915
Accretion	442	321	885	642
Payments	(633)	0	(1,289)	(838)
Balance as of end of period	$ 42,032	$ 46,924	$ 42,032	$ 46,924

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2012 $ in Millions, £ in Billions	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Portfolio amount of client seeking damages | £		£ 0.5
Realized losses in the portfolio	$ 125
Alleged Damages - Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought	177
Alleged Damages - Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought	$ 234

Units Outstanding (Details)

Units Outstanding (Details) - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Units Outstanding
Outstanding, Beginning of Period (in units)	273,040,452
Options exercised	526,201	700,000
Units issued	207,945
Units retired	(801,673)
Outstanding, End of Period (in units)	272,972,925
AllianceBernstein Units [Member]
Units Outstanding
Units retired	(23,100)

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt outstanding	$ 454,642,000	$ 488,988,000
Commercial Paper [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt outstanding	$ 404,600,000	$ 489,000,000
Weighted average interest rates on short-term debt outstanding	0.30%	0.30%
Average daily borrowings	$ 417,100,000	$ 335,000,000
Weighted average interest rates on average daily borrowings	0.30%	0.20%
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt outstanding	$ 50,000,000	$ 0
Weighted average interest rates on short-term debt outstanding	1.40%
Average daily borrowings	$ 4,200,000	$ 5,500,000
Weighted average interest rates on average daily borrowings	1.20%	1.10%

Changes in Capital (Details)

Changes in Capital (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 4,085,465
Beginning balance			30,396
Beginning balance			4,115,861
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 155,769	$ 136,432	298,513	$ 254,970
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,056	3,950	(6,219)	6,099
Changes in employee benefit related items	235	(802)	410	(1,635)
Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders	155,008	139,862	284,752	258,151
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders			(313,597)	(298,022)
Purchases of AB Units			(726)	(1,020)
Ending balance	4,055,640		4,055,640
Ending balance	38,717		38,717
Ending balance	4,094,357		4,094,357
Partners' Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders [Member]
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			4,085,465	4,027,486
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income			290,563	253,160
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on investments			(61)	559
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(6,160)	6,067
Changes in employee benefit related items			410	(1,635)
Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders			284,752	258,151
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders			(313,597)	(298,022)
Distributions from non-controlling interests			0
Distributions to non-controlling interests				0
Purchases of AB Units				(1,020)
Compensation-related transactions			(1,047)	21,160
Other			67
Ending balance	4,055,640	4,007,755	4,055,640	4,007,755
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities [Member]
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			30,396	42,240
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income			7,950	1,810
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on investments			0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(59)	32
Changes in employee benefit related items			0	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			7,891	1,842
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders			0	0
Distributions from non-controlling interests			430
Distributions to non-controlling interests				(11,375)
Purchases of AB Units				0
Compensation-related transactions			0	0
Other			0
Ending balance	38,717	32,707	38,717	32,707
Total Capital [Member]
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			4,115,861	4,069,726
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income			298,513	254,970
Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on investments			(61)	559
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(6,219)	6,099
Changes in employee benefit related items			410	(1,635)
Comprehensive income			292,643	259,993
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders			(313,597)	(298,022)
Distributions from non-controlling interests			430
Distributions to non-controlling interests				(11,375)
Purchases of AB Units				(1,020)
Compensation-related transactions			(1,047)	21,160
Other			67
Ending balance	$ 4,094,357	$ 4,040,462	$ 4,094,357	$ 4,040,462

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 20, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 3,044,807	$ 3,044,807
Redeemable non-controlling interest		$ 16,504	$ 16,504
CPH Capital Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	82.00%
Assets under management	$ 3,000,000
Cash paid	64,400
Net contingent consideration payable	9,400
Goodwill	58,100
Definite-lived intangible assets	24,100
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired	3,500
Redeemable non-controlling interest	$ 16,500

Uncategorized Items - ablp-2015

Label	Element	Value
Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions	us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredSalesCommissions	$ 12,713
Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions	us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredSalesCommissions	$ 9,326