Alliancebernstein 10-Q 27 Apr 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017shares
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	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	268,714,548

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 738,234	$ 656,985
Cash and securities segregated, at fair value (cost: $1,255,801 and $946,093)	1,255,826	946,097
Receivables, net:
Brokers and dealers	546,783	335,686
Brokerage clients	1,510,417	1,513,656
Fees	264,371	270,373
Investments:
Long-term incentive compensation-related	61,570	67,761
Other	375,482	373,344
Assets of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,064,877	994,510
Other assets	229,058	195,615
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	157,581	159,564
Goodwill	3,066,700	3,066,700
Intangible assets, net	127,491	134,606
Deferred sales commissions, net	53,990	63,890
Total assets	9,482,404	8,740,448
Payables:
Brokers and dealers	283,153	239,578
Securities sold not yet purchased	15,837	40,944
Brokerage clients	2,753,920	2,360,481
AB mutual funds	238,162	150,939
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	451,360	430,569
Accrued compensation and benefits	331,420	251,019
Debt	607,941	512,970
Total liabilities	5,079,930	4,279,300
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)
Redeemable non-controlling interest	403,609	392,959
Capital:
General Partner	40,458	41,100
Limited partners: 268,714,548 and 268,893,534 units issued and outstanding	4,091,282	4,154,810
Receivables from affiliates	(12,623)	(12,830)
AB Holding Units held for long-term incentive compensation plans	(45,861)	(32,967)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(109,134)	(118,096)
Partners’ capital attributable to AB Unitholders	3,964,122	4,032,017
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	34,743	36,172
Total capital	3,998,865	4,068,189
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and capital	9,482,404	8,740,448
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member]
Assets of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds:
Cash and cash equivalents	326,643	337,525
Investments	754,422	574,076
Other assets	13,836	44,570
Payables:
Total liabilities	398,137	292,800
Redeemable non-controlling interest	394,944	384,294
Capital:
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	$ 32,970	$ 34,622

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and securities segregated, at cost	$ 1,255,801	$ 946,093
Limited partners, units issued	268,714,548	268,893,534
Limited partners, units outstanding	268,714,548	268,893,534

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues:
Investment advisory and services fees	$ 498,290	$ 451,413
Bernstein research services	112,741	126,465
Distribution revenues	96,554	92,692
Dividend and interest income	14,056	10,073
Investment gains (losses)	25,201	65,587
Other revenues	22,365	24,971
Total revenues	769,207	771,201
Less: Interest expense	4,290	2,075
Net revenues	764,917	769,126
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	321,748	302,011
Promotion and servicing:
Distribution-related payments	96,367	87,127
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	9,079	11,242
Trade execution, marketing, T&E and other	48,214	54,201
General and administrative:
General and administrative	114,221	105,923
Real estate (credits) charges	(2)	27,586
Contingent payment arrangements	177	353
Interest on borrowings	1,868	1,232
Amortization of intangible assets	6,933	6,409
Total expenses	598,605	596,084
Operating income	166,312	173,042
Income taxes	10,057	12,506
Net income	156,255	160,536
Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests	16,318	(5,748)
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 139,937	$ 166,284
Net income per AB Unit:
Basic (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.52	$ 0.61
Diluted (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.51	$ 0.60

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 156,255	$ 160,536
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	9,001	5,225
Income tax expense	(134)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	8,867	5,225
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Unrealized (losses) arising during period	(16)	(8)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) included in net income	0	(3)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(16)	(5)
Income tax expense	(2)	(1)
Unrealized (losses) on investments, net of tax	(18)	(6)
Changes in employee benefit related items:
Amortization of prior service cost	6	71
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	259	(433)
Changes in employee benefit related items	265	(362)
Income tax expense	(76)	(71)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax	189	(433)
Other comprehensive income	9,038	4,786
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) in consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests	16,394	(5,697)
Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 148,899	$ 171,019

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 156,255	$ 160,536
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	9,079	11,242
Non-cash long-term incentive compensation expense	7,693	739
Depreciation and other amortization	16,282	14,784
Unrealized (gains) losses on investments	(16,397)	(10,587)
Other, net	3,528	11,936
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in segregated cash and securities	(309,729)	(158,502)
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(206,909)	117,443
Decrease (increase) in investments	20,497	127,820
Decrease in deferred sales commissions	821	2,007
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(32,109)	(1,402)
Increase in payables	502,976	277,154
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(30,810)	65,447
Increase in accrued compensation and benefits	80,054	59,741
Net cash provided by operating activities	156,956	675,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of investments	0	91
Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements	(6,525)	(11,241)
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,525)	(11,150)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance (repayment) of commercial paper, net	93,581	(96,989)
Increase (decrease) in overdrafts payable	50,377	(91,313)
Distributions to General Partner and Unitholders	(198,040)	(153,433)
Capital contributions/Redemptions of non-controlling interests of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds, net	(3,137)	0
Capital contributions (to) from affiliates	(81)	6,348
Payments of contingent payment arrangements	(412)	(280)
Additional investments by AB Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units	4,468	1,457
Purchases of AB Holding Units to fund long-term incentive compensation plan awards, net	(30,833)	(39,550)
Other	0	(6)
Net cash used in financing activities	(88,113)	(421,274)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	8,049	8,440
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	70,367	251,933
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period	994,510	577,300
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period	1,064,877	829,233
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Unrealized (gains) losses on investments	(26,834)	8,032
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in investments	(153,512)	(12,208)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	136,071	1,735
Cash flows from financing activities:
Capital contributions/Redemptions of non-controlling interests of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds, net	(4,036)	$ (47,508)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period	337,525
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period	$ 326,643

Business Description Organizati

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 S.A. ("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, 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 direct lending); 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 March 31, 2017 , AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in financial protection, through certain of its subsidiaries (“AXA and its subsidiaries”), owns approximately 1.5% 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 March 31, 2017 , the ownership structure of AB, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, is as follows: AXA and its subsidiaries 63.2 % AB Holding 35.5 Unaffiliated holders 1.3 100.0 % 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 63.8% economic interest in AB as of March 31, 2017 . 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, 2016 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include AB and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries, and the consolidated entities that are considered to be variable interest entities ("VIEs") and voting interest entities ("VOEs") and for which AB has a controlling financial interest. Non-controlling interests on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition includes the portion of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in which we do not have direct equity ownership. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated. Reclassifications During 2017, prior period amounts for our VOEs investments previously presented as other investments are now presented as investments of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition to conform to the current period's presentation. Additionally, prior period amounts for dividend and interest related to our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds previously presented as other revenues are now presented as dividend and interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of income to conform to the current period's presentation. Lastly, all disclosures relating to the investments, derivatives and fair value of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds previously presented in Notes 8, 9, 10 and 11 are now separately disclosed in Note 13, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds . Revision During the third quarter of 2016, management determined that the frequency with which we settle our U.S. inter-company payable balances with foreign subsidiaries over the past several years created deemed dividends under Section 956 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 956"). In the past, we funded our foreign subsidiaries as they required cash for their operations rather than pre-fund them each quarter, thereby reducing the inter-company balance to zero on a quarterly basis, as required by Section 956. As a result, we had been understating our income tax provision and income tax liability since 2010. We evaluated the aggregate effects of this error in our income tax provision and income tax liability to our previously issued financial statements in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 99 and No. 108 and, based upon quantitative and qualitative factors, have determined that the error was not material to our previously issued financial statements. However, the cumulative effect of this error would have been material to our third quarter 2016 financial results if recorded as an out-of-period adjustment in the third quarter of 2016. Accordingly, we revised our previously issued financial statements from 2012 through the second quarter of 2016. We revised our income tax provision, net income attributable to AB Unitholders, and basic and diluted net income per AB Unit reported in prior periods in the statements of income. The table below reflects the revisions to these line items for the three months ended March 31, 2016 that are included in this Form 10-Q: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 As Reported Adjustment As Revised (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Income taxes $ 9,864 $ 2,642 $ 12,506 Net income attributable to AB Unitholders 168,926 (2,642 ) 166,284 Basic net income per AB Unit 0.62 (0.01 ) 0.61 Diluted net income per AB Unit 0.61 (0.01 ) 0.60

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU') 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting . The amendment eliminates the current requirement for a retroactive adjustment and instead requires that the investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Additionally, the amendment requires that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The amendment includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements, including income tax effects of share-based payments, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and forfeitures. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued 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. We have not yet completed this analysis, but based on the analysis completed to date management does not expect the standard to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . The amendment addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments and is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendment will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, except for one provision relating to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which provision will be applied prospectively. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases . The amendment requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the statement of financial condition and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. Specifically, this guidance requires an operating lease lessee to recognize on the statement of financial condition a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. However, for leases with a term of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires lessees to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements using a modified retrospective approach. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) . The amendment is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied using a retrospective transition method. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The revised guidance will be applied prospectively, and is effective in 2020. The revised guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . The amendment requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit costs on the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations. Consolidation of company-sponsored investment funds We adopted ASU 2015-02, Consolidation - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ( "ASU 2015-02") effective January 1, 2016. For legal entities (company-sponsored investment funds) evaluated for consolidation, we first determine whether the fees we receive and the interests we hold qualify as a variable interest in the entity, including an evaluation of fees paid to us as a decision maker or service provider to the entity being evaluated. Fees received by us are not variable interests if (i) the fees are compensation for services provided and are commensurate with the level of effort required to provide those services, (ii) the service arrangement includes only terms, conditions or amounts that are customarily present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length, and (iii) our other economic interests in the entity held directly and indirectly through our related parties, as well as economic interests held by related parties under common control, would not absorb more than an insignificant amount of the entity’s losses or receive more than an insignificant amount of the entity’s benefits. For those entities in which we have a variable interest, we perform an analysis to determine whether the entity is a VIE by considering whether the entity’s equity investment at risk is insufficient, whether the investors lack decision making rights proportional to their ownership percentage of the entity, and whether the investors lack the obligation to absorb an entity’s expected losses or the right to receive an entity’s expected income. A VIE must be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which generally is defined as the party that has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE if we have (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive income from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For purposes of evaluating (ii) above, fees paid to us as a decision maker or service provider are excluded if the fees are compensation for services provided commensurate with the level of effort required to be performed and the arrangement includes only customary terms, conditions or amounts present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length. The primary beneficiary evaluation generally is performed qualitatively based on all facts and circumstances, as well as quantitatively, as appropriate. If we have a variable interest in an entity that is determined not to be a VIE, the entity is then evaluated for consolidation under the VOE model. For limited partnerships and similar entities, we are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE, and would be required to consolidate the entity, if we own a majority of the entity’s kick-out rights through voting limited partnership interests and limited partners do not hold substantive participating rights (or other rights that would indicate that we do not control the entity). For entities other than limited partnerships, we are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE if we own a majority voting interest in the entity. The analysis performed regarding the determination of variable interests held, whether entities are VIEs or VOEs, and whether we have a controlling financial interest in such entities requires the exercise of judgment. The analysis is updated continuously as circumstances change or new entities are formed.

Long-term Incentive Compensatio

Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [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, and 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"). 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, and then keeping all of these AB Holding Units in a consolidated rabbi trust until delivering them or retiring them. 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 three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we purchased 1.3 million and 1.9 million AB Holding Units for $31.0 million and $39.7 million , respectively (on a trade date basis). These amounts reflect open-market purchases of 1.2 million and 1.8 million AB Holding Units for $27.8 million and $38.1 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 delivery of long-term incentive compensation awards. Purchases of AB Holding Units reflected on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows are net of AB Holding Unit purchases by employees as part of a distribution reinvestment election. Each quarter, we consider whether to implement a plan 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 fourth quarter of 2016 expired at the close of business on February 10, 2017; we did not adopt a plan during the first quarter of 2017. 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 three months of 2017 and 2016 , we granted to employees and Eligible Directors 1.1 million and 0.3 million restricted AB Holding Unit awards, respectively. We used AB Holding Units repurchased during the period and newly-issued AB Holding Units to fund these awards. During the first three months of 2017 and 2016 , AB Holding issued 0.3 million and 0.1 million AB Holding Units, respectively, upon exercise of options to buy AB Holding Units. AB Holding used the proceeds of $4.5 million and $1.5 million , respectively, received from employees as payment in cash for the exercise price to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units.

Cash Distributions

Cash Distributions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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, with the concurrence of the Board of Directors, that one or more adjustments that are made for adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. On April 27, 2017 , the General Partner declared a distribution of $0.52 per AB Unit, representing a distribution of Available Cash Flow for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . 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 May 18, 2017 to holders of record on May 8, 2017 .

Real Estate Charges

Real Estate Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Real Estate Charges	Real Estate Charges Since 2010, in connection with our workforce reductions and in an effort to reduce our global real estate footprint, we have implemented a global office space consolidation. As a result, we have sub-leased over one million square feet of office space. The activity in the liability account relating to our global space consolidation initiatives for the following periods is as follows: Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 112,932 $ 123,912 Expense (credit) incurred (2 ) 12,248 Deferred rent — 4,930 Payments made (7,318 ) (32,988 ) Interest accretion 1,045 4,830 Balance as of end of period $ 106,657 $ 112,932

Net Income per Unit

Net Income per Unit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Net income attributable to AB Unitholders $ 139,937 $ 166,284 Weighted average units outstanding – basic 268,479 271,853 Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units 534 400 Weighted average units outstanding – diluted 269,013 272,253 Basic net income per AB Unit $ 0.52 $ 0.61 Diluted net income per AB Unit $ 0.51 $ 0.60 For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we excluded 2,437,307 and 2,888,476 options, respectively, from the diluted net income computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Cash and Securities Segregated

Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , $1.2 billion and $0.9 billion , respectively, of U.S. Treasury Bills were segregated in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of our brokerage customers under Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act. One of our subsidiaries, which serves as the distributor of our U.S. mutual funds, maintains several special bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , $73.0 million and $52.9 million , respectively, of cash was segregated in these bank accounts.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Investments consist of: March 31, December 31, (in thousands) Trading: Long-term incentive compensation-related $ 46,511 $ 50,935 U.S. Treasury Bills 23,974 28,937 Seed capital 194,670 188,053 Equities 5,246 6,602 Exchange-traded options 1,558 3,106 Investments in limited partnership hedge funds: Long-term incentive compensation-related 15,059 16,826 Seed capital 27,719 23,704 Private equity 44,405 45,278 Time deposits 70,466 70,097 Other 7,444 7,567 Total investments $ 437,052 $ 441,105 Total investments related to long-term incentive compensation obligations of $61.6 million and $67.8 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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, the majority of which are pledged as collateral with clearing organizations, are held in our investment account. 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 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 a third-party venture capital fund that invests in communications, consumer, digital media, healthcare and information technology markets. In regard to our seed capital investments, the amounts above reflect those funds in which we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE or hold a controlling financial interest in a VOE. See Note 13, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds , for the seed capital investments that are consolidated entities. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , our seed capital investments were $533.5 million and $500.0 million , respectively. Seed capital investments in unconsolidated company-sponsored investment funds are valued using published net asset values or non-published net asset values if they are not listed on an active exchange but have net asset values that are comparable to funds with published net asset values and have no redemption restrictions. Trading securities also include long positions in corporate equities and long exchange-traded options traded through our options desk. The portion of trading gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to trading securities held as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Net gains recognized during the period $ 13,760 $ 1,232 Less: net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period 923 (10,361 ) Unrealized gains recognized during the period on trading securities held $ 12,837 $ 11,593

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments See Note 13, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds , for disclosure of derivative instruments held by our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. We enter into various futures, forwards, options and swaps to economically hedge certain seed capital investments. Also, we have currency forwards that economically hedge certain balance sheet exposures. 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 for derivative instruments (excluding derivative instruments relating to 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) March 31, 2017: Exchange-traded futures $ 93,712 $ 536 $ 1,909 Currency forwards 196,853 5,742 5,690 Interest rate swaps 54,105 635 708 Credit default swaps 39,988 687 1,157 Total return swaps 95,598 168 883 Total derivatives $ 480,256 $ 7,768 $ 10,347 December 31, 2016: Exchange-traded futures $ 103,108 $ 1,224 $ 1,092 Currency forwards 180,820 4,541 4,711 Interest rate swaps 40,664 940 897 Credit default swaps 45,108 1,205 905 Total return swaps 90,043 503 1,044 Total derivatives $ 459,743 $ 8,413 $ 8,649 As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Exchange-traded futures $ (5,532 ) $ 3,346 Currency forwards (1,062 ) (1,135 ) Interest rate swaps (97 ) (1,372 ) Credit default swaps (672 ) (408 ) Options swaps — 48 Total return swaps (2,129 ) (4,036 ) Net (losses) on derivative instruments $ (9,492 ) $ (3,557 ) 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 have 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 March 31, 2017, we had no cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. As of December 31, 2016 , we held $0.8 million 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 pertaining 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we delivered $8.1 million and $6.2 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we held $1.6 million and $3.1 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 both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we held $0.9 million and $0.7 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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we recognized $3.7 million and $8.6 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Offsetting [Abstract]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities See Note 13, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds , for disclosure of offsetting assets and liabilities of our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. Offsetting of assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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) March 31, 2017: Securities borrowed $ 147,124 $ — $ 147,124 $ (142,789 ) $ — $ 4,335 Derivatives $ 7,768 $ — $ 7,768 $ — $ — $ 7,768 Long exchange-traded options $ 1,558 $ — $ 1,558 $ — $ — $ 1,558 December 31, 2016: Securities borrowed $ 82,814 $ — $ 82,814 $ (80,277 ) $ — $ 2,537 Derivatives $ 8,413 $ — $ 8,413 $ — $ (810 ) $ 7,603 Long exchange-traded options $ 3,106 $ — $ 3,106 $ — $ — $ 3,106 Offsetting of liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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) March 31, 2017: Securities loaned $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivatives $ 10,347 $ — $ 10,347 $ — $ (8,146 ) $ 2,201 Short exchange-traded options $ 916 $ — $ 916 $ — $ — $ 916 December 31, 2016: Securities loaned $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivatives $ 8,649 $ — $ 8,649 $ — $ (6,239 ) $ 2,410 Short exchange-traded options $ 692 $ — $ 692 $ — $ — $ 692 Cash collateral, whether pledged or received on derivative instruments, is not considered material and, accordingly, is not disclosed by counterparty.

Fair Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value See Note 13, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds , for disclosure of fair value of our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total March 31, 2017: Money markets $ 138,734 $ — $ — $ 138,734 U.S. Treasury Bills — 1,206,774 — 1,206,774 Trading Equity securities 146,122 9,980 112 156,214 Fixed income securities 78,892 11,244 — 90,136 Long exchange-traded options 1,558 — — 1,558 Derivatives 536 7,232 — 7,768 Private equity — — 4,914 4,914 Available-for-sale 64 — — 64 Total assets measured at fair value $ 365,906 $ 1,235,230 $ 5,026 $ 1,606,162 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 14,921 $ — $ — $ 14,921 Short exchange-traded options 916 — — 916 Derivatives 1,909 8,438 — 10,347 Contingent payment arrangements — — 17,177 17,177 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 17,746 $ 8,438 $ 17,177 $ 43,361 December 31, 2016: Money markets $ 107,250 $ — $ — $ 107,250 U.S. Treasury Bills — 922,126 — 922,126 Trading Equity securities 148,128 5,724 110 153,962 Fixed income securities 80,473 11,107 — 91,580 Long exchange-traded options 3,106 — — 3,106 Derivatives 1,224 7,189 — 8,413 Private equity — — 4,913 4,913 Available-for-sale 45 — — 45 Total assets measured at fair value $ 340,226 $ 946,146 $ 5,023 $ 1,291,395 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 40,252 $ — $ — $ 40,252 Short exchange-traded options 692 — — 692 Derivatives 1,092 7,557 — 8,649 Contingent payment arrangements — — 17,589 17,589 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 42,036 $ 7,557 $ 17,589 $ 67,182 Included in Note 8, Investments, but excluded in the above fair value table, are the following investments: • Limited partnership hedge funds, which are recorded using the equity method of accounting; • Other investments, which primarily include miscellaneous investments recorded using the cost or equity method of accounting and long-term deposits; and • One private equity investment ( $39.5 million and $40.4 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively) which is measured at fair value using net asset value ("NAV"), or its equivalent, as a practical expedient. 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 NAVs 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 valued based on observable inputs from recognized pricing vendors, which 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 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. If private equity investments become publicly traded, they are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy; provided, however, if they contain trading restrictions, publicly-traded equity investments are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy until the trading restrictions expire. • 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 various acquisitions. 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 Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as private equity and trading equity securities, is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 5,023 $ 16,148 Reclassification (see below) — (9,532 ) Purchases — — Sales — — Realized gains (losses), net — — Unrealized gains (losses), net 3 (11 ) Balance as of end of period $ 5,026 $ 6,605 Transfers into and out of all levels of the fair value hierarchy are reflected at end-of-period fair values. We reclassified the investments of our consolidated private equity fund from investments to investments of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds on our condensed consolidated statement of financial condition ( see Note 13, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds) . 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. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we have an investment in a private equity fund focused exclusively on the energy sector (fair value of $4.9 million for both periods) that is classified as Level 3. This investment’s valuation is based on a market approach, considering recent transactions in the fund and the industry. The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as contingent payment arrangements, is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 17,589 $ 31,399 Accretion 178 353 Payments (590 ) (633 ) Balance as of end of period $ 17,177 $ 31,119 As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the three acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities recorded have a combined fair value of $17.2 million and $17.6 million , respectively, and are valued using a projected AUM weighted average growth rate of 18% for one acquisition, and revenue growth rates and discount rates ranging from 4% to 31% and 1.4% to 6.4% , respectively, for the three acquisitions. 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 three months ended March 31, 2017 or during the year ended December 31, 2016 .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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. AB may be involved in various matters, including regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation, some of which may allege significant damages. It is reasonably possible that we could incur losses pertaining to these matters, but currently we cannot estimate any such 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.

Consolidated Company-Sponsored

Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds	Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds We regularly provide seed capital to new company-sponsored investment funds. As such, we may consolidate or de-consolidate a variety of company-sponsored investment funds each quarter. Due to the similarity of risks related to our involvement with each company-sponsored investment fund, disclosures required under the VIE model are aggregated, such as those disclosures regarding the carrying amount and classification of assets. We are not required to provide financial support to company-sponsored investment funds and only the assets of such funds are available to settle its own liabilities. Our exposure to loss in regard to consolidated company-sponsored investment funds is limited to our investment in, and our management fee earned from, such funds. Equity and debt holders of such funds have no recourse to AB’s assets or to the general credit of AB. The balances of consolidated VIEs and VOEs included in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition were as follows: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) VIEs VOEs Total VIEs VOEs Total Cash and cash equivalents 326,324 319 326,643 337,525 — 337,525 Investments 730,533 23,889 754,422 550,850 23,226 574,076 Other assets 13,571 265 13,836 44,570 — 44,570 Total assets $ 1,070,428 $ 24,473 $ 1,094,901 $ 932,945 $ 23,226 $ 956,171 Liabilities 398,108 29 398,137 292,800 — 292,800 Redeemable non-controlling interest 394,937 7 394,944 384,294 — 384,294 Partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders 244,413 24,437 268,850 221,229 23,226 244,455 Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities 32,970 — 32,970 34,622 — 34,622 Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and partners' capital $ 1,070,428 $ 24,473 $ 1,094,901 $ 932,945 $ 23,226 $ 956,171 Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits, overnight commercial paper and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, the recorded value has been determined to approximate fair value. Valuation of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds' financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total March 31, 2017: Investments - VIEs $ 494,620 $ 225,560 $ 10,273 $ 730,453 Investments - VOEs 11,357 11,719 — 23,076 Derivatives - VIEs 39 4,319 — 4,358 Derivatives - VOEs $ — $ 13 $ — $ 13 Total assets measured at fair value $ 506,016 $ 241,611 $ 10,273 $ 757,900 Short equities - VIEs $ 381,632 $ — $ — $ 381,632 Derivatives - VIEs 20 4,848 — 4,868 Derivatives - VOEs $ — $ — $ — $ — Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 381,652 $ 4,848 $ — $ 386,500 December 31, 2016: Investments - VIEs $ 341,830 $ 203,197 $ 5,741 $ 550,768 Investments - VOEs 10,188 12,061 — 22,249 Derivatives - VIEs 58 1,739 — 1,797 Total assets measured at fair value $ 352,076 $ 216,997 $ 5,741 $ 574,814 Short equities - VIEs $ 248,419 $ — $ — $ 248,419 Derivatives - VIEs 48 2,033 — 2,081 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 248,467 $ 2,033 $ — $ 250,500 See Note 11 for 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. The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value within consolidated company-sponsored investment funds was as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 5,741 $ — Impact of adoption of ASU 2015-02 — 14,740 Transfers in 749 — Purchases 4,577 6 Sales (1,073 ) (53 ) Realized (losses), net (12 ) — Unrealized gains, net 271 715 Accrued discounts 20 18 Balance as of end of period $ 10,273 $ 15,426 The level 3 securities primarily consist of corporate bonds that are vendor priced with no ratings available, bank loans, non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities. 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. Derivative Instruments As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the VIEs held $20.4 million and $2.9 million (net), respectively, of futures, forwards and swaps within their portfolios (including $20.9 million and $3.2 million , respectively, of derivatives included in their investments balance on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , we recognized $7.2 million and $3.0 million , respectively, of gains on these derivative positions. These gains are recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the VIEs held $0.7 million and $0.5 million , respectively, of cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. This obligation to return cash is reported in the liabilities of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the VIEs delivered $5.6 million and $3.3 million , respectively, of cash collateral into brokerage accounts. The VIEs report this cash collateral in the consolidated company-sponsored investment funds cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2017 , the VOEs held $43,105 (net) of futures, forwards and swaps within their portfolios. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we recognized $0.4 million of losses on these derivative positions. These gains are recognized in investments gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. As of March 31, 2017 , the VOEs had no cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. As of March 31, 2017 , the VOEs delivered $0.3 million of cash collateral into brokerage accounts. The VOEs report this cash collateral in the consolidated company-sponsored investment funds cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities Offsetting of derivative assets of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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 Collateral Received Net Amount (in thousands) March 31, 2017: Derivatives - VIEs $ 25,255 $ — $ 25,255 $ — $ (652 ) $ 24,603 Derivatives - VOEs $ 43 $ — $ 43 $ — $ — $ 43 December 31, 2016: Derivatives - VIEs $ 4,997 $ — $ 4,997 $ — $ (461 ) $ 4,536 Offsetting of derivative liabilities of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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 Collateral Pledged Net Amount (in thousands) March 31, 2017: Derivatives - VIEs $ 4,868 $ — $ 4,868 $ — $ (4,868 ) $ — Derivatives - VOEs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — December 31, 2016: Derivatives - VIEs $ 2,081 $ — $ 2,081 $ — $ (2,081 ) $ — Cash collateral, whether pledged or received on derivative instruments, is not considered material and, accordingly, is not disclosed by counterparty. Non-Consolidated VIEs As of March 31, 2017 , the net assets of company-sponsored investment products that are non-consolidated VIEs are approximately $49.3 billion , and our maximum risk of loss is our investment of $23.6 million in these VIEs and advisory fee receivables from these VIEs, which are not material.

Units Outstanding

Units Outstanding	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Units Outstanding	Units Outstanding Changes in AB Units outstanding during the three -month period ended March 31, 2017 were as follows: Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 268,893,534 Options exercised 262,819 Units issued 907,449 Units retired (1,349,254 ) Balance as of March 31, 2017 268,714,548

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , AB had $607.9 million and $513.0 million , respectively, in commercial paper outstanding with weighted average interest rates of approximately 1.1% and 0.9% , respectively. 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 three months of 2017 and the full year 2016 were $532.2 million and $422.9 million , respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.9% and 0.6% , respectively.

Changes in Capital

Changes in Capital	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Capital	Changes in Capital Changes in capital during the three -month period ended March 31, 2017 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 4,032,017 $ 36,172 $ 4,068,189 Comprehensive income: Net income 139,937 1,632 141,569 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized (losses) on investments (18 ) — (18 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 8,791 76 8,867 Changes in employee benefit related items 189 — 189 Comprehensive income 148,899 1,708 150,607 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (198,040 ) — (198,040 ) Compensation-related transactions (18,673 ) — (18,673 ) Capital contributions to affiliates (81 ) — (81 ) Distributions to non-controlling interests of our consolidated venture capital fund — (3,137 ) (3,137 ) Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 3,964,122 $ 34,743 $ 3,998,865 Changes in capital during the three -month period ended March 31, 2016 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 3,992,748 $ 24,473 $ 4,017,221 Comprehensive income: Net income (loss) 166,284 (6,902 ) 159,382 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized (losses) on investments (6 ) — (6 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 5,174 51 5,225 Changes in employee benefit related items (433 ) — (433 ) Comprehensive income 171,019 (6,851 ) 164,168 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (153,433 ) — (153,433 ) Compensation-related transactions (37,353 ) — (37,353 ) Capital contributions from affiliates 6,348 — 6,348 Other (1 ) — (1 ) Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 3,979,328 $ 17,622 $ 3,996,950 We decreased our March 31, 2016 partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders and total capital reported in prior periods by $40.3 million as a result of a financial statement revision in the third quarter of 2016. Please see Note 1 for further discussion. During 2016, deferred taxes were not recognized on foreign currency translation adjustments for foreign subsidiaries, which had earnings that were considered permanently invested outside the United States.

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Non-controlling Interests	Non-controlling Interests Non-controlling interest in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Consolidated company-sponsored investment funds $ 16,171 $ (5,848 ) Other 147 100 Total non-controlling interest in net income (loss) $ 16,318 $ (5,748 ) Non-redeemable non-controlling interest as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Consolidated company-sponsored investment funds $ 32,970 $ 34,622 Other 1,773 1,550 Total non-redeemable non-controlling interest $ 34,743 $ 36,172 Redeemable non-controlling interest as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Consolidated company-sponsored investment funds $ 394,944 $ 384,294 CPH Capital Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S acquisition 8,665 8,665 Total redeemable non-controlling interest $ 403,609 $ 392,959

Business Description Organiza24

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	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, 2016 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include AB and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries, and the consolidated entities that are considered to be variable interest entities ("VIEs") and voting interest entities ("VOEs") and for which AB has a controlling financial interest. Non-controlling interests on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition includes the portion of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in which we do not have direct equity ownership. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications During 2017, prior period amounts for our VOEs investments previously presented as other investments are now presented as investments of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition to conform to the current period's presentation. Additionally, prior period amounts for dividend and interest related to our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds previously presented as other revenues are now presented as dividend and interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of income to conform to the current period's presentation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements/Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU') 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting . The amendment eliminates the current requirement for a retroactive adjustment and instead requires that the investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Additionally, the amendment requires that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The amendment includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements, including income tax effects of share-based payments, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and forfeitures. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued 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. We have not yet completed this analysis, but based on the analysis completed to date management does not expect the standard to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . The amendment addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments and is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendment will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, except for one provision relating to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which provision will be applied prospectively. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases . The amendment requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the statement of financial condition and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. Specifically, this guidance requires an operating lease lessee to recognize on the statement of financial condition a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. However, for leases with a term of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires lessees to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements using a modified retrospective approach. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) . The amendment is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied using a retrospective transition method. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The revised guidance will be applied prospectively, and is effective in 2020. The revised guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . The amendment requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit costs on the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations.
Consolidation of company-sponsored investment funds	Consolidation of company-sponsored investment funds We adopted ASU 2015-02, Consolidation - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ( "ASU 2015-02") effective January 1, 2016. For legal entities (company-sponsored investment funds) evaluated for consolidation, we first determine whether the fees we receive and the interests we hold qualify as a variable interest in the entity, including an evaluation of fees paid to us as a decision maker or service provider to the entity being evaluated. Fees received by us are not variable interests if (i) the fees are compensation for services provided and are commensurate with the level of effort required to provide those services, (ii) the service arrangement includes only terms, conditions or amounts that are customarily present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length, and (iii) our other economic interests in the entity held directly and indirectly through our related parties, as well as economic interests held by related parties under common control, would not absorb more than an insignificant amount of the entity’s losses or receive more than an insignificant amount of the entity’s benefits. For those entities in which we have a variable interest, we perform an analysis to determine whether the entity is a VIE by considering whether the entity’s equity investment at risk is insufficient, whether the investors lack decision making rights proportional to their ownership percentage of the entity, and whether the investors lack the obligation to absorb an entity’s expected losses or the right to receive an entity’s expected income. A VIE must be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which generally is defined as the party that has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE if we have (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive income from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For purposes of evaluating (ii) above, fees paid to us as a decision maker or service provider are excluded if the fees are compensation for services provided commensurate with the level of effort required to be performed and the arrangement includes only customary terms, conditions or amounts present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length. The primary beneficiary evaluation generally is performed qualitatively based on all facts and circumstances, as well as quantitatively, as appropriate. If we have a variable interest in an entity that is determined not to be a VIE, the entity is then evaluated for consolidation under the VOE model. For limited partnerships and similar entities, we are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE, and would be required to consolidate the entity, if we own a majority of the entity’s kick-out rights through voting limited partnership interests and limited partners do not hold substantive participating rights (or other rights that would indicate that we do not control the entity). For entities other than limited partnerships, we are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE if we own a majority voting interest in the entity. The analysis performed regarding the determination of variable interests held, whether entities are VIEs or VOEs, and whether we have a controlling financial interest in such entities requires the exercise of judgment. The analysis is updated continuously as circumstances change or new entities are formed.

Business Description Organiza25

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Ownership Structure of AB as a Percentage of General and Limited Partnership Interests	As of March 31, 2017 , the ownership structure of AB, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, is as follows: AXA and its subsidiaries 63.2 % AB Holding 35.5 Unaffiliated holders 1.3 100.0 %
Summary of Revision	The table below reflects the revisions to these line items for the three months ended March 31, 2016 that are included in this Form 10-Q: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 As Reported Adjustment As Revised (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Income taxes $ 9,864 $ 2,642 $ 12,506 Net income attributable to AB Unitholders 168,926 (2,642 ) 166,284 Basic net income per AB Unit 0.62 (0.01 ) 0.61 Diluted net income per AB Unit 0.61 (0.01 ) 0.60

Real Estate Charges (Tables)

Real Estate Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Real Estate Liability Account Activity Related to Office Space Consolidation Initiatives	Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 112,932 $ 123,912 Expense (credit) incurred (2 ) 12,248 Deferred rent — 4,930 Payments made (7,318 ) (32,988 ) Interest accretion 1,045 4,830 Balance as of end of period $ 106,657 $ 112,932

Net Income per Unit (Tables)

Net Income per Unit (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
Schedule of 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 March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Net income attributable to AB Unitholders $ 139,937 $ 166,284 Weighted average units outstanding – basic 268,479 271,853 Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units 534 400 Weighted average units outstanding – diluted 269,013 272,253 Basic net income per AB Unit $ 0.52 $ 0.61 Diluted net income per AB Unit $ 0.51 $ 0.60

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Investments	Investments consist of: March 31, December 31, (in thousands) Trading: Long-term incentive compensation-related $ 46,511 $ 50,935 U.S. Treasury Bills 23,974 28,937 Seed capital 194,670 188,053 Equities 5,246 6,602 Exchange-traded options 1,558 3,106 Investments in limited partnership hedge funds: Long-term incentive compensation-related 15,059 16,826 Seed capital 27,719 23,704 Private equity 44,405 45,278 Time deposits 70,466 70,097 Other 7,444 7,567 Total investments $ 437,052 $ 441,105
Portion of Trading Gains (Losses) Related to Trading Securities	The portion of trading gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 related to trading securities held as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Net gains recognized during the period $ 13,760 $ 1,232 Less: net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period 923 (10,361 ) Unrealized gains recognized during the period on trading securities held $ 12,837 $ 11,593

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional and Fair Value for Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	The notional value and fair value as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 for derivative instruments (excluding derivative instruments relating to 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) March 31, 2017: Exchange-traded futures $ 93,712 $ 536 $ 1,909 Currency forwards 196,853 5,742 5,690 Interest rate swaps 54,105 635 708 Credit default swaps 39,988 687 1,157 Total return swaps 95,598 168 883 Total derivatives $ 480,256 $ 7,768 $ 10,347 December 31, 2016: Exchange-traded futures $ 103,108 $ 1,224 $ 1,092 Currency forwards 180,820 4,541 4,711 Interest rate swaps 40,664 940 897 Credit default swaps 45,108 1,205 905 Total return swaps 90,043 503 1,044 Total derivatives $ 459,743 $ 8,413 $ 8,649
Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Recognized in Investment Gains (Losses) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	The gains and losses for derivative instruments (excluding our options desk trading activities) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Exchange-traded futures $ (5,532 ) $ 3,346 Currency forwards (1,062 ) (1,135 ) Interest rate swaps (97 ) (1,372 ) Credit default swaps (672 ) (408 ) Options swaps — 48 Total return swaps (2,129 ) (4,036 ) Net (losses) on derivative instruments $ (9,492 ) $ (3,557 )

Offsetting Assets and Liabili30

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Offsetting [Abstract]
Schedule of Offsetting of Financial Assets	Offsetting of assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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) March 31, 2017: Securities borrowed $ 147,124 $ — $ 147,124 $ (142,789 ) $ — $ 4,335 Derivatives $ 7,768 $ — $ 7,768 $ — $ — $ 7,768 Long exchange-traded options $ 1,558 $ — $ 1,558 $ — $ — $ 1,558 December 31, 2016: Securities borrowed $ 82,814 $ — $ 82,814 $ (80,277 ) $ — $ 2,537 Derivatives $ 8,413 $ — $ 8,413 $ — $ (810 ) $ 7,603 Long exchange-traded options $ 3,106 $ — $ 3,106 $ — $ — $ 3,106
Schedule of Offsetting of Financial Liabilities	Offsetting of liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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) March 31, 2017: Securities loaned $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivatives $ 10,347 $ — $ 10,347 $ — $ (8,146 ) $ 2,201 Short exchange-traded options $ 916 $ — $ 916 $ — $ — $ 916 December 31, 2016: Securities loaned $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivatives $ 8,649 $ — $ 8,649 $ — $ (6,239 ) $ 2,410 Short exchange-traded options $ 692 $ — $ 692 $ — $ — $ 692

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	Valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total March 31, 2017: Money markets $ 138,734 $ — $ — $ 138,734 U.S. Treasury Bills — 1,206,774 — 1,206,774 Trading Equity securities 146,122 9,980 112 156,214 Fixed income securities 78,892 11,244 — 90,136 Long exchange-traded options 1,558 — — 1,558 Derivatives 536 7,232 — 7,768 Private equity — — 4,914 4,914 Available-for-sale 64 — — 64 Total assets measured at fair value $ 365,906 $ 1,235,230 $ 5,026 $ 1,606,162 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 14,921 $ — $ — $ 14,921 Short exchange-traded options 916 — — 916 Derivatives 1,909 8,438 — 10,347 Contingent payment arrangements — — 17,177 17,177 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 17,746 $ 8,438 $ 17,177 $ 43,361 December 31, 2016: Money markets $ 107,250 $ — $ — $ 107,250 U.S. Treasury Bills — 922,126 — 922,126 Trading Equity securities 148,128 5,724 110 153,962 Fixed income securities 80,473 11,107 — 91,580 Long exchange-traded options 3,106 — — 3,106 Derivatives 1,224 7,189 — 8,413 Private equity — — 4,913 4,913 Available-for-sale 45 — — 45 Total assets measured at fair value $ 340,226 $ 946,146 $ 5,023 $ 1,291,395 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 40,252 $ — $ — $ 40,252 Short exchange-traded options 692 — — 692 Derivatives 1,092 7,557 — 8,649 Contingent payment arrangements — — 17,589 17,589 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 42,036 $ 7,557 $ 17,589 $ 67,182
Schedule of Change in Carrying Value Level 3 Financial Instruments	The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as private equity and trading equity securities, is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 5,023 $ 16,148 Reclassification (see below) — (9,532 ) Purchases — — Sales — — Realized gains (losses), net — — Unrealized gains (losses), net 3 (11 ) Balance as of end of period $ 5,026 $ 6,605
Schedule of Contingent Payment Arrangements Level 3 Financial Instruments	The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as contingent payment arrangements, is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 17,589 $ 31,399 Accretion 178 353 Payments (590 ) (633 ) Balance as of end of period $ 17,177 $ 31,119

Consolidated Company-Sponsore32

Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	Valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total March 31, 2017: Money markets $ 138,734 $ — $ — $ 138,734 U.S. Treasury Bills — 1,206,774 — 1,206,774 Trading Equity securities 146,122 9,980 112 156,214 Fixed income securities 78,892 11,244 — 90,136 Long exchange-traded options 1,558 — — 1,558 Derivatives 536 7,232 — 7,768 Private equity — — 4,914 4,914 Available-for-sale 64 — — 64 Total assets measured at fair value $ 365,906 $ 1,235,230 $ 5,026 $ 1,606,162 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 14,921 $ — $ — $ 14,921 Short exchange-traded options 916 — — 916 Derivatives 1,909 8,438 — 10,347 Contingent payment arrangements — — 17,177 17,177 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 17,746 $ 8,438 $ 17,177 $ 43,361 December 31, 2016: Money markets $ 107,250 $ — $ — $ 107,250 U.S. Treasury Bills — 922,126 — 922,126 Trading Equity securities 148,128 5,724 110 153,962 Fixed income securities 80,473 11,107 — 91,580 Long exchange-traded options 3,106 — — 3,106 Derivatives 1,224 7,189 — 8,413 Private equity — — 4,913 4,913 Available-for-sale 45 — — 45 Total assets measured at fair value $ 340,226 $ 946,146 $ 5,023 $ 1,291,395 Securities sold not yet purchased Short equities – corporate $ 40,252 $ — $ — $ 40,252 Short exchange-traded options 692 — — 692 Derivatives 1,092 7,557 — 8,649 Contingent payment arrangements — — 17,589 17,589 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 42,036 $ 7,557 $ 17,589 $ 67,182
Schedule of Offsetting of Derivative Assets	Offsetting of assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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) March 31, 2017: Securities borrowed $ 147,124 $ — $ 147,124 $ (142,789 ) $ — $ 4,335 Derivatives $ 7,768 $ — $ 7,768 $ — $ — $ 7,768 Long exchange-traded options $ 1,558 $ — $ 1,558 $ — $ — $ 1,558 December 31, 2016: Securities borrowed $ 82,814 $ — $ 82,814 $ (80,277 ) $ — $ 2,537 Derivatives $ 8,413 $ — $ 8,413 $ — $ (810 ) $ 7,603 Long exchange-traded options $ 3,106 $ — $ 3,106 $ — $ — $ 3,106
Schedule of Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities	Offsetting of liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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) March 31, 2017: Securities loaned $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivatives $ 10,347 $ — $ 10,347 $ — $ (8,146 ) $ 2,201 Short exchange-traded options $ 916 $ — $ 916 $ — $ — $ 916 December 31, 2016: Securities loaned $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Derivatives $ 8,649 $ — $ 8,649 $ — $ (6,239 ) $ 2,410 Short exchange-traded options $ 692 $ — $ 692 $ — $ — $ 692
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Balances of Consolidated VIEs and VOEs included in Statement of Financial Condition	The balances of consolidated VIEs and VOEs included in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition were as follows: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) VIEs VOEs Total VIEs VOEs Total Cash and cash equivalents 326,324 319 326,643 337,525 — 337,525 Investments 730,533 23,889 754,422 550,850 23,226 574,076 Other assets 13,571 265 13,836 44,570 — 44,570 Total assets $ 1,070,428 $ 24,473 $ 1,094,901 $ 932,945 $ 23,226 $ 956,171 Liabilities 398,108 29 398,137 292,800 — 292,800 Redeemable non-controlling interest 394,937 7 394,944 384,294 — 384,294 Partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders 244,413 24,437 268,850 221,229 23,226 244,455 Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities 32,970 — 32,970 34,622 — 34,622 Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and partners' capital $ 1,070,428 $ 24,473 $ 1,094,901 $ 932,945 $ 23,226 $ 956,171
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value within consolidated company-sponsored investment funds was as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 5,741 $ — Impact of adoption of ASU 2015-02 — 14,740 Transfers in 749 — Purchases 4,577 6 Sales (1,073 ) (53 ) Realized (losses), net (12 ) — Unrealized gains, net 271 715 Accrued discounts 20 18 Balance as of end of period $ 10,273 $ 15,426 Valuation of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds' financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total March 31, 2017: Investments - VIEs $ 494,620 $ 225,560 $ 10,273 $ 730,453 Investments - VOEs 11,357 11,719 — 23,076 Derivatives - VIEs 39 4,319 — 4,358 Derivatives - VOEs $ — $ 13 $ — $ 13 Total assets measured at fair value $ 506,016 $ 241,611 $ 10,273 $ 757,900 Short equities - VIEs $ 381,632 $ — $ — $ 381,632 Derivatives - VIEs 20 4,848 — 4,868 Derivatives - VOEs $ — $ — $ — $ — Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 381,652 $ 4,848 $ — $ 386,500 December 31, 2016: Investments - VIEs $ 341,830 $ 203,197 $ 5,741 $ 550,768 Investments - VOEs 10,188 12,061 — 22,249 Derivatives - VIEs 58 1,739 — 1,797 Total assets measured at fair value $ 352,076 $ 216,997 $ 5,741 $ 574,814 Short equities - VIEs $ 248,419 $ — $ — $ 248,419 Derivatives - VIEs 48 2,033 — 2,081 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 248,467 $ 2,033 $ — $ 250,500
Schedule of Offsetting of Derivative Assets	Offsetting of derivative assets of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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 Collateral Received Net Amount (in thousands) March 31, 2017: Derivatives - VIEs $ 25,255 $ — $ 25,255 $ — $ (652 ) $ 24,603 Derivatives - VOEs $ 43 $ — $ 43 $ — $ — $ 43 December 31, 2016: Derivatives - VIEs $ 4,997 $ — $ 4,997 $ — $ (461 ) $ 4,536
Schedule of Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities	Offsetting of derivative liabilities of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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 Collateral Pledged Net Amount (in thousands) March 31, 2017: Derivatives - VIEs $ 4,868 $ — $ 4,868 $ — $ (4,868 ) $ — Derivatives - VOEs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — December 31, 2016: Derivatives - VIEs $ 2,081 $ — $ 2,081 $ — $ (2,081 ) $ —

Units Outstanding (Tables)

Units Outstanding (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in AB Units Outstanding	Changes in AB Units outstanding during the three -month period ended March 31, 2017 were as follows: Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 268,893,534 Options exercised 262,819 Units issued 907,449 Units retired (1,349,254 ) Balance as of March 31, 2017 268,714,548

Changes in Capital (Tables)

Changes in Capital (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Capital	Changes in capital during the three -month period ended March 31, 2017 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 4,032,017 $ 36,172 $ 4,068,189 Comprehensive income: Net income 139,937 1,632 141,569 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized (losses) on investments (18 ) — (18 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 8,791 76 8,867 Changes in employee benefit related items 189 — 189 Comprehensive income 148,899 1,708 150,607 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (198,040 ) — (198,040 ) Compensation-related transactions (18,673 ) — (18,673 ) Capital contributions to affiliates (81 ) — (81 ) Distributions to non-controlling interests of our consolidated venture capital fund — (3,137 ) (3,137 ) Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 3,964,122 $ 34,743 $ 3,998,865 Changes in capital during the three -month period ended March 31, 2016 were as follows: Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities Total Capital (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 3,992,748 $ 24,473 $ 4,017,221 Comprehensive income: Net income (loss) 166,284 (6,902 ) 159,382 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized (losses) on investments (6 ) — (6 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 5,174 51 5,225 Changes in employee benefit related items (433 ) — (433 ) Comprehensive income 171,019 (6,851 ) 164,168 Distributions to General Partner and unitholders (153,433 ) — (153,433 ) Compensation-related transactions (37,353 ) — (37,353 ) Capital contributions from affiliates 6,348 — 6,348 Other (1 ) — (1 ) Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 3,979,328 $ 17,622 $ 3,996,950

Non-controlling Interests (Tabl

Non-controlling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Non-controlling Interest in Net Income	Non-controlling interest in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Consolidated company-sponsored investment funds $ 16,171 $ (5,848 ) Other 147 100 Total non-controlling interest in net income (loss) $ 16,318 $ (5,748 )
Non-redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Non-redeemable non-controlling interest as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Consolidated company-sponsored investment funds $ 32,970 $ 34,622 Other 1,773 1,550 Total non-redeemable non-controlling interest $ 34,743 $ 36,172
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Redeemable non-controlling interest as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Consolidated company-sponsored investment funds $ 394,944 $ 384,294 CPH Capital Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S acquisition 8,665 8,665 Total redeemable non-controlling interest $ 403,609 $ 392,959

Business Description Organiza36

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
AXA and its subsidiaries ownership interest in holding company (percent)	1.50%
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (percent)	100.00%
General partnership information [Abstract]
General Partnership number of general partnership units owned in Holding Company (in units)	100,000
General partnership interest in Company (percent)	1.00%
AXA and its subsidiaries economic interest in Company (percent)	63.80%
AXA and its subsidiaries
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (percent)	63.20%
AB Holding
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (percent)	35.50%
Unaffiliated holders
Ownership structure of AllianceBernstein expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests [Abstract]
Limited partners or members ownership interest in company (percent)	1.30%

Business Description Organiza37

Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation (Revision) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Income taxes	$ 10,057	$ 12,506
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 139,937	$ 166,284
Basic net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.52	$ 0.61
Diluted net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.51	$ 0.60
As Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Income taxes		$ 9,864
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders		$ 168,926
Basic net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)		$ 0.62
Diluted net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)		$ 0.61
Adjustment
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Income taxes		$ 2,642
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders		$ (2,642)
Basic net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)		$ (0.01)
Diluted net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)		$ (0.01)

Long-term Incentive Compensat38

Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
AB Holding Units purchased (in units)	1,300,000	1,900,000
Amount paid for AB Holding Units acquired	$ 31,000	$ 39,700
Open-market purchases of AB Holding Units (in units)	1,200,000	1,800,000
Amount paid for open-market purchases of AB Holding Units	$ 27,800	$ 38,100
Restricted AB Holding Units awarded to employees (in units)	1,100,000	300,000
Units issued upon exercise of options (in units)	262,819	100,000
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$ 4,468	$ 1,457

Cash Distributions (Details)

Cash Distributions (Details) - $ / shares	Apr. 27, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]
General partnership interest in Company (percent)		1.00%
Subsequent Event
Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]
Distribution declared (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.52
Cash Distribution
Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]
Declaration date		Apr. 27, 2017
General partnership interest in Company (percent)		1.00%
Distribution date		May 18, 2017
Date of record		May 8, 2017

Real Estate Charges (Details)

Real Estate Charges (Details) $ in Thousands, ft² in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Square feet of office space sub-leased | ft²	1
Real estate liability restructuring reserve [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 112,932	$ 123,912
Expense (credit) incurred	(2)	12,248
Deferred rent	0	4,930
Payments made	(7,318)	(32,988)
Interest accretion	1,045	4,830
Balance as of end of period	$ 106,657	$ 112,932

Net Income per Unit (Details)

Net Income per Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
General partnership interest in Company (percent)	1.00%
Limited Partners interest in Company (as a percent)	99.00%
Net income per unit, basic and diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders	$ 139,937	$ 166,284
Weighted average units outstanding – basic (in units)	268,479,000	271,853,000
Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units (in units)	534,000	400,000
Weighted average units outstanding – diluted (in units)	269,013,000	272,253,000
Basic net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.52	$ 0.61
Diluted net income per AB Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.51	$ 0.60
Options excluded from diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect (in units)	2,437,307	2,888,476

Cash and Securities Segregate42

Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]
United States Treasury Bills in special reserve bank custody account for exclusive benefit of brokerage customers of SCB LLC	$ 1,200	$ 900
Restricted funds held for benefit of customers by AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.	$ 73	$ 52.9

Investments (Summary of Investm

Investments (Summary of Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	$ 437,052	$ 441,105
Long-term incentive compensation obligations	61,570	67,761
Seed capital
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	533,500	500,000
Private equity
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	44,405	45,278
Time deposits
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	70,466	70,097
Trading | Long-term incentive compensation-related
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	46,511	50,935
Trading | U.S. Treasury Bills
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	23,974	28,937
Trading | Seed capital
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	194,670	188,053
Trading | Equities
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	5,246	6,602
Trading | Exchange-traded options
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	1,558	3,106
Investments in limited partnership hedge funds | Long-term incentive compensation-related
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	15,059	16,826
Investments in limited partnership hedge funds | Seed capital
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	27,719	23,704
Other
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments owned	$ 7,444	$ 7,567

Investments (Gains (Losses) Rel

Investments (Gains (Losses) Related to Trading Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net gains recognized during the period	$ 13,760	$ 1,232
Less: net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period	923	(10,361)
Unrealized gains recognized during the period on trading securities held	$ 12,837	$ 11,593

Derivative Instruments (Notiona

Derivative Instruments (Notional Value and Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	$ 480,256	$ 459,743
Asset Derivatives	7,768	8,413
Liability Derivatives	10,347	8,649
Exchange-traded futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	93,712	103,108
Asset Derivatives	536	1,224
Liability Derivatives	1,909	1,092
Currency forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	196,853	180,820
Asset Derivatives	5,742	4,541
Liability Derivatives	5,690	4,711
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	54,105	40,664
Asset Derivatives	635	940
Liability Derivatives	708	897
Credit default swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	39,988	45,108
Asset Derivatives	687	1,205
Liability Derivatives	1,157	905
Total return swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	95,598	90,043
Asset Derivatives	168	503
Liability Derivatives	$ 883	$ 1,044

Derivative Instruments (Gains a

Derivative Instruments (Gains and Losses for Derivative Instruments Recognized in Investment Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Net (losses) on derivative instruments	$ (9,492)	$ (3,557)
Exchange-traded futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Net (losses) on derivative instruments	(5,532)	3,346
Currency forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Net (losses) on derivative instruments	(1,062)	(1,135)
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Net (losses) on derivative instruments	(97)	(1,372)
Credit default swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Net (losses) on derivative instruments	(672)	(408)
Option swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Net (losses) on derivative instruments	0	48
Total return swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Net (losses) on derivative instruments	$ (2,129)	$ (4,036)

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral payable to trade counterparties	$ 0		$ 800,000
Cash collateral received	8,100,000		6,200,000
Loss on equity options activity	3,700,000	$ 8,600,000
Exchange-traded options | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral payable to trade counterparties	0		0
Long exchange-traded equity options, classified as trading investments	1,600,000		3,100,000
Exchange-traded options | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral received	0		0
Short exchange-traded equity options, included in securities sold not yet purchased	$ 900,000		$ 700,000

Offsetting Assets and Liabili48

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Offsetting Assets) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Cash Collateral Received	$ 0	$ (800,000)
Securities borrowed
Securities Borrowed [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	147,124,000	82,814,000
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	147,124,000	82,814,000
Financial Instruments	(142,789,000)	(80,277,000)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	4,335,000	2,537,000
Derivatives
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	7,768,000	8,413,000
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	7,768,000	8,413,000
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	(810,000)
Net Amount	7,768,000	7,603,000
Exchange-traded options | Long
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	1,558,000	3,106,000
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	1,558,000	3,106,000
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	$ 1,558,000	$ 3,106,000

Offsetting Assets and Liabili49

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Offsetting Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Cash Collateral Pledged	$ (8,100)	$ (6,200)
Securities loaned
Securities Loaned [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	0	0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Amount	0	0
Derivatives
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	10,347	8,649
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	10,347	8,649
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	(8,146)	(6,239)
Net Amount	2,201	2,410
Exchange-traded options | Short
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	916	692
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	916	692
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Amount	$ 916	$ 692

Fair Value (Valuation of Financ

Fair Value (Valuation of Financial Instruments) (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money markets	$ 138,734	$ 107,250
U.S. Treasury Bills	1,206,774	922,126
Trading
Equity securities	156,214	153,962
Fixed income securities	90,136	91,580
Long exchange-traded options	1,558	3,106
Derivatives	7,768	8,413
Private equity	4,914	4,913
Available-for-sale	64	45
Total assets measured at fair value	1,606,162	1,291,395
Securities sold not yet purchased
Short equities – corporate	14,921	40,252
Short exchange-traded options	916	692
Derivatives	10,347	8,649
Contingent payment arrangements	17,177	17,589
Total liabilities measured at fair value	43,361	67,182
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money markets	138,734	107,250
U.S. Treasury Bills	0	0
Trading
Equity securities	146,122	148,128
Fixed income securities	78,892	80,473
Long exchange-traded options	1,558	3,106
Derivatives	536	1,224
Private equity	0	0
Available-for-sale	64	45
Total assets measured at fair value	365,906	340,226
Securities sold not yet purchased
Short equities – corporate	14,921	40,252
Short exchange-traded options	916	692
Derivatives	1,909	1,092
Contingent payment arrangements	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	17,746	42,036
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money markets	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills	1,206,774	922,126
Trading
Equity securities	9,980	5,724
Fixed income securities	11,244	11,107
Long exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	7,232	7,189
Private equity	0	0
Available-for-sale	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	1,235,230	946,146
Securities sold not yet purchased
Short equities – corporate	0	0
Short exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	8,438	7,557
Contingent payment arrangements	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	8,438	7,557
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money markets	0	0
U.S. Treasury Bills	0	0
Trading
Equity securities	112	110
Fixed income securities	0	0
Long exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Private equity	4,914	4,913
Available-for-sale	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	5,026	5,023
Securities sold not yet purchased
Short equities – corporate	0	0
Short exchange-traded options	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Contingent payment arrangements	17,177	17,589
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ 17,177	$ 17,589

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)investmentacquisition	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)investmentacquisition
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Number of private equity investments measured using practical expedient | investment	1	1
Private equity investments measured at cost	$ 39,500	$ 40,400
Assets measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0
Contingent Payment Arrangements
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | acquisition	3	3
Private Equity Investment Energy Fund
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investments	$ 4,900	$ 4,900
Recurring
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangements	17,177	17,589
Recurring | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Contingent payment arrangements	$ 17,200	$ 17,600
Weighted Average | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
AUM growth rate	18.00%
Minimum | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Revenue growth rate	4.00%
Discount rate	1.40%
Maximum | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Revenue growth rate	31.00%
Discount rate	6.40%

Fair Value (Change in Carrying

Fair Value (Change in Carrying Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair value measurement Level 3 reconciliation [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 5,023	$ 16,148
Reclassification adjustment	0	(9,532)
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Realized gains (losses), net	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses), net	3	(11)
Balance as of end of period	$ 5,026	$ 6,605

Fair Value (Change in Carryin53

Fair Value (Change in Carrying Value Associated with Contingent Payment Arrangements Level 3 Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Liabilities Measurement Level 3 reconciliation
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 17,589	$ 31,399
Accretion	178	353
Payments	(590)	(633)
Balance as of end of period	$ 17,177	$ 31,119

Consolidated Company-Sponsore54

Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds (Summary of Balance Sheet Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,064,877	$ 994,510	$ 829,233	$ 577,300
Other assets	229,058	195,615
Total assets	9,482,404	8,740,448
Liabilities	5,079,930	4,279,300
Redeemable non-controlling interest	403,609	392,959
Partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders	3,964,122	4,032,017
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	34,743	36,172
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and capital	9,482,404	8,740,448
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	326,643	337,525
Investments	754,422	574,076
Other assets	13,836	44,570
Liabilities	398,137	292,800
Redeemable non-controlling interest	394,944	384,294
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	32,970	34,622
Reportable entities | Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	326,643	337,525
Investments	754,422	574,076
Other assets	13,836	44,570
Total assets	1,094,901	956,171
Liabilities	398,137	292,800
Redeemable non-controlling interest	394,944	384,294
Partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders	268,850	244,455
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	32,970	34,622
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and capital	1,094,901	956,171
Reportable entities | VIEs
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	326,324	337,525
Investments	730,533	550,850
Other assets	13,571	44,570
Total assets	1,070,428	932,945
Liabilities	398,108	292,800
Redeemable non-controlling interest	394,937	384,294
Partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders	244,413	221,229
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	32,970	34,622
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and capital	1,070,428	932,945
Reportable entities | VOEs
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	319	0
Investments	23,889	23,226
Other assets	265	0
Total assets	24,473	23,226
Liabilities	29	0
Redeemable non-controlling interest	7	0
Partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders	24,437	23,226
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	0	0
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and capital	$ 24,473	$ 23,226

Consolidated Company-Sponsore55

Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds (Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	$ 7,768	$ 8,413
Total assets measured at fair value	1,606,162	1,291,395
Short equities	14,921	40,252
Derivatives	10,347	8,649
Total liabilities measured at fair value	43,361	67,182
Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	536	1,224
Total assets measured at fair value	365,906	340,226
Short equities	14,921	40,252
Derivatives	1,909	1,092
Total liabilities measured at fair value	17,746	42,036
Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	7,232	7,189
Total assets measured at fair value	1,235,230	946,146
Short equities	0	0
Derivatives	8,438	7,557
Total liabilities measured at fair value	8,438	7,557
Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	5,026	5,023
Short equities	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	17,177	17,589
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member] | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets measured at fair value	757,900	574,814
Total liabilities measured at fair value	386,500	250,500
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member] | Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets measured at fair value	506,016	352,076
Total liabilities measured at fair value	381,652	248,467
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member] | Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets measured at fair value	241,611	216,997
Total liabilities measured at fair value	4,848	2,033
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member] | Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets measured at fair value	10,273	5,741
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
VIEs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	25,255	4,997
Derivatives	4,868	2,081
VIEs | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	730,453	550,768
Derivatives	4,358	1,797
Derivatives	4,868	2,081
VIEs | Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	494,620	341,830
Derivatives	39	58
Derivatives	20	48
VIEs | Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	225,560	203,197
Derivatives	4,319	1,739
Derivatives	4,848	2,033
VIEs | Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	10,273	5,741
Derivatives	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
VIEs | Short | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short equities	381,632	248,419
VIEs | Short | Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short equities	381,632	248,419
VIEs | Short | Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short equities	0	0
VIEs | Short | Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short equities	0	0
VOEs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	43
Derivatives	0
VOEs | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	23,076	22,249
Derivatives	13
Derivatives	0
VOEs | Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	11,357	10,188
Derivatives	0
Derivatives	0
VOEs | Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	11,719	12,061
Derivatives	13
Derivatives	0
VOEs | Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	0	$ 0
Derivatives	0
Derivatives	$ 0

Consolidated Company-Sponsore56

Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds (Change in Carrying Value Associated with Level 3 Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair value measurement Level 3 reconciliation [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 5,023	$ 16,148
Transfers in	0	(9,532)
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Realized gains (losses), net	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses), net	3	(11)
Balance as of end of period	5,026	6,605
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member]
Fair value measurement Level 3 reconciliation [Abstract]
Balance as of beginning of period	5,741	0
Impact of adoption of ASU 2015-02	0	14,740
Transfers in	749	0
Purchases	4,577	6
Sales	(1,073)	(53)
Realized gains (losses), net	(12)	0
Unrealized gains (losses), net	271	715
Accrued discounts	20	18
Balance as of end of period	$ 10,273	$ 15,426

Consolidated Company-Sponsore57

Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments	$ (9,492,000)	$ (3,557,000)
Cash collateral payable to trade counterparties	0		$ 800,000
Cash collateral received	8,100,000		6,200,000
Net assets of investment products that are non-consolidated VIEs	49,300,000,000
Maximum risk of loss in investment in VIEs	23,600,000
VIEs
Derivative [Line Items]
Futures, forwards and swaps held	20,400,000		2,900,000
Asset Derivatives	20,900,000		3,200,000
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments	7,200,000	$ 3,000,000
Cash collateral payable to trade counterparties	652,000		461,000
Cash collateral received	5,600,000		$ 3,300,000
VOEs
Derivative [Line Items]
Futures, forwards and swaps held	43,105
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments	(400,000)
Cash collateral payable to trade counterparties	0
Cash collateral received	$ 300,000

Consolidated Company-Sponsore58

Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds (Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Cash Collateral Received	$ 0	$ (800,000)
VIEs
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	25,255,000	4,997,000
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	25,255,000	4,997,000
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	(652,000)	(461,000)
Net Amount	24,603,000	4,536,000
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	4,868,000	2,081,000
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	4,868,000	2,081,000
Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral Pledged	(4,868,000)	(2,081,000)
Net Amount	0	$ 0
VOEs
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	43,000
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	43,000
Financial Instruments	0
Cash Collateral Received	0
Net Amount	43,000
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	0
Financial Instruments	0
Collateral Pledged	0
Net Amount	$ 0

Units Outstanding (Details)

Units Outstanding (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Units Outstanding
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 (in units)	268,893,534
Options exercised (in units)	262,819	100,000
Units issued (in units)	907,449
Units retired (in units)	(1,349,254)
Balance as of March 31, 2017 (in units)	268,714,548

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt outstanding	$ 607,941	$ 512,970
Commercial Paper
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term debt outstanding	$ 607,900	$ 513,000
Weighted average interest rates on short-term debt outstanding	1.10%	0.90%
Average daily borrowings	$ 532,200	$ 422,900
Weighted average interest rates on average daily borrowings	0.90%	0.60%

Changes in Capital (Details)

Changes in Capital (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Partners' capital, beginning balance	$ 4,032,017
Partners' capital attributable to non-controlling interest, beginning balance	36,172
Partner's capital including portion attributable to non-controlling interest, beginning balance	4,068,189
Comprehensive income:
Net income	156,255	$ 160,536
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,867	5,225
Changes in employee benefit related items	189	(433)
Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders	148,899	171,019
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(198,040)	(153,433)
Capital contributions (to) from affiliates	(81)	6,348
Partners' capital, ending balance	3,964,122
Partners' capital attributable to non-controlling interest, ending balance	34,743
Partner's capital including portion attributable to non-controlling interest, ending balance	3,998,865
Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Partners' capital, beginning balance	4,032,017	3,992,748
Comprehensive income:
Net income	139,937	166,284
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(18)	(6)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,791	5,174
Changes in employee benefit related items	189	(433)
Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders	148,899	171,019
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(198,040)	(153,433)
Compensation-related transactions	(18,673)	(37,353)
Capital contributions (to) from affiliates	(81)	6,348
Other		(1)
Distributions to non-controlling interests of our consolidated venture capital fund	0
Partners' capital, ending balance	3,964,122	3,979,328
Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Partners' capital attributable to non-controlling interest, beginning balance	36,172	24,473
Comprehensive income:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,632	(6,902)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	76	51
Changes in employee benefit related items	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	1,708	(6,851)
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	0	0
Compensation-related transactions	0	0
Capital contributions (to) from affiliates	0	0
Other		0
Distributions to non-controlling interests of our consolidated venture capital fund	(3,137)
Partners' capital attributable to non-controlling interest, ending balance	34,743	17,622
Total Capital
Changes in capital [Roll Forward]
Partner's capital including portion attributable to non-controlling interest, beginning balance	4,068,189	4,017,221
Comprehensive income:
Net income	141,569	159,382
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(18)	(6)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,867	5,225
Changes in employee benefit related items	189	(433)
Comprehensive income	150,607	164,168
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders	(198,040)	(153,433)
Compensation-related transactions	(18,673)	(37,353)
Capital contributions (to) from affiliates	(81)	6,348
Other		(1)
Distributions to non-controlling interests of our consolidated venture capital fund	(3,137)
Partner's capital including portion attributable to non-controlling interest, ending balance	$ 3,998,865	3,996,950
Adjustment
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Partners' capital, ending balance		$ (40,300)

Non-controlling Interests (Deta

Non-controlling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest in net income (loss)	$ 16,318	$ (5,748)
Non-redeemable non-controlling interest	34,743		$ 36,172
Redeemable non-controlling interest	403,609		392,959
CPH acquisition
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable non-controlling interest	8,665		8,665
Other
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest in net income (loss)	147	100
Non-redeemable non-controlling interest	1,773		1,550
Consolidated Investment Portfolios [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest in net income (loss)	16,171	$ (5,848)
Non-redeemable non-controlling interest	32,970		34,622
Redeemable non-controlling interest	$ 394,944		$ 384,294