| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2024 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ( "US GAAP" ). The preparation of the 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation The 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" ) in which AB has a controlling financial interest. Non-controlling interests on the consolidated statements of financial condition include 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. |
| Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements/Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted | Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements or Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2023, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB ”) issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which required disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We adopted this standard effective for our financial statements issued for fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. 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 December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures . This amendment is expected to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures by requiring public business entities, on an annual basis, to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold and certain information about income taxes paid. This revised guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The revised guidance will not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This amendment is expected to improve financial reporting by requiring that public business entities disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements at interim and annual reporting periods. This information is not generally presented in the financial statements today. The amendments in this update do not change or remove current expense disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this update should be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this update or retrospectively to any or all periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impacts of the new standard. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Investment Advisory and Services Fees AB provides asset management services by managing customer assets and seeking to deliver investment returns to investors. Each investment management contract between AB and a customer creates a distinct, separately identifiable performance obligation for each day the customer’s assets are managed as the customer can benefit from each day of service. In accordance with ASC 606, a series of distinct goods and services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer are treated as a single performance obligation. Accordingly, we have determined that our investment and advisory services are performed over time and entitle us to variable consideration earned based on the value of the investors’ assets under management (“ AUM ”). We calculate AUM using established market-based valuation methods and fair valuation (non-observable market) methods. Market-based valuation methods include: last sale/settle prices from an exchange for actively-traded listed equities, options and futures; evaluated bid prices from recognized pricing vendors for fixed income, asset-backed or mortgage-backed issues; mid prices from recognized pricing vendors and brokers for credit default swaps; and quoted bids or spreads from pricing vendors and brokers for other derivative products. Fair valuation methods include: discounted cash flow models or any other methodology that is validated and approved by our Valuation Committee ( see paragraph immediately below for additional information about our Valuation Committee). Fair valuation methods are used only where AUM cannot be valued using market-based valuation methods, such as in the case of private equity or illiquid securities. The Valuation Committee, which consists of senior officers and employees, is responsible for overseeing the pricing and valuation of all investments held in client and AB portfolios. The Valuation Committee has adopted a Statement of Pricing Policies describing principles and policies that apply to pricing and valuing investments held in these portfolios. We also have a Pricing Group, which reports to the Valuation Committee and is responsible for overseeing the pricing process for all investments. We record as revenue investment advisory and services base fees, which we generally calculate as a percentage of AUM. At month-end, all the components of the transaction price ( i.e., the base fee calculation) are no longer variable and the value of the consideration is determined. These fees are not subject to claw back and there is minimal probability that a significant reversal of the revenue recorded will occur. The transaction price for the asset management performance obligation for certain investment advisory contracts, including those associated with hedge funds and other alternative investments, provide for a performance-based fee (including carried interest), in addition to a base advisory fee, which is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. The performance-based fees are forms of variable consideration and are therefore excluded from the transaction price until it becomes probable that there will not be significant reversal of the cumulative revenue recognized. At each reporting date, we evaluate the constraining factors, discussed below , surrounding the variable consideration to determine the extent to which, if any, revenues associated with the performance-based fee can be recognized. Constraining factors impacting the amount of variable consideration included in the transaction price include: the contractual claw-back provisions to which the variable consideration is subject, the length of time to which the uncertainty of the consideration is subject, the number and range of possible consideration amounts, the probability of significant fluctuations in the AUM market value and the level at which the AUM value exceeds the contractual threshold required to earn such a fee. Bernstein Research Services Bernstein Research Services revenue consists principally of commissions received, and to a lesser but increasing extent, direct payments for trade execution services and equity research services provided to institutional clients. Brokerage commissions for trade execution services and related expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis when the performance obligations are satisfied. Generally, the transaction price is agreed upon at the time of each trade and is based upon the number of shares traded or the value of the consideration traded. The transaction price for research revenues is not fixed and is at the customer's discretion. In many cases there is no contract between AB and the customer for research services, so there is no performance obligation present that requires AB to provide the research or for the customer to compensate AB for the research consumed. The customer has the unilateral right to determine the amount it will pay and whether it will continue to receive research. Research revenues are recognized when the transaction price is quantified, collectability is assured and significant reversal of such revenue is not probable. Effective April 1, 2024, AB deconsolidated the Bernstein Research Services business (" BRS "). For further discussion, see Note 24 Divestiture to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Distribution Revenues Two of our subsidiaries act as distributors and/or placement agents of company-sponsored mutual funds and receive distribution services fees from certain of those funds as full or partial reimbursement of the distribution expenses they incur. The variable consideration can be determined in different ways, as discussed below , as we satisfy the performance obligation depending on the contractual arrangements with the customer and the specific product sold. Most open-end U.S. funds have adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act that allows the fund to pay, out of assets of the fund, distribution and service fees for the distribution and sale of its shares (“ 12b-1 fees ”). The open-end U.S. funds have such agreements with us, and we have selling and distribution agreements pursuant to which we pay sales commissions to the financial intermediaries that distribute our open-end U.S. funds. These agreements are terminable by either party upon notice (generally 30 days) and do not obligate the financial intermediary to sell any specific amount of fund shares. We record 12b-1 fees monthly based upon a percentage of the net asset value (“ NAV ”) of the funds. At month-end, the variable consideration of the transaction price is no longer constrained as the NAV can be calculated and the value of consideration is determined. These services are separate and distinct from other asset management services as the customer can benefit from these services independently of other services. We accrue the corresponding 12b-1 fees paid to sub-distributors monthly as the expenses are incurred. We are acting in a principal capacity in these transactions; as such, these revenues and expenses are recorded on a gross basis. We offer back-end load shares in limited instances and charge the investor a contingent deferred sales charge (“ CDSC ”) if the investment is redeemed within a certain period. The variable consideration for these contracts is contingent on the timing of the redemption by the investor and the value of the sale proceeds. Due to these constraining factors, we exclude the CDSC fee from the transaction price until the investor redeems the investment. Upon redemption, the cash consideration received for these contractual arrangements are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions. Our Luxembourg subsidiary, the management company for most of our non-U.S. funds, earns a management fee that is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate, based on the average daily net assets of the fund. With respect to certain share classes, the management fee may also contain a component that is paid to distributors and other financial intermediaries and service providers to cover shareholder servicing and other administrative expenses (also referred to as an All-in-management-fee). As we have concluded that asset management is distinct from distribution, we allocate a portion of the investment and advisory fee to distribution revenues for the servicing component based on standalone selling prices. Other Revenues Revenues from contracts with customers include a portion of other revenues, which consists primarily of shareholder servicing fees, as well as mutual fund reimbursements and other brokerage income. We provide shareholder services, which include transfer agency, administrative and recordkeeping services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds. The consideration for these services is based on a percentage of the NAV of the fund or a fixed fee based on the number of shareholder accounts being serviced. The revenues are recorded at month-end when the constraining factors involved with determining NAV or the number of shareholders’ accounts are resolved. Contract Assets and Liabilities We use the practical expedient for contracts that have an original duration of one year or less. Accordingly, we do not consider the time value of money and, instead, accrue the incremental costs of obtaining the contract when incurred. As of December 31, 2024, the balances of contract assets and contract liabilities are not considered material and, accordingly, no further disclosures are necessary. |
| Non-Contractual Revenues, Dividends | Non-Contractual Revenues Dividend and interest income is accrued as earned. Investment gains and losses on the consolidated statements of income include unrealized gains and losses of trading and private equity investments stated at fair value, equity in earnings of our limited partnership hedge fund investments, realized gains and losses on investments sold and equity income (loss) related our equity investment in JVs. |
| Non-Contractual Revenues, Interest | Non-Contractual Revenues Dividend and interest income is accrued as earned. Investment gains and losses on the consolidated statements of income include unrealized gains and losses of trading and private equity investments stated at fair value, equity in earnings of our limited partnership hedge fund investments, realized gains and losses on investments sold and equity income (loss) related our equity investment in JVs. |
| Consolidation of Company-Sponsored Investment Funds | Consolidation of Company-Sponsored Investment Funds 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 purposes of determining whether AB has an equity interest in an entity, the related parties referred to above are those entities under common control that AB has a direct variable interest in and considered a consolidated entity. Our parent company, EQH, regularly invests in our seed program. In this circumstance, EQH is not considered a related party for our consolidation analysis because AB does not have a direct variable interest in EQH. 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 amount of fees is 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. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Effective April 1, 2024, AB and Societe Generale (" SocGen ") completed their previously announced transaction to form a global joint venture with two joint venture holding companies, one outside of North America and one within North America (" NA JV ", and together the " JVs "). AB owns a majority interest in the NA JV while SocGen owns a majority interest in the joint venture outside of North America. On April 1, 2024, we deconsolidated our BRS business and contributed the BRS business to the JVs. We recognize our initial investment in our unconsolidated joint ventures at fair value. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities of the joint ventures requires us to make estimates, consider assumptions and use valuation techniques when a market value is not readily determinable. The valuation methodology used for our initial investment in the joint ventures is known as a dividend discount model whereby a forecast of net income attributable to each of the JVs was discounted using an estimated cost of capital to determine the present value of expected future dividends. The joint venture dividend discount model includes significant assumptions such as expected future distributable earnings, discount rate and a long term growth rate. We recorded an initial investment in the JVs at fair value as of April 1, 2024 of $283.9 million. We have recorded our subsequent investment in each of the JVs under the equity method of accounting under ASC 323 Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures, as we retained the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the JVs but did not retain a controlling interest. Our investments in companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the equity method and are recorded at cost plus our share of earnings and losses. As of December 31, 2024, we owned 66.7% of the NA JV and 49.0% of the joint venture outside of North America and our combined carrying value in the two investments was 286.7 million. Our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are reviewed for indicators of impairment when events or circumstances change indicating that a decline in the fair values below the carrying amounts has occurred and such decline is other-than-temporary. An extended series of net operating losses of an investee, inability to operate without significant future capital infusions, or other factors may indicate that a loss in the value of our investment in the unconsolidated joint venture may have occurred. If a loss exists, we further review to determine if the loss is other than temporary, in which case we will record an impairment charge in the amount of the excess carrying value over the estimated fair value. As we do not have a controlling financial interest in the JVs, the fair value of the JVs would be determined at the joint venture level using a dividend discount model which is subjective and considers assumptions regarding future performance, as discussed above, |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
| Fees Receivable, Net | Fees Receivable, Net Fees receivable are shown net of allowances. An allowance for doubtful accounts related to investment advisory and services fees is determined through an analysis of the aging of receivables, assessments of collectability based on historical trends and other qualitative and quantitative factors, including our relationship with the client, the financial health (or ability to pay) of the client, current economic conditions and whether the account is active or closed. The allowance for doubtful accounts is not material to fees receivable. |
| Brokerage Transactions | Brokerage Transactions Customers’ securities transactions are recorded on a settlement date basis, with related commission income and expenses reported on a trade date basis. Receivables from and payables to clients include amounts due on cash and margin transactions. Securities owned by customers are held as collateral for receivables; such collateral is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. We have the ability by contract or custom to sell or re-pledge this collateral and have done so at various times. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had zero and $122.4 million of re-pledged securities, respectively. Principal securities transactions and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. Securities borrowed and securities loaned by our broker-dealer subsidiaries are recorded at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received in connection with the transaction and are included in receivables from and payables to brokers and dealers in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Securities borrowed transactions require us to deposit cash collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, we receive cash collateral from the borrower. See Note 8 Offsetting Assets and Liabilities for securities borrowed and loaned amounts recorded in our consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The initial collateral advanced or received approximates or is greater than the fair value of securities borrowed or loaned. We monitor the fair value of the securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis and request additional collateral or return excess collateral, as appropriate. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there is no allowance provision required for the collateral advanced. Income or expense is recognized over the life of the transaction. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $29.1 million and $10.2 million, respectively, of cash on deposit with clearing organization for trade facilitation purposes, which are reported in other assets in our consolidated statements of financial condition. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we held no U.S. Treasury bills pledged as collateral. These clearing organizations have the ability by contract or custom to sell or re-pledge the collateral, if any. |
| Current Expected Credit Losses- Receivables from Brokerage clients and Receivables from Revenue Contracts with Customers | Current Expected Credit Losses- Receivables from Brokerage clients Receivables from clients primarily consists of margin loan balances. The value of the securities owned by clients and held as collateral for these receivables is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements and the collateral was not repledged as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. We consider these financing receivables to be of good credit quality because these receivables are primarily collateralized by the related client investments. To estimate expected credit losses on margin loans, we applied the collateral maintenance practical expedient by comparing the amortized cost basis of the margin loans with the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date. Margin loans are limited to a percentage of the total value of the securities held in the client's account against those loans. AB requires, in the event of a decline in the market value of the securities in a margin account, the client to deposit additional securities or cash so that, at all times, the value of the securities in the account, at a minimum, cover the loan to the client. As such, AB reasonably expects that the borrower will be able to continually replenish collateral securing the financial asset and does not expect the fair value of collateral to fall below the amortized cost basis of the margin loans and, as a result, we consider the credit risk associated with these receivables to be minimal. In circumstances when a loan becomes undercollateralized and the client fails to deposit additional securities or cash, AB reserves the right to liquidate the account. Current Expected Credit Losses - Receivables from Revenue Contracts with Customers The majority of our revenue receivables are from investment advisory and service fees, and distribution revenues, that are typically paid out of the client accounts or third-party products consisting of cash and securities. Due to the size of the fees in relation to the value of the cash and securities in accounts or funds, the account value always exceeds the amortized cost basis of the receivables, resulting in a remote risk of loss. These receivables have a short duration, generally due within 30-90 days and there is minimal historical evidence of non-payment or market declines that would cause the fair value of the underlying securities to decline below the amortized cost of the receivables. AB maintains an allowance for credit losses based upon an estimate of the amount of potential credit losses in existing accounts receivable, as determined from a review of aging schedules, past due balances, historical collection experience and other specific account data. Once determined uncollectible, aged balances are written off as credit loss expense. This determination is based on careful analysis of individual receivables and aging schedules, and generally occurs when the receivable becomes over 360 days past due. Our aged receivables and amounts written off related to credit losses in any year are not material. |
| Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net | Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of eight years for furniture and three |
| Goodwill | Goodwill Our acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting under ASC 805 Business Combinations , where the cost of the acquisition is allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed, results in the recognition of goodwill. As of December 31, 2024, we had goodwill of $3.6 billion on the consolidated statement of financial condition which included $666.1 million as a result of the CarVal L.P. Investors (" CarVal") acquisition in 2022 (" CarVal acquisition" ), $2.6 billion as a result of the Sanford C. Bernstein Inc. (“ Bernstein ”) acquisition in 2000 and $291.9 million in regard to various smaller acquisitions. As a result of the BRS deconsolidation, approximately $159.8 million of goodwill, which was previously reclassified to held for sale assets, has been contributed to the JVs. Goodwill is tested annually, as of September 30, for impairment utilizing the market approach where the fair value of the reporting unit is based on its unadjusted market valuation (AB Units outstanding multiplied by AB Holding's Unit price) and adjusted market valuations assuming a control premium (when applicable). A goodwill impairment would be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The goodwill impairment test does not include a determination by management of whether a decline in fair value is temporary and it is important that management's determination of fair value reflect the impact of changing market conditions, including the severity and anticipated duration of any such changes. |
| Business Combinations | Business Combinations We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting under ASC 805 Business Combinations , whereby the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business, as well as any non-controlling interest in the acquired business, are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date that we obtain control of the acquired business. Any purchase consideration in excess of the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses are expensed as incurred. Often, as part of the business combination, intangible assets are recorded based on their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition and primarily relate to acquired investment management contracts. We periodically review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, we perform additional impairment tests to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, these expenses included an intangible asset impairment charge of $4.4 million, zero, and $5.6 million , respectively, related to various historical acquisitions. We periodically enter into contingent payment arrangements in connection with our business combinations. In these arrangements, we agree to pay additional consideration to the sellers to the extent that certain performance targets are achieved. We estimate the fair value of these potential future obligations at the time a business combination is consummated and record a liability on a discounted basis on our consolidated statement of financial condition. We then accrete the obligation to its expected payment amount over the measurement period. If our expected payment amount subsequently changes, the obligation is modified in the current period resulting in a gain or loss. Both gains and losses resulting from changes to expected payments and the accretion of these obligations to their expected payment amounts are reflected within contingent payment arrangements in our consolidated statements of income. During 2022, we acquired CarVal Investors which included a contingent consideration liability ranging from zero to $650.0 million and is based on CarVal achieving certain performance objectives over a six-year period ending December 31, 2027. During 2024, we remeasured the contingent liability and recorded a gain reflected within contingent payment arrangements in the consolidated statements of income of $128.5 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration was remeasured using forecasted future cash flows using the Real Options valuation methodology. The most significant assumptions used to remeasure the liability were expected revenue growth rates and discount rates. In December 2024, the company agreed to finalize its contingent consideration liability with AB CarVal for a value of $134.0 million. This liability will be paid predominantly in AB Units issued within 10 days of December 31, 2027. Given the liability is no longer contingent, the liability of approximately $118.8 million is now recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated statements of financial condition. We will accrete the present value of the liability of $118.8 million up to $134.0 million through December 31, 2027 and recognize this expense as general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income on a prospective basis. As of December 31, 2023, the contingent consideration payable associated with the CarVal acquisition was $238.5 million. In addition, during 2024, we recorded an impairment of $2.5 million of the contingent consideration payable associated with a small acquisition made in 2020 due to the loss of investment management contracts. During 2023, we recorded an expense of $28.4 million due to a change in estimate related to the contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Autonomous LLC in 2019. The change in estimate was based upon better than expected revenues during the 2023 performance evaluation period. We recorded $14.1 million as contingent payment arrangement expense and $14.3 million as compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statement of income. The charges to compensation and benefits expense are due to certain service conditions and special awards included in the acquisition agreement. During 2023 and 2022, there were no impairments of contingent consideration payable recorded in the consolidated statements of income. |
| Intangible Assets, Net | Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets consist primarily of costs assigned to acquired investment management contracts based on their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition, less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are recognized at fair value and generally are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life ranging from 5 to 20 years. As of December 31, 2024, intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, of $215.1 million on the consolidated statement of financial condition consists of $199.8 million of finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization and $15.3 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization. As of December 31, 2023, intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, of $264.6 million on the consolidated statement of financial condition consisted of $249.4 million of finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization and $15.2 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization in regard to other acquisitions. The gross carrying amount of finite-lived intangible assets totaled $320.8 million as of December 31, 2024 and $328.4 million as of December 31, 2023, and accumulated amortization was $121.0 million as of December 31, 2024 and $79.0 million as of December 31, 2023. Amortization expense was $45.9 million for 2024, $46.9 million for 2023 and $26.6 million for 2022. Estimated future annual amortization expense is approximately $45 million annually in year one and two and $24 million in years three through five. We review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This test is performed at least annually or as triggering events occur. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, we perform an impairment assessment to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. During 2024, we performed an impairment assessment of our intangible assets. The impairment assessment indicated an impairment of intangible assets associated with various smaller historical acquisitions that were other than temporary. Due to the loss of certain investment management contracts, the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible assets exceeded the fair value of the contracts. As such, we recorded an impairment charge of $4.4 million in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The remaining impairment assessments indicated that our intangible assets were not impaired. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the impairment assessment indicated that our intangible assets were not impaired. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we recorded an impairment of $5.6 million related to our 2014 acquisition of CPH Capital. Due to the loss of acquired investment management contracts during the year, the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible assets exceeded the fair value of the contract. We determined the fair value of the contract using a discounted cash flow model. The impairment charge was recorded in general and administrative expenses |
| Deferred Sales Commissions, Net | Deferred Sales Commissions, Net We pay commissions to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of shares of open-end company-sponsored mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge (“ back-end load shares ”). These commissions are capitalized as deferred sales commissions and amortized over periods not exceeding one year for U.S. fund shares and four years for Non-U.S. Fund shares, the periods of time during which deferred sales commissions generally are recovered. We recover these commissions from distribution services fees received from those funds and from CDSC received from shareholders of those funds upon the redemption of their shares. CDSC cash recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions when received. Since January 31, 2009, our U.S. mutual funds have not offered back-end load shares to new investors. |
| Leases | Leases We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Both operating and finance leases are included in the right-of-use ( “ROU” ) assets and lease liabilities in our consolidated statement of financial condition. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We use our consolidated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available as of the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. These options to extend or terminate are assessed on a lease-by-lease basis, and the ROU assets and lease liabilities are adjusted when it is reasonably certain that an option will be exercised. When calculating the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities, we utilize the fixed payments associated with the lease and do not include other variable contractual obligations, such as operating expenses, real estate taxes, cleaning and utilities. These costs are accounted for as period costs and expensed as incurred. Additionally, we exclude any intangible assets such as software licensing agreements as stated in ASC 842-10-15-1. These arrangements will continue to follow the guidance of ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other |
| Loss Contingencies | Loss Contingencies 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. Any such accruals are adjusted thereafter as appropriate to reflect changed circumstances. When we are able to do so, we also determine estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses for such matters, whether in excess of any related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, and we disclose an estimate of the possible loss or range of losses. 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 particularly 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. |
| Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale | Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale The Company classifies assets and liabilities to be sold (disposal group) as held for sale in the period when all of the applicable criteria are met, including: (i) management commits to a plan to sell, (ii) the disposal group is available to sell in its present condition, (iii) there is an active program to locate a buyer, (iv) the disposal group is being actively marketed at a reasonable price in relation to its fair value, (v) significant changes to the plan to sell are unlikely, and (vi) the sale of the disposal group is generally probable of being completed within one year. Management performs an assessment of held for sale at least quarterly or when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that a change in classification may be necessary. Assets and liabilities held for sale are presented separately within the consolidated statements of financial condition with any adjustments necessary to measure the disposal group at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible and right-of-use assets are not recorded while these assets are classified as held for sale. For each reporting period the disposal group remains classified as held for sale, the carrying value of the disposal group is adjusted for subsequent changes in fair value less costs to sell. A loss is recognized for any subsequent decrease in fair value less costs to sell, while a gain is recognized in any subsequent period for any subsequent increase in fair value less cost to sell, but not in excess of the cumulative loss previously recognized. If, in any period, the carrying value of the disposal group exceeds the estimated fair value less costs to sell, a loss is recognized on sale rather than an impairment loss. Effective April 1, 2024, AB and SocGen completed their previously announced transaction to form a global joint venture with two joint venture holding companies. We have deconsolidated our BRS business and contributed the assets and liabilities previously held for sale of the BRS business to the JVs. |
| Mutual Fund Underwriting Activities | Mutual Fund Underwriting Activities Purchases and sales of shares of company-sponsored mutual funds in connection with the underwriting activities of our subsidiaries, including related commission income, are recorded on the trade date. Receivables from brokers and dealers for sale of shares of company-sponsored mutual funds generally are realized within three |
| 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 "). Awards granted in December 2024, 2023 and 2022 allowed employees to allocate their awards between restricted units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“ AB Holding Units ”) and deferred cash. Participants (except certain members of senior management) generally could allocate up to 50% of their awards to deferred cash, not to exceed a total of $250,000 per award. Each of our employees based outside of the United States (other than expatriates), who received an award of $100,000 or less, could have allocated 100% of their award to deferred cash. Starting in December 2024, each of our employees based outside the United States (other than expatriates) generally could allocate up to 50% of their awards to deferred cash, not to exceed a total of $500,000, or 100% of their award to deferred cash for those who received an award of $500,000 or less. The number of AB Holding Units awarded was based on the closing price of an AB Holding Unit as of the eighth business day of December as determined by the Compensation and Workplace Practices Committee (the " Compensation Committee ") of the Board of Directors (the " Board "). For awards granted in 2024, 2023 and 2022: • We engaged in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units or purchase newly issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding that are awarded to participants and keep them in a consolidated rabbi trust. • Quarterly distributions on vested and unvested AB Holding Units were paid to participants, regardless of whether or not a long-term deferral election had been made. • Interest on deferred cash was accrued monthly based on our monthly weighted average cost of funds. We recognize compensation expense related to equity compensation grants in the financial statements using the fair value method. Fair value of restricted AB Holding Unit awards is the closing price of an AB Holding Unit on the grant date; fair value of options is determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Under the fair value method, compensatory expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized over the required service period. For year-end long-term incentive compensation awards, employees who resign or are terminated without cause may retain their awards, provided the employee remains in compliance with certain agreements and covenants set forth in the applicable award agreement, including the imposition of forfeiture as a result of post-employment competition, prohibitions on employee and client solicitation, and a potential claw-back for failing to follow existing risk management policies. Because there is no service requirement, we fully expense these awards on the grant date. Most equity replacement or similar deferred compensation awards included in separate employment agreements or arrangements include a required service period. Regardless of whether the award agreement includes employee service requirements, AB Holding Units are typically delivered to employees ratably over three Grants of restricted AB Holding Units can be awarded to Eligible Directors. Generally, these restricted AB Holding Units vest ratably over three years. These restricted AB Holding Units are not forfeitable (except if the Eligible Director is terminated for “Cause,” as that term is defined in the applicable award agreement). We fully expense these awards on grant date, as there is no service requirement. We hedge 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 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 ”), 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. Repurchases of AB Holding Units for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31 2024 2023 (in millions) Total amount of AB Holding Units Purchased (1) 4.5 4.7 Total Cash Paid for AB Holding Units Purchased (1) $ 156.2 $ 144.4 Open Market Purchases of AB Holding Units Purchased (1) 1.8 2.0 Total Cash Paid for Open Market Purchases of AB Holding Units (1) $ 60.1 $ 62.6 (1) Purchased on a trade date basis. The difference between open-market purchases and units retained reflects the retention of AB Holding Units from employees to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of delivery of long-term incentive compensation awards. Each quarter, we consider whether to implement a plan to repurchase AB Holding Units pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“ Exchange Act ”). A plan of this type 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 to repurchase AB Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms and limitations specified in 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. There was no plan adopted during the fourth quarter of 2024. We may adopt additional 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. |
| Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions | Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated from functional currencies into United States dollars (“ US$ |
| 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, that one or more adjustments that are made for adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. |
| Comprehensive Income | Comprehensive Income |
| Reclassification | Reclassification During 2024, amounts previously presented on the consolidated statement of cash flow as "other assets and liabilities of company-sponsored investment funds, net" are now presented as "other assets of company- sponsored investment funds" and "other liabilities of company-sponsored investment funds". Prior period amounts previously presented as such have been reclassified to conform to the current periods presentation. During 2024, amounts previously presented on the consolidated statement of financial condition as "long-term incentive compensation-related" investments are now presented as "other" investments. Prior period amounts previously presented as such have been reclassified to conform to the current periods presentation. |
| Subsequent Events | Subsequent Events We evaluate subsequent events through the date that these financial statements are filed with the SEC and did not identify any subsequent events that would require disclosure in these financial statements. |
