Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 83,000	$ 78,000	$ 86,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	7,000	9,000	14,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	21,000	37,000	54,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	2,500	3,951	2,875
Mississippi Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	32,816	10,065	2,903
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 19,092	$ 18,001	$ 12,110