Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	$ 26,155	$ 24,919	$ 24,568
Additions Charged to Income	35,305	66,641	62,137
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	44,476	65,405	61,786
Balance at End of Period	16,984	26,155	24,919
Mississippi Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	547	638	940
Additions Charged to Income	628	1,235	1,519
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	802	1,326	1,821
Balance at End of Period	373	547	638
Georgia Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	13,038	11,098	9,856
Additions Charged to Income	20,995	45,267	37,004
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	27,774	43,327	35,762
Balance at End of Period	6,259	13,038	11,098
Alabama Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	9,856	9,602	9,551
Additions Charged to Income	10,537	16,415	18,271
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	11,943	16,161	18,220
Balance at End of Period	8,450	9,856	9,602
Gulf Power [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of period	1,962	2,014	1,913
Additions Charged to Income	2,611	3,332	3,907
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	3,083	3,384	3,806
Balance at End of Period	$ 1,490	$ 1,962	$ 2,014