Derivatives - Schedule of Foreign Currency Derivatives (Details) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2023 - Foreign currency derivatives € in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Notional	$ 2,040
Receive Notional | €		€ 1,750
Fair Value Gain (Loss)	(192)
Cash Flow Hedges of Forecasted Debt | SOUTHERN POWER CO
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Notional	$ 564
Pay Rate	3.78%
Receive Notional | €		500
Receive Rate	1.85%
Fair Value Gain (Loss)	$ (42)
Fair Value Hedges of Existing Debt | Southern Company parent
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Notional	$ 1,476
Pay Rate	3.39%
Receive Notional | €		€ 1,250
Receive Rate	1.88%
Fair Value Gain (Loss)	$ (150)