Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SOUTHERN CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000092122
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 27.6
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	857,652,680