Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 35,000	$ 40,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	5,000	8,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	17,000	26,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	1,856	1,228
Mississippi Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	2,572	167
Southern Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 8,855	$ 4,370