Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 54,000	$ 61,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	7,000	11,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	27,000	39,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	2,826	1,795
Mississippi Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	5,136	1,482
Southern Power [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 12,112	$ 7,704