Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 78,000	$ 86,000	$ 84,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	9,000	14,000	33,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	37,000	54,000	40,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	3,951	2,875	9,489
Mississippi Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	10,065	2,903	117
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 18,001	$ 12,110	$ 1,624