Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 21,000	$ 17,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	2,000	2,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	6,000	9,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	493	851
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	5,965	7,129
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	6,565	994
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 6,556	$ 4,240