Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common stock, par value per share	$ 5	$ 5
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	869,000,000	866,000,000
Treasury shares at cost	500,000	500,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Common stock, par value per share	$ 40	$ 40
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,537,500	30,537,500
Georgia Power [Member]
Common stock, no par value
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,261,500	9,261,500
Gulf Power [Member]
Common stock, no par value
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	4,542,717	4,142,717
Mississippi Power [Member]
Common stock, no par value
Common stock, shares authorized	1,130,000	1,130,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,121,000	1,121,000
Southern Power [Member]
Amortization expense on other intangible assets	$ 1,671	$ 1,476
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000