Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 41,000	$ 35,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	3,000	5,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	11,000	17,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	1,185	1,856
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	29,433	12,050
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	12,476	2,572
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 12,941	$ 8,855