Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 17,000	$ 21,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	3,000	2,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	3,000	6,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	601	493
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	16,001	5,965
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	11,141	6,565
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 0	$ 6,556