Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 37,000	$ 41,000
Alabama Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	6,000	3,000
Georgia Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	6,000	11,000
Gulf Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	1,408	1,185
Mississippi Power [Member]
Interest paid	37,036	29,433
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	23,613	12,476
Southern Power [Member]
Net cash paid for capitalized interest	$ 0	$ 12,941