Introduction (Tables) (Alabama Power [Member])

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Alabama Power [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Estimated Cost Of Decommissioning [Table Text Block]

The estimated costs of decommissioning based on the 2013 site study are as follows:

Decommissioning periods:
Beginning year	2037
Completion year	2076

	(in millions)
Site study costs:
Radiated structures	$	1,362
Non-radiated structures	80
Total site study costs	$	1,442

Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block]

As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, details of the ARO related to the decommissioning of Plant Farley included in Southern Company's and Alabama Power's Condensed Balance Sheets herein are as follows:

	2013		2012
	(in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	589	$	553
Liabilities incurred	—		—
Liabilities settled	—		(1		)
Accretion	29		28
Cash flow revisions	102		—
Balance at end of period	$	720	$	580