Retirement Benefits - Actuarial Assumptions 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Effect of one percent annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost on APBO and the service and interest cost components
1 Percent increase on benefit obligation	$ 103,000
1 Percent decrease on benefit obligation	(88,000)
1 Percent increase on service and interest costs	5,000
1 Percent decrease on service and interest costs	(4,000)
Alabama Power [Member]
Effect of one percent annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost on APBO and the service and interest cost components
1 Percent increase on benefit obligation	26,000
1 Percent decrease on benefit obligation	(22,000)
1 Percent increase on service and interest costs	1,000
1 Percent decrease on service and interest costs	(1,000)
Georgia Power [Member]
Effect of one percent annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost on APBO and the service and interest cost components
1 Percent increase on benefit obligation	51,000
1 Percent decrease on benefit obligation	(43,000)
1 Percent increase on service and interest costs	2,000
1 Percent decrease on service and interest costs	(2,000)
Gulf Power [Member]
Effect of one percent annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost on APBO and the service and interest cost components
1 Percent increase on benefit obligation	2,884
1 Percent decrease on benefit obligation	(2,479)
1 Percent increase on service and interest costs	138
1 Percent decrease on service and interest costs	(119)
Mississippi Power [Member]
Effect of one percent annual increase or decrease in the assumed medical care cost on APBO and the service and interest cost components
1 Percent increase on benefit obligation	4,665
1 Percent decrease on benefit obligation	(4,004)
1 Percent increase on service and interest costs	224
1 Percent decrease on service and interest costs	$ (192)